Quarterlytics / Consumer Cyclical / Home Improvement / LL Flooring

LL Flooring

ll · NYSE Consumer Cyclical
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Ticker ll
Exchange NYSE
Sector Consumer Cyclical
Industry Home Improvement
Employees 501-1000
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FY2019 Annual Report · LL Flooring
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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 31, 2019 

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 - 33767 

Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc. 
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter) 

Delaware 
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 

4901 Bakers Mill Lane, Richmond, Virginia 
(Address of principal executive offices) 

27 - 1310817 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 

23230 
(Zip Code) 

(804) 463 - 2000 
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: 

Title of each class 
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share 

Name of each exchange on which registered 
New York Stock Exchange 

Trading Symbol:  LL 

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    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    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  

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  

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 definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the 
Exchange Act. (Check one): 

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 is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b  - 2 of the Act).  Yes    No  

As of June 28, 2019, the last business day of the registrant’s most recent second quarter, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by 

non-affiliates of the registrant was $325.1 million based on the closing sale price as reported on the New York Stock Exchange. 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock as of February 20, 2020: 

Title of Class 
Common Stock, $0.001 par value 

Number of Shares 
28,724,931 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 

Part III incorporates certain information by reference from the registrant’s proxy statement for the 2020 annual meeting of stockholders, which will be filed no later than 
120 days after the close of the registrant’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2019. 

LUMBER LIQUIDATORS HOLDINGS, INC. 
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10 - K 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements  

PART I 

Item 1.  Business 
Item 1A.  Risk Factors 
Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments  
Item 2.  Properties 
Item 3.  Legal Proceedings 
Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures 

PART II 

Item 5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of 

Equity Securities 

Item 6.  Selected Financial Data 
Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 
Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 
Item 8.  Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 
Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 
Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures 
Item 9B.  Other Information 

PART III 

Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 
Item 11.  Executive Compensation 
Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder 

Matters 

Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 
Item 14.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services 

PART IV 

Item 15.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules 
Item 16.  Form 10 - K Summary 
Signatures 

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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT 

This report includes statements of the Company’s expectations, intentions, plans and beliefs that constitute 

“forward-looking statements” within the meanings of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These 
statements, which may be identified by words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” 
“anticipates,” “believes,” “thinks,” “estimates,” “seeks,” “predicts,” “could,” “projects,” “potential” and other similar 
terms and phrases, are based on the beliefs of the Company’s management, as well as assumptions made by, and 
information currently available to, the Company’s management as of the date of such statements. These statements are 
subject to risks and uncertainties, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the Company’s 
control. These risks include, without limitation, the impact of any of the following: 

• 
• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 

obligations related to and impacts of new laws and regulations, including pertaining to tariffs and exemptions; 
the outcomes of legal proceedings, and the related impact on liquidity; 
reputational harm; 
obtaining products from abroad, including the effects of a pandemic, including Coronavirus and tariffs, as well 
as the effects of antidumping and countervailing duties; 
obligations under various settlement agreements and other compliance matters; 
disruptions due to cybersecurity threats, including any impacts from a network security incident; 
inability to open new stores, find suitable locations for our new store concept, and fund other capital 
expenditures; 
inability to execute on our key initiatives or such key initiatives do not yield desired results; 

• 
•  managing growth; 
• 
• 
• 

transportation costs; 
damage to our assets; 
disruption in our ability to distribute our products, including due to disruptions from the impacts of severe 
weather; 
operating stores in Canada and an office in China; 

• 
•  managing third-party installers and product delivery companies; 
• 
• 
• 

renewing store, warehouse, or other corporate leases; 
having sufficient suppliers; 
our, and our suppliers’, compliance with complex and evolving rules, regulations, and laws at the federal, state, 
and local level; 
disruption in our ability to obtain products from our suppliers; 
product liability claims; 
availability of suitable hardwood, including due to disruptions from the impacts of severe weather; 
changes in economic conditions, both domestic and abroad; 
sufficient insurance coverage, including cybersecurity insurance; 
access to and costs of capital; 
the handling of confidential customer information, including the impacts from the California Consumer Privacy 
Act; 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

alternative e-commerce offerings; 
our advertising and overall marketing strategy; 
anticipating consumer trends; 
competition; 
impact of changes in accounting guidance, including implementation guidelines and interpretations; 

•  management information systems disruptions; 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•  maintenance of valuation allowances on deferred tax assets and the impacts thereof; 
• 
• 
• 

internal controls; 
stock price volatility; and 
anti-takeover provisions. 

3 

 
The Company specifically disclaims any obligation to update these statements, which speak only as of the dates 

on which such statements are made, except as may be required under the federal securities laws. These risks and other 
factors include those listed in this Item 1A. “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this report. 

References to “we,” “our,” “us,” “the Company” and “Lumber Liquidators” generally refers to Lumber 

Liquidators Holdings, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries collectively and, where applicable, individually. 

PART I 

Item 1. Business. 

Overview 

Lumber Liquidators is one of the leading specialty retailers of hard-surface flooring in North America.  We feature more 
than 400 varieties of floors including waterproof vinyl plank, solid and engineered hardwood, laminate, bamboo, 
porcelain tile and cork flooring.  Additionally, we provide a wide selection of flooring enhancements and accessories to 
complement, install and maintain new floors.  Every location is staffed with flooring experts who can provide advice, 
pro services and installation options for all of Lumber Liquidators' products, much of which is in stock and ready for 
delivery. We offer delivery and in-home installation services through third-party independent contractors for customers 
who purchase our floors. We sell primarily to homeowners or to contractors on behalf of homeowners, as well as to 
commercial (“Pro”) customers through a network of store locations and online. We operate as a single business segment, 
with our customer relationship center, website and customer service network supporting our retail store and online 
operations. 

We believe we have achieved a reputation for offering great value, superior service and a broad selection of 

high-quality, hard-surface flooring products. With a balance of selection, quality, availability, service and price, we 
believe our value is the most complete within a highly fragmented hard-surface flooring market. The foundation for our 
value is strengthened by the industry expertise of our people, our singular focus on hard-surface flooring, and our 
advertising reach and frequency. 

Lumber Liquidators is a Delaware corporation with its headquarters in Richmond, Virginia. We were founded 

in 1994 and our initial public offering was in November 2007. Our common stock trades on the New York Stock 
Exchange under the symbol “LL.” We operate in a holding company structure with Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc. 
serving as our parent company and certain direct and indirect subsidiaries, including Lumber Liquidators, Inc., Lumber 
Liquidators Services, LLC, Lumber Liquidators Production, LLC, and Lumber Liquidators Canada, ULC, conducting 
our operations. 

Our Business 

Market 

According to the July 2019 Issue of Floor Covering Weekly, United States installed floor covering product sales 

in 2018 were $42 billion, not including labor. Within this market, United States hardwood, laminate and vinyl flooring 
sales accounted for 39% of the total. Flooring sales are driven by a number of factors including discretionary income and 
the housing market. Including installation, the overall flooring industry has grown at a compound annual growth rate of 
3.7% from 2014 through 2018. Over the same period, hardwood, laminate and vinyl flooring sales, including the cost of 
installation grew at a compound annual growth rate of 6%. We believe improvements in the quality and construction of 
certain products, increasing resiliency and water-tolerance of products, ease of installation, availability in a broad range 
of retail price points, and movement away from soft surfaces will drive continued hard-surface flooring share gain versus 
soft surface flooring in the future. 

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Competition 

We compete for customers in a highly fragmented marketplace, where we believe no one retailer has captured 

more than a 21% share of the consumer market for flooring (including carpet). Although the market includes the national 
home improvement warehouse chains, national specialty retailers, warehouse clubs and online retailers, we believe 
nearly half of the industry consists of local one-store flooring retailers, small chains of stores that may specialize in one 
or two flooring categories, and a limited number of regional chains. 

Customers 

We target several distinct customer groups who each have varied needs with respect to their flooring purchases, 
including do-it-yourself (“DIY”) customers, do-it-for-me (“DIFM”) customers, and Pro customers. We believe that each 
of the customer groups we serve is passionate about their flooring purchase and value our wide assortment of flooring 
products, availability, and the quality of those products. While our offering to each of these groups begins with the same 
broad assortment and knowledgeable store associates, each of these customer groups requires unique service components 
based on the ability of our associates to share detailed product knowledge and preferred installation methods. We offer 
DIFM customers installation services, while our DIY and Pro customers receive more personal attention when 
completing their purchase, including dedicated call center resources. All customer groups are offered delivery services. 

Products and Services 

Product Selection 

We offer an extensive assortment of hard-surface flooring under more than 15 proprietary brand names, led by 

our flagship, Bellawood®. We have invested significant resources developing these national brand names. Our hard-
surface flooring products are available in various widths and lengths and are generally differentiated in terms of quality 
and price based on wood versus manufactured materials, the species, wood grade and durability of finish. Prefinished 
floors are the dominant choice for residential customers over unfinished wood planks that have a finish applied after 
installation. We also offer an assortment of flooring enhancements, installation services and accessories, including 
moldings, underlayments, adhesives and tools. 

Direct Sourcing 

We source directly from mills and other vendors which enables us to offer a broad assortment of high-quality 

proprietary products to our customers at a consistently competitive cost. We seek to establish strong, long-term 
relationships with our vendors around the world. In doing so, we look for vendors that have demonstrated an ability to 
meet our demanding specifications, our rigorous compliance standards and the capability to provide sustainable and 
growing supplies of high-quality, innovative, trend-right products. We source from both domestic and international 
vendors, and in 2019, approximately 47% of our product was sourced from Asia, 6% was sourced from Europe and 
Australia, and 5% was sourced from South America. 

Supply Chain 

Our supply chain is wholly focused on delivering a complete assortment of products to our customers in an 

efficient manner. We own a one million square foot distribution center on approximately 100 acres of land in Henrico 
County, Virginia, which serves the stores located in the easternmost two-thirds of the United States and Ontario, Canada. 
We operate a 500,000 square foot leased distribution center in Pomona, California as the primary distribution center for 
the stores located in the westernmost one-third of the United States. A number of our vendors maintain certain inventory 
levels for shipment directly to our stores or our customers. Our product is generally transported boxed and palletized, 
and the weight of our product is a key driver of our supply chain costs. 

5 

Compliance and Quality Control 

Our compliance programs are designed to ensure the products we sell are safe and responsibly sourced, and 
meet all regulatory and statutory requirements, including, without limitation, requirements associated with the Lacey 
Act, United States Environment Protection Agency ("EPA") and the California Air Resources Board (“CARB”). We 
utilize a variety of due diligence processes and controls, including supplier audits, periodic on-site visits, and product 
testing to ensure such compliance. We utilize a risk-based approach to implement and operate the various aspects of our 
compliance program. Our compliance program considers, among other things, product risk, the level of vertical 
integration at our suppliers’ mills, legality concerns noted by both private and government parties, and the results of on-
site audits that we perform. Our evaluation of sourcing risk is a key component in our allocation of resources to ensure 
we meet our standards for product compliance and safety. Compliance and Quality Control teams located in the United 
States and in China are supplemented with external resources that provide independent analyses, which are incorporated 
into our review processes and monitor our sourcing efforts across all areas from which we source product. Compliance 
programs and functions are continually under review, updated and enhanced as appropriate to stay current with statutory 
and regulatory requirements. Our compliance and regulatory affairs committee of the board of directors provides 
oversight of our compliance programs. 

Additionally, we maintain and operate a 1,500 square foot lab within our distribution center on the east coast. 

The lab features two temperature and humidity controlled conditioning rooms and two emission chambers correlated to a 
CARB-approved Third-Party Certifier standard. We believe this equipment mirrors the requirements of CARB and 
capabilities of other state-of-the-art emission testing facilities. This lab, along with our third-party providers, supports 
our process to ensure compliance with CARB and EPA requirements. 

Installation 

Approximately one in 10 of our customers purchase professional installation services through us to measure and 

install our flooring at competitive prices. We offer these services at all of our stores. As of December 31, 2019, we 
utilized a network of associates to perform certain customer-facing, consultative services and coordinate the installation 
of our flooring products by third-party independent contractors. Service revenue for installation transactions we control 
along with freight is included in net services sales, with the corresponding costs in cost of services sold. We believe our 
greater interaction with the customer and strong relationships with the third-party independent contractors ultimately 
results in a better customer experience and higher utilization by the customer. 

Store Model 

As of December 31, 2019, we operated 419 retail stores, with 411 located in 47 states in the United States and 
eight in Ontario, Canada. We opened 11 new stores and closed 5 stores in 2019. We are able to adapt a range of existing 
buildings to our format, from freestanding buildings to strip centers to small shopping centers. Our stores are typically 
6,500 to 7,500 square feet. We enter into short leases, generally for a base term of five to seven years with renewal 
options, to maximize our real estate flexibility. 

We routinely evaluate our store site selection criteria and are currently targeting retail corridors within a market 
over the more industrial locations we historically sought. We consistently monitor performance of current stores as well 
as the market opportunity for new locations, adjusting as needed to optimize the profitability and growth potential of our 
network. We continue to explore alternative store prototypes to determine how to best serve customers.  

Sales Approach 

We strive to have an integrated multi-channel sales model that enables our stores, call center, website and 

catalogs to work together in a coordinated manner. We believe that due to the average size of the sale and the general 
infrequency of a flooring purchase, many of our customers conduct extensive research using multiple channels before 
making a purchase decision. Though our customers utilize a range of these channels in the decision-making process, the 
final sale is most often completed in the store, working with our flooring experts. Our customers typically plan well in 
advance for the inconvenience of removing old flooring and installing new flooring. In larger, more complex projects, 

6 

greater lead time and preparation is often required. Our research indicates that the length of a hard-surface flooring 
purchase can vary significantly from initial interest to final sale. 

Our objective is to help the customer through the entire purchase cycle from inspiration to installation, whether 

in our store or in their home. Our goal is to provide our customers with everything needed to complete their flooring 
project – to remove the existing floor, install the new floor with complementary moldings and accessories, and finally, 
maintain the floor for its lifetime. 

Our sales strategy emphasizes customer service by providing superior, convenient, educational tools for our 

customers to learn about our products and the installation process. We invest heavily in training our store associates on 
all of our products and install techniques. Flooring samples for most of the products we offer are available in our stores, 
or can be ordered through our call center and website. Once an order is placed, customers may choose to either have 
their purchases delivered or pick them up at a nearby store location. 

We are committed to responding to our customers in a timely manner. Our call center is staffed by flooring 
experts cross-trained in sales, customer service and product support. In addition to receiving telephone calls, our call 
center associates chat online with visitors to our website, respond to emails from our customers and engage in 
telemarketing activities. Customers can contact our call center to place an order, to make an inquiry, or to order a 
catalog. 

Knowledgeable Salespeople 

We believe a large segment of residential homeowners are in need of a trusted expert, whether as a guide 

through a range of flooring alternatives and services or as a resource to both DIY and DIFM customers. We train and 
position our store management and associates to establish these individual customer relationships, which often last 
beyond the current purchase to subsequent purchases of additional flooring. 

We place an emphasis on identifying, hiring and empowering employees who share a passion for our business 

philosophy where possible. Many of our store managers have previous experience with the home improvement, retail 
flooring or flooring installation industries. We provide ongoing training focused on selling techniques and in-depth 
product knowledge for our store associates, who, we believe, are a key driver in a customer’s purchasing decision. 

Digital / Omni-Channel 

Our website contains a broad range of information on our products and services, including a comprehensive 

knowledge base on all things related to flooring. We have recently launched several tools, including Picture It! and Floor 
Finder, to assist customers in their flooring purchase. We also offer extensive product reviews, before and after photos 
from previous customers, product information and how-to installation videos. A customer also has the ability to chat live 
with a flooring expert, either online or over the phone, regarding questions about a flooring purchase or installation. We 
continue to develop new features and functionality to assist customers, and to ensure they have robust tools at their 
disposal that are effective at helping them make the ideal flooring choice as they move between online and offline 
channels. We also have an active presence on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube and Twitter. 

Advertising and Financing 

Advertising: We utilize a mix of traditional and online media, ecommerce, direct mail, email, and social media 

to balance product, service and value messaging.   We also utilize advertising to build brand consideration and to educate 
customers on the flooring category.  Overall, we proactively manage the mix of our media to ensure we efficiently drive 
sales while effectively building awareness of our brand value proposition. We continue to invest in enhanced digital 
capabilities. 

Financing: We offer our residential customers a financing alternative through a proprietary credit card, the 

Lumber Liquidators credit card, underwritten by a third-party financial institution, generally with no recourse to us. This 
program serves the dual function of providing financial flexibility to our customers and offering us promotional 

7 

opportunities featuring deferred interest, which we often combine with product promotions. Our customers may also use 
their Lumber Liquidators credit card for installation services. We also offer our Pro customers a financing alternative, 
which is also underwritten by a third-party financial institution, generally with no recourse to us. The commercial credit 
program provides our Pro customers a range of additional services that we believe add flexibility to their businesses. 

Employees 

As of December 31, 2019, we had approximately 2,200 employees, 95% of whom were full-time and none of 
whom were represented by a union. Of these employees, 73% work in our stores, 18% work in corporate store support 
infrastructure or similar functions (including our call center employees) and 9% work in one of our distribution centers. 
We believe that we have good relations with our employees. 

Seasonality and Quarterly Results 

Our quarterly results of operations can fluctuate depending on the timing of our advertising and the timing of, 
and income contributed by, our new stores. Our net sales fluctuate slightly as a result of seasonal factors, and we adjust 
merchandise inventories in anticipation of those factors, causing variations in our build of merchandise inventories. 
Generally, we experience higher-than-average net sales in the spring and fall, when more home remodeling activities 
typically are taking place, and lower-than-average net sales in the colder winter months and during the hottest 
summer months. 

Intellectual Property and Trademarks 

We have a number of marks registered in the United States, including Lumber Liquidators®, Hardwood Floors 
For Less!®, Floor Finder®, Bellawood®, 1 - 800 - HARDWOOD®, Quickclic®, Virginia Mill Works Co. Hand Scraped 
and Distressed Floors®, Morning Star Bamboo Flooring®, Dream Home Laminate Floors®, Builder’s Pride®,  
Avella®, Coreluxe®, Tranquility Resilient Flooring®, Lisbon Cork Co. Ltd. ®, Colston Hardwood Flooring ®, Clover 
Lea Plantation ®, ReNature™, AquaSeal ™ and other product line names. We have also registered certain marks in 
jurisdictions outside the United States, including the European Union, Canada, China, Australia and Japan. We regard 
our intellectual property as having significant value and these names are an important factor in the marketing of our 
brands. Accordingly, we take steps intended to protect our intellectual property including, where necessary, the filing of 
lawsuits and administrative actions to enforce our rights. 

Government Regulation 

We are subject to extensive and varied federal, provincial, state and local government regulations in the 

jurisdictions in which we operate, including laws and regulations relating to our relationships with our employees and 
customers, independent third-party installers, public health and safety, zoning, accommodations for persons with 
disabilities, and fire codes. We are also subject to a number of compliance obligations pursuant to various settlement 
agreements we have entered into over the past few years. We operate each of our stores, offices and distribution centers 
in accordance with standards and procedures designed to comply with all applicable laws, codes, licensing requirements 
and regulations. Certain of our operations and properties are also subject to federal, provincial, state and local laws and 
regulations relating to the use, storage, handling, generation, transportation, treatment, emission, release, discharge and 
disposal of hazardous materials, substances and wastes and relating to the investigation and cleanup of contaminated 
properties, including off-site disposal locations. We do not currently incur significant costs complying with the laws and 
regulations related to hazardous materials. However, we could be subject to material costs, liabilities or claims relating 
to compliance in the future, especially in the event of changes in existing laws and regulations or in their interpretation, 
as well as the passage of new laws and regulations. 

Our suppliers are subject to the laws and regulations of their home countries, as well as those relative to the 

import of their products into the United States, including, in particular, laws regulating labor, forestry and the 
environment. Our suppliers are subject to periodic compliance audits, onsite visits and other reviews, as appropriate, in 
efforts to ensure that they are in compliance with all laws and regulations. We also support social and environmental 
responsibility among our supplier community and our suppliers agree to comply with our expectations concerning 

8 

environmental, labor and health and safety matters. Those expectations include representations and warranties that our 
suppliers comply with the laws, rules and regulations of the countries in which they operate. 

Products that we import into the United States and Canada are subject to laws and regulations imposed in 

conjunction with such importation, including those issued and/or enforced by United States Customs and Border 
Protection and the Canadian Border Services Agency. In addition, certain of our products are subject to laws and 
regulations relating to the importation, acquisition or sale of illegally harvested plants and plant products and the 
emissions of hazardous materials. We work closely with our suppliers to address the applicable laws and regulations in 
these areas. 

Available Information 

We maintain a website at www.lumberliquidators.com. The information on or available through our website is 

not, and should not be considered, a part of this annual report on Form 10 - K. You may access our annual reports on 
Form 10 - K, quarterly reports on Form 10 - Q, current reports on Form 8 - K and amendments to those reports, as well as 
other reports relating to us that are filed with, or furnished to, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission 
(“SEC”) free of charge on our website as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, 
or furnished to, the SEC. The SEC also maintains an Internet site, www.sec.gov, which contains reports, proxy and 
information statements, and other information that we file electronically with the SEC. 

Item 1A. Risk Factors. 

The risks described below could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial 

condition and cash flows. These risks are not the only risks that we face. Our business operations could also be affected 
by additional factors that apply generally to companies operating in the United States and globally, as well as other risks 
that are not presently known to us or that we currently consider to be immaterial. 

Risks Related to Our Operations 

Unfavorable allegations, government investigations and legal actions surrounding our products or us could harm our 
reputation and impair our ability to grow or sustain our business. 

We have been involved in a number of government investigations and legal actions, many of which have 

resulted from unfavorable allegations regarding our products and us. Negative publicity surrounding these government 
investigations and legal actions could continue to harm our reputation and the demand for our products. Additional 
unfavorable allegations, government investigations and legal actions involving our products and us could also affect our 
perception in the market and our brands and negatively impact our business and financial condition. For instance, 
unfavorable allegations with certain regulators surrounding the compliance of our laminates that had previously been 
sourced from China has negatively affected and could continue to negatively affect our operations. If this negative 
impact is significant, our ability to maintain our liquidity and grow or sustain our business could be jeopardized. The 
cost to defend ourselves and our former employees has been and could continue to be significant. 

We are involved in a number of legal proceedings and, while we cannot predict the outcomes of these proceedings 
and other contingencies with certainty, some of the outcomes of these proceedings could adversely affect our business 
and financial condition. 

We are, or may become, involved in legal proceedings, government and agency investigations, and consumer, 
employment, tort and other litigation (see discussion of Legal Proceedings in Item 3 of this Annual Report). While we 
have accrued for material liabilities in connection with certain of these proceedings, we cannot predict with certainty the 
ultimate outcomes. The outcome of some of these legal proceedings could require us to take actions which could be 
costly to implement or otherwise negatively affect our operations or could require us to pay substantial amounts of 
money that could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, financial condition and results of operations and could 
affect our ability to obtain capital or access our revolving loan and continue as a going concern. Additionally, defending 

9 

against lawsuits and legal proceedings involves significant expense and diversion of management’s attention and 
resources. 

Our overall compliance program, including the Lacey Compliance Plan, is complex and costly to maintain. A failure 
to manage these programs could adversely affect our ability to conduct business, result in significant fines and other 
penalties, damage our brand and reputation, and, consequently, negatively impact our financial position and results 
of operations. 

As disclosed in October, 2015, we reached a settlement with the United States Department of Justice (“DOJ”) 

regarding our compliance with the Lacey Act. In connection with that settlement, we agreed to implement the Lacey 
Compliance Plan, and we are subject to a probation period of five years. Our implementation of the Lacey Compliance 
Plan, together with requirements resulting from other settlement agreements we have entered into over the past few years 
(including the Deferred Prosecution Agreement (the “DPA”) with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern 
District of Virginia (the “U.S. Attorney”) and the DOJ entered into on March 12, 2019), is costly and, if the 
implementation costs are more than we anticipate, could adversely affect our operating results. In the event we breach 
the DPA, there is a risk the U.S. Attorney and the DOJ would seek to impose remedies provided for in the DPA, 
including criminal prosecution. Further, the failure to properly manage our overall compliance program and fully comply 
with the obligations imposed upon us by these various settlement agreements or implement any of the compliance 
requirements arising from these obligations could adversely affect our ability to conduct business, result in significant 
fines and other penalties, damage our brand and reputation and negatively impact our financial position and results of 
operations. 

Our insurance coverage and self-insurance reserves may not cover existing or future claims. 

With the large number of recent cases and government investigations, we may be required to defend ourselves 

and our officers, directors and former employees and we may be subject to financial harm in the event such cases or 
investigations are adversely determined and insurance coverage will not, or is not sufficient to, cover any related losses.  
We maintain various insurance policies, including directors and officers insurance, as well as the following: 

•  We are self-insured on certain health insurance plans and workers’ compensation coverage and are 

responsible for losses up to a certain limit for these respective plans. 

•  We continue to be responsible for losses up to a certain limit for general liability and property damage 

insurance. 

•  Our professional liability and cyber security insurance policies contain limitations on the amount and 

scope of coverage. 

For policies under which we are responsible for losses, we record a liability that represents our estimated cost of 

claims incurred and unpaid as of the balance sheet date. Unanticipated changes may produce materially different 
amounts of expense than those recorded, which could adversely impact our operating results. Additionally, our 
experience could limit our ability to obtain satisfactory insurance coverage, subjecting us to further loss, or could require 
significantly increased premiums. 

Federal, provincial, state or local laws and regulations, including tariffs, or our failure to comply with such laws and 
regulations, and our obligations under certain settlement agreements related to our products could increase our 
expenses, restrict our ability to conduct our business and expose us to legal risks. 

We are subject to a wide range of general and industry-specific laws and regulations imposed by federal, 

provincial, state and local authorities in the countries in which we operate, including those related to tariffs, customs, 
foreign operations (such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act), truth-in-advertising, consumer protection, privacy, 
zoning and occupancy matters as well as the operation of retail stores and warehouse, production and distribution 
facilities and provision of installation services. In addition, various federal, provincial and state laws govern our 
relationship with and other matters pertaining to our employees, including wage and hour-related laws. If we fail to 

10 

comply with these laws and regulations, we could be subject to legal risk, our operations could be impacted negatively 
and our reputation could be damaged. Likewise, if such laws and regulations should change, our costs of compliance 
may increase, thereby impacting our results and hurting our profitability. 

Certain portions of our operations are subject to laws and regulations governing hazardous materials and 

wastes, the remediation of contaminated soil and groundwater, and the health and safety of employees. If we are unable 
to comply with, extend or renew a material approval, license or permit required by such laws, or if there is a delay in 
renewing any material approval, license or permit, our net sales and operating results could deteriorate or otherwise 
cause harm to our business. 

With regard to our products, we spend significant resources in order to comply with applicable advertising, 

importation, exportation, environmental and health and safety laws and regulations. If we should violate these laws and 
regulations, we could experience delays in shipments of our goods, be subject to fines, penalties, criminal charges, or 
other legal risks, be liable for costs and damages, or suffer reputational harm, which could reduce demand for our 
merchandise and hurt our business and results of operations. Further, if such laws and regulations should change we may 
experience increased costs in order to adhere to the new standards. We are also subject to a number of settlement 
agreements that impose certain obligations on us with respect to the operation of our business. If we fail to comply with 
these obligations, we may experience additional costs and expenses and could be subject to additional legal risks. 

Our growth strategy depends in part on our ability to open new stores and is subject to many unpredictable factors. 

As of December 31, 2019, we had 419 stores throughout the United States and Canada. Assuming the continued 

success of our store model and satisfaction of our internal criteria, we plan to continue our selective approach to future 
openings over the next several years. This growth strategy and the investment associated with the development of each 
new store may cause our operating results to fluctuate and be unpredictable or decrease our profits. Our future results 
and ability to implement our growth strategy will depend on various factors, including the following: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

as we open more stores, our rate of expansion relative to the size of our store base will decline; 

consumers in new markets may be less familiar with our brands, and we may need to increase brand 
awareness in those markets through additional investments in advertising; 

new stores may have higher construction, occupancy or operating costs, inventory requirements, or 
may have lower average store net sales, than stores opened in the past; 

competitive pressures could cause changes to our store model and making necessary changes could 
prove costly; 

newly opened stores may reach profitability more slowly than we expect in the future, as we enter 
more mid-sized and smaller markets and add stores to larger markets where we already have a 
presence; and 

our Canadian stores may require additional investment in advertising due to our limited penetration in 
the Canadian market. 

Failure to manage our growth effectively could harm our business and operating results. 

Our plans call for our selective approach in the addition of new stores over the next several years, and increased 

orders from our website, call center and catalogs. Our existing management information systems, including our store 
management systems, compliance procedures and financial and reporting controls, may be unable to support our 
expansion. Managing our growth effectively will require us to continue to enhance these systems, procedures and 
controls and to hire, train and retain regional and store managers and personnel for our compliance and financial and 

11 

reporting departments. We may not respond quickly enough to the changing demands that our expansion will impose on 
us. Any failure to manage our growth effectively could harm our business and operating results. 

Increased transportation costs could harm our results of operations. 

The efficient transportation of our products through our supply chain is a critical component of our operations. 

If the cost of fuel or other costs, such as import tariffs, duties and international container rates rise it could result in 
increases in our cost of sales due to additional transportation charges and fees. Additionally, there are a limited number 
of delivery companies capable of efficiently transporting our products from our suppliers. Consolidation within this 
industry could result in increased transportation costs. A reduction in the availability of qualified drivers and an increase 
in driver regulations could continue to increase our costs. We may be unable to increase the price of our products to 
offset increased transportation charges, which could cause our operating results to deteriorate. 

Damage, destruction or disruption of our distribution centers could significantly impact our operations and impede 
our ability to distribute certain of our products.  

We have two distribution centers which house products for the direct shipment of flooring to our stores or to 

our customers. If either of our distribution centers or our inventory held in those locations were damaged or destroyed by 
fire, wood infestation or other causes, our distribution processes would be disrupted, which could cause significant 
delays in delivery. This could impede our ability to stock our stores and deliver products to our customers, and cause our 
net sales and operating results to deteriorate. 

The operation of stores in Canada and our representative office in China may present increased legal and operational 
risks. 

We currently operate eight store locations in Canada. As a result of our limited penetration in the Canadian 
market, these stores may continue to be less successful than we expect. Additionally, investments in advertising and 
promotional activity may be required to continue to build brand awareness in that market. 

We also have a representative office in Shanghai, China to facilitate our product sourcing in Asia. We have 
limited experience with the legal and regulatory environments and market practices outside of the United States and 
cannot guarantee that we will be able to operate profitably in these markets or in a manner and with results similar to 
those in the United States. We may also incur increased costs in complying with applicable Canadian and Chinese laws 
and regulations as they pertain to our products, operations and related activities. Further, if we fail to comply with 
applicable laws and regulations, we could be subject to, among other things, litigation and government and agency 
investigations. 

Failure to effectively manage our third-party installers may present increased legal and operational risks. 

We manage third-party installers who provide installation services to some of our customers. In some 

jurisdictions, we are subject to regulatory requirements and risks applicable to general contractors, which include 
management of licensing, permitting and quality of our third-party installers. We have established procedures designed 
to manage these requirements and ensure customer satisfaction with the services provided by our third-party installers. If 
we fail to manage these procedures effectively or provide proper oversight of these services, we may be subject to 
regulatory enforcement and litigation and our net sales and our profitability and reputation could be harmed. 

Our founder is the lessor on a significant number of our leases and the satisfactory renewal of these as each comes 
due is a risk to our occupancy costs and store count. 

As of December 31, 2019, we leased 28 of our store locations from entities owned, in whole or in part, by Tom 
Sullivan, our founder. Although our percentage of total stores leased from such entities has decreased, this concentration 
of leases subjects us to the risk of increased costs or reduction of store count in the event of an adverse action or inaction 
by Mr. Sullivan or such entities. Mr. Sullivan is not an employee or a director of the Company. 

12 

Our success depends upon the retention of our personnel. 

We believe that our success has depended and continues to depend on the efforts and capabilities of our 

employees. The loss of the services of employees due to any negative market or industry perception, our stock price, 
and/or litigation may prevent us from achieving operational goals and harm our reputation. 

Risks Related to Our Suppliers, Products and Product Sourcing 

Our ability and cost to obtain cost-effective products, especially from China and other international suppliers, and the 
operations of many of our international suppliers are subject to risks that may be beyond our control and that could 
harm our operations and profitability. 

We rely on a select group of international suppliers to provide us with imported flooring products that meet our 
specifications. In 2019, our imported product was sourced from Asia, Europe, Australia and South America. As a result, 
we are subject to risks associated with obtaining products from abroad, including: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

the imposition of duties (including antidumping and countervailing duties), tariffs, taxes and/or other 
charges on exports or imports; 

political unrest, terrorism and economic instability resulting in the disruption of trade from foreign 
countries where our products originate; 

currency exchange fluctuations; 

the impact of a pandemic, including the Coronavirus; 

the imposition of new laws and regulations, including those relating to environmental matters and 
climate change issues, labor conditions, quality and safety standards, trade restrictions, and restrictions 
on funds transfers; 

disruptions or delays in production, shipments, delivery or processing through ports of entry; and 

differences in product standards, acceptable business practices and legal environments of the country 
of origin. 

In 2019, approximately 46% of our product was sourced from China.  Beginning in September 2018, tariffs on 

goods coming from China received an additional 10% tariff. Beginning in June 2019, the tariffs increased to 25%. On 
November 7, 2019, the United States Trade Representative (“USTR”) ruled on a request made by certain interested 
parties, including the Company, and retroactively excluded certain flooring products imported from China from these 
Section 301 tariffs.  The granted exclusion applies retroactively from the date the tariffs were originally implemented on 
September 24, 2018 through August 7, 2020.  It is uncertain if the flooring products that are currently excluded will 
continue to be excluded after August 7, 2020. Potential costs and any attendant impact on pricing arising from these 
tariffs could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. 

In early 2020, the Chinese New Year holiday was extended and governments across Asia imposed significant 
restrictions on the movement of people and of goods both among provinces as well as into and out of countries due to 
the Coronavirus.  These added measures could have a material adverse effect on suppliers both within China and other 
countries in the form of labor shortages, delays in our suppliers’ own supply chain for raw materials, and difficulty in 
shipping products to ports. 

These and other factors beyond our control could disrupt the ability of our suppliers to ship certain products to 
us cost-effectively or at all, which could harm our operations. If our product costs and consumer demand are adversely 

13 

 
affected by foreign trade issues (including pandemic-related delays, import tariffs and other trade restrictions with 
China), our sales and profitability may suffer. 

Failure to identify and develop relationships with a sufficient number of qualified suppliers could affect our ability to 
obtain products that meet our high quality standards. 

We purchase flooring directly from mills located around the world. We believe that these direct supplier 

relationships are important to our business. In order to retain the competitive advantage that we believe results from 
these relationships, we need to continue to identify, develop and maintain relationships with qualified suppliers that can 
satisfy our high standards for quality and our requirements for the delivery of hard-surface materials in a timely and 
efficient manner. We expect the need to develop new relationships to be particularly important as we seek to expand our 
operations, enhance our product offerings, and expand our product assortment and geographic source of origin in the 
future. Any inability to do so could reduce our competitiveness, slow our plans for further expansion and cause our net 
sales and operating results to deteriorate. 

We rely on a concentrated number of suppliers for a significant portion of our supply needs. We generally do 

not have long-term contracts with our suppliers. In the future, our suppliers may be unable to supply us, or supply us on 
acceptable terms, due to various factors, which could include political instability in the supplier’s country, insufficient 
production capacity, product line failures, collusion, a supplier’s financial instability, inability or refusal to comply with 
applicable laws, trade restrictions, tariffs or our standards, duties, insufficient transport capacity and other factors beyond 
our control. In these circumstances, we could experience deterioration in our net sales and operating results. 

The failure of our suppliers to comply with applicable laws, use ethical practices, and meet our quality standards 
could result in our suspending purchasing from them, negatively impacting net sales, and could expose us to 
reputational and legal risks. 

While our suppliers agree to operate in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, we do not control our 

suppliers. Accordingly, despite our continued investment in compliance and quality control, we cannot guarantee that 
they comply with such laws and regulations or operate in a legal, ethical and responsible manner. While we monitor our 
suppliers’ adherence to our compliance and quality standards, there is no guarantee that we will be able to identify non-
compliance. Moreover, the failure of our suppliers to adhere to applicable legal requirements and the quality standards 
that we set for our products could lead to government investigations, litigation, write-offs and recalls, any of which could 
damage our reputation and our brands, increase our costs, and otherwise hurt our business.  Additionally, our ability to 
travel and monitor suppliers due to the Coronavirus could cause delays in bringing product to market. 

Product liability claims could adversely affect our reputation, which could adversely affect our net sales and 
profitability. 

We have faced and continue to face the risk of exposure to product liability claims in the event that the use of 
our products is alleged to have resulted in economic loss, personal injury, property damage, violated environmental or 
other laws. In the event that any of our products proves to be defective or otherwise in violation of applicable laws, we 
may be required to recall or redesign such products. Further, in such instances, we may be subject to legal action. We 
maintain insurance against some forms of product liability claims, but such coverage may not be available or adequate 
for the liabilities actually incurred. A successful claim brought against us in excess of available insurance coverage, or 
any claim or product recall that results in significant adverse publicity against us, may have a material adverse effect on 
our net sales and operating results. 

Our ability to offer hardwood flooring, particularly products made of more exotic species of hardwood, depends on 
the continued availability of sufficient suitable hardwood at reasonable cost. 

Our business strategy depends on offering a wide assortment of hardwood flooring to our customers. We sell 
flooring made from species ranging from domestic maple, oak and pine to imported cherry, koa, mahogany and teak. 
Some of these species are scarce, and we cannot be assured of their continued availability. Our ability to obtain an 
adequate volume and quality of hard-to-find species depends on our suppliers’ ability to furnish those species, which, in 

14 

turn, could be affected by many things including events such as forest fires, insect infestation, tree diseases, prolonged 
drought and other adverse weather and climate conditions. Government regulations relating to forest management 
practices also affect our suppliers’ ability to harvest or export timber, and changes to regulations and forest management 
policies, or the implementation of new laws or regulations, could impede their ability to do so. If our suppliers cannot 
deliver sufficient hardwood and we cannot find replacement suppliers, our net sales and operating results may be 
negatively impacted. 

The cost of the various species of hardwood that are used in our products is important to our profitability. 
Hardwood lumber costs fluctuate as a result of a number of factors including changes in domestic and international 
supply and demand, labor costs, competition, market speculation, product availability, environmental restrictions, 
government regulation and trade policies, duties, weather conditions, processing and freight costs, and delivery delays 
and disruptions. We generally do not have long-term supply contracts or guaranteed purchase amounts. As a result, we 
may not be able to anticipate or react to changing hardwood costs by adjusting our purchasing practices, and we may not 
always be able to increase the selling prices of our products in response to increases in supply costs. If we cannot address 
changing hardwood costs appropriately, it could cause our operating results to deteriorate. 

Risks Related to Economic Factors and Our Access to Capital 

Cyclicality in the home flooring industry, coupled with our lack of diversity in our lines of business, could cause 
volatility and risk to our business. 

The hard-surface flooring industry is highly dependent on the remodeling of existing homes and new home 

construction. Remodeling and new home construction are cyclical and depend on a number of factors which are beyond 
our control, including interest rates, tax policy, real estate prices, employment levels, consumer confidence, credit 
availability, demographic trends, weather conditions, natural disasters and general economic conditions.  

In the event of a decrease in discretionary spending, home remodeling activity or new home construction, 

demand for our products, including hard-surface flooring, could be impacted negatively and our business and operating 
results could be harmed. 

The inability to access our Revolving Credit Facility or other sources of capital, could cause our financial position, 
liquidity, and results of operations to suffer. 

We have relied on and expect to continue to rely on a bank credit agreement to fund our seasonal needs for 

working capital. During 2019, we entered into an amended and restated credit agreement to increase the amounts 
available under this Revolving Credit Facility, and we may need to access additional sources of capital to satisfy our 
liquidity needs. Our access to the Revolving Credit Facility depends on our ability to meet the conditions for borrowing, 
including that all representations are true and correct at the time of the borrowing. Our failure to meet these requirements 
or obtain additional or alternative sources of capital could impact: 

• 

• 

• 

our ability to fund working capital, capital expenditures, store expansion and other general corporate 
purposes; 

our ability to meet our liquidity needs, arising from, among other things, legal matters; and 

our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we 
operate. 

15 

Risks Related to Our Information Technology 

If our management information systems, including our website or our call center, experience disruptions, it could 
disrupt our business and reduce our net sales. 

We depend on our management information systems to integrate the activities of our stores, website and call 

center, to process orders, to respond to customer inquiries, to manage inventory, to purchase merchandise and to sell and 
ship goods on a timely basis. We may experience operational problems with our information systems as a result of 
system failures, viruses, computer “hackers” or other causes. We may incur significant expenses in order to repair any 
such operational problems. Any significant disruption or slowdown of our systems could cause information, including 
data related to customer orders, to be lost or delayed, which could result in delays in the delivery of products to our 
stores and customers or lost sales. For example, as we previously disclosed in August 2019, we experienced a malicious 
network security incident that prevented access to several of our information technology systems and data within our 
networks. Based on the nature of the network security incident, the impact on our information technology systems and 
the results of the forensic IT analysis, we do not believe confidential customer, employee or company data was lost or 
disclosed. Moreover, our entire corporate network, including our telephone lines, is on an Internet-based network, which 
is vulnerable to certain risks and uncertainties, including changes in the required technology interfaces, website 
downtime and other technical failures, security breaches and customer privacy concerns. Accordingly, if our network is 
disrupted or if we cannot successfully maintain our website and call center in good working order, we may experience 
delayed communications within our operations and between our customers and ourselves, and may not be able to 
communicate at all via our network, including via telephones connected to our network. 

We may incur costs and losses resulting from security risks we face in connection with our electronic processing, 
transmission and storage of confidential customer information. 

We accept electronic payment cards for payment in our stores and through our call center. In addition, our 
online operations depend upon the secure transmission of confidential information over public networks, including 
information permitting cashless payments. As a result, we may become subject to claims for purportedly fraudulent 
transactions arising out of the actual or alleged theft of credit or debit card information, and we may also be subject to 
lawsuits or other proceedings relating to these types of incidents. Further, a compromise of our security systems that 
results in our customers’ personal information being obtained by unauthorized persons could adversely affect our 
reputation with our customers and others, as well as our operations, results of operations and financial condition, and 
could result in litigation against us or the imposition of penalties. A security breach could also require that we expend 
significant additional resources related to the security of information systems and could result in a disruption of our 
operations, particularly our online sales operations. 

Additionally, privacy and information security laws and regulations change, and compliance with them may 
result in cost increases due to necessary systems changes and the development of new administrative processes. If we 
fail to comply with these laws and regulations or experience a data security breach, our reputation could be damaged, 
possibly resulting in lost future business, and we could be subjected to additional legal risk as a result of non-
compliance. 

Alternative e-commerce and online shopping offerings may erode our customer base and adversely affect our 
business. 

Our long-term future depends heavily upon the general public’s willingness to use our stores as a means to 
purchase goods. In recent years, e-commerce has become more widely accepted as a means of purchasing consumer 
goods and services, which could adversely impact customer traffic in our stores. Additionally, certain of our competitors 
offer alternative e-commerce and online shopping. If consumers use alternative e-commerce and online shopping 
offerings to conduct business as opposed to our store locations, it could materially adversely impact our net sales and 
operating results. 

16 

Risks Relating to Our Competitive Positioning 

A tarnished brand or ineffectiveness of our advertising strategy could result in reduced customer traffic, thereby 
impacting net sales and profitability. 

We believe that our growth thus far was achieved in part through our successful investment in local and 

national advertising. Historically, we have used extensive advertising to encourage customers to drive to our stores, 
which were generally located some distance from population centers in areas that have lower rents than traditional retail 
locations. Further, a significant portion of our advertising was directed at the DIY and DIFM customers. While our brand 
and marketing strategies continue to evolve, we have broadened the content of our advertising to increase the awareness 
of our great value, superior service and broad selection of high-quality, hard-surface flooring products. If there is are 
negative perceptions about the evolution of our brand strategies, our advertisements fail to draw customers in the future, 
or if the cost of advertising or other marketing materials increases significantly, we could experience declines in our net 
sales and operating results. 

Competition could cause price declines, decrease demand for our products and decrease our market share. 

We operate in the hard-surface flooring industry, which is highly fragmented and competitive. We face 

significant competition from national and regional home improvement chains, national and regional specialty flooring 
chains, Internet-based companies and privately owned single-site enterprises. We compete on the basis of price, 
customer service, store location and the range, quality and availability of the hard-surface flooring that we offer our 
customers. If our positioning with regard to one or more of these factors should erode, deteriorate, fail to resonate with 
consumers or misalign with demand or expectations, our business and results may be negatively impacted. 

Our competitive position is also influenced by the availability, quality and cost of merchandise, labor costs, 

distribution and sales efficiencies and our productivity compared to that of our competitors. Further, as we expand into 
new and unfamiliar markets, we may face different competitive environments than in the past. Likewise, as we continue 
to enhance and develop our product offerings, we may experience new competitive conditions. 

Some of our competitors are larger organizations, have existed longer, are more diversified in the products they 

offer and have a more established market presence with substantially greater financial, marketing, personnel and other 
resources than we have. In addition, our competitors may forecast market developments more accurately than we do, 
develop products that are superior to ours, produce similar products at a lower cost or adapt more quickly to new 
technologies or evolving customer requirements than we do. Intense competitive pressures from one or more of our 
competitors could cause price declines, decrease demand for our products and decrease our market share. 

Hard-surface flooring may become less popular as compared to other types of floor coverings in the future. For 

example, our products are made using various hardwood species, including rare exotic hardwood species, and concern 
over the environmental impact of tree harvesting could shift consumer preferences towards synthetic or inorganic 
flooring. In addition, hardwood flooring competes against carpet, vinyl sheet, vinyl tile, ceramic tile, natural stone and 
other types of floor coverings. If consumer preferences shift toward types of floor coverings that we do not sell, we may 
experience decreased demand for our products. 

All of these competitive factors may harm us and reduce our net sales and operating results. 

Risks Related to Accounting Standards and Internal Controls  

Changes in accounting standards, subjective assumptions, estimates and judgments by management related to 
complex accounting matters, and failures in internal control could significantly affect our financial results. 

Generally accepted accounting principles and related accounting pronouncements, implementation guidelines 

and interpretations with regard to a wide range of matters that are relevant to our business, including but not limited to, 
consolidation, revenue recognition, stock-based compensation, lease accounting, sales returns reserves, inventories, self-
insurance, income taxes, deferred taxes, valuation allowances, unclaimed property laws and litigation, are highly 

17 

complex and involve many subjective assumptions, estimates and judgments by our management. Changes in these rules 
or their interpretation or changes in underlying assumptions, estimates or judgments by our management could 
significantly change our reported or expected financial performance, which may have a material effect on our results of 
operation. 

Failure to maintain effective systems of internal and disclosure control could have a material adverse effect on our 
results of operation and financial condition. 

Effective internal and disclosure controls are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and 
effectively prevent fraud, and to operate successfully as a public company. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports 
or prevent fraud, our reputation and operating results would be harmed. As part of our ongoing monitoring of internal 
control, we may discover material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in internal control that require remediation. 

We have in the past discovered, and may in the future discover, areas of internal controls that need 
improvement, and we continue to work to remediate and improve our internal controls. We cannot be certain that these 
measures will ensure that we implement and maintain adequate controls over our financial processes and reporting in the 
future. Any failure to maintain effective controls or to timely implement any necessary improvement of our internal and 
disclosure controls could, among other things, result in losses from fraud or error, harm our reputation, or cause 
investors to lose confidence in the reported financial information, all of which could have a material adverse effect on 
our results of operation and financial condition. 

Risks Relating to Our Common Stock 

Our common stock price may be volatile and all or part of any investment in our common stock may be lost. 

The market price of our common stock could fluctuate significantly based on various factors, including, but not 

limited to: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

unfavorable market reactions to allegations regarding the safety of our products and the related 
litigation and/or government investigations resulting therefrom, as well as any payments, judgments or 
other losses in connection with such allegations and any resultant lawsuits and/or investigations; 

trading activity of our current or future stockholders, including common stock transactions by our 
directors and executive officers; 

industry-related trends and growth prospects; and 

our concentration in the cyclical home furnishings industry. 

In addition, the stock market may experience significant price and volume fluctuations. These fluctuations may 

be unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies but may cause declines in the market price of our 
common stock. The price of our common stock could fluctuate based upon factors that have little or nothing to do with 
us or our performance. 

Our quarterly operating results may fluctuate significantly and could fall below the expectations of research analysts 
and investors due to various factors. 

Research analysts and investors develop expectations on how we may perform using a variety of metrics, 
including, but not limited to, sales, comparable store sales and gross profit. However, in any given quarter, actual 
performance may vary from these expectations, causing significant fluctuations in our stock price. 

18 

Our anti-takeover defense provisions may cause our common stock to trade at market prices lower than it might 
absent such provisions. 

Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that may make it more difficult or expensive for 
a third party to acquire control of us without the approval of our board of directors. These provisions include a staggered 
board, the availability of “blank check” preferred stock, provisions restricting stockholders from calling a special 
meeting of stockholders or from taking action by written consent and provisions that set forth advance notice procedures 
for stockholders’ nominations of directors and proposals of topics for consideration at meetings of stockholders. Our 
certificate of incorporation also provides that Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which relates to 
business combinations with interested stockholders, applies to us. These provisions may delay, prevent or deter a 
merger, or other transaction that might otherwise result in our stockholders receiving a premium over the market price 
for their common stock. In addition, these provisions may cause our common stock to trade at a market price lower than 
it might absent such provisions. 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments. 

None. 

Item 2. Properties. 

As of February 20, 2020, we operated 419 stores located in 47 states and Canada, with no new store openings or 

closings since December 31, 2019. In addition to our eight stores in Ontario, Canada, the table below sets forth the 
locations (alphabetically by state) of our 411 United States stores in operation as of February 20, 2020. 

State  

      Stores 

State 
Alabama  
Arizona 
Arkansas 
California 
Colorado 
Connecticut 
Delaware 
Florida 
Georgia 
Idaho 
Illinois 
Indiana 

State 

      Stores      
6 
6 
2 
44 
10 
8 
4 
31 
11 
2 
14 
9 

Iowa 
  Kansas 
  Kentucky 
  Louisiana 
  Maine 
  Maryland 
  Massachusetts 
  Michigan 
  Minnesota 
  Mississippi 
  Missouri 
  Montana 

State 

      Stores      
3 
3 
5 
6 
3 
10 
10 
11 
7 
3 
7 
1 

  Nebraska 
  Nevada 
  New Hampshire 
  New Jersey 
  New Mexico 
  New York 
  North Carolina 
  North Dakota 
  Ohio 
  Oklahoma 
  Oregon 
  Pennsylvania 

      Stores      
2 
4 
5 
14 
1 
22 
15 
1 
14 
3 
8 
20 

  Rhode Island 
  South Carolina 
  South Dakota 
  Tennessee 
  Texas 
  Utah 
  Vermont 
  Virginia 
  Washington 
  West Virginia 
  Wisconsin 

1 
10 
1 
6 
29 
3 
1 
16 
9 
4 
6 

We lease all of our stores as well as our corporate headquarters, at our new location in Richmond, Virginia.  We 

relocated to the new headquarters location during the fourth quarter of 2019.  The new headquarters location is an 
existing building of approximately 53,000 square feet. We currently lease space near the new headquarters location as a 
satellite office for various administrative functions and expect to continue that lease or lease similar property in 
Richmond, Virginia for our call center operations.  

In addition, we own a one million square foot distribution center on approximately 100 acres of land in Henrico 

County, Virginia. We lease a 504,016 square foot facility in Pomona, California, which, along with our facility in 
Virginia, serve as our primary distribution facilities. 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings. 

Litigation Relating to Bamboo Flooring 

On or about December 8, 2014, Dana Gold filed a purported class action lawsuit in the United States District 
Court for the Northern District of California alleging that the Morning Star bamboo flooring that the Company sells is 

19 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
defective (the “Gold Litigation”). Plaintiffs narrowed the complaint to the Company’s Morning Star Strand Bamboo 
flooring (the “Strand Bamboo Product”) sold to residents of California, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and 
West Virginia for personal, family or household use. The Gold Litigation alleges that the Company engaged in deceptive 
trade practices in conjunction with the sale of the Strand Bamboo Products. The plaintiffs did not quantify any alleged 
damages in their complaint but, in addition to attorneys’ fees and costs, the plaintiffs sought a declaration that the 
Company’s actions violate the law and that it is financially responsible for notifying all purported class members, 
injunctive relief requiring the Company to replace and/or repair all of the Strand Bamboo Product installed in structures 
owned by the purported class members and a declaration that the Company must disgorge, for the benefit of the 
purported classes, all or part of the profits received from the sale of the allegedly defective Strand Bamboo Product 
and/or to make full restitution to the plaintiffs and the purported class members.  

On September 30, 2019, the parties finalized a settlement agreement that is consistent with the terms of the 
Memorandum of Understanding previously disclosed by the Company, which would resolve the Gold Litigation on a 
nationwide basis. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, the Company will contribute $14 million in cash (the 
“Gold Cash Payment”) and provide $14 million in store-credit vouchers, with a potential additional $2 million in store-
credit vouchers based on having a claim’s percentage of more than 7%, for an aggregate settlement of up to $30 million. 
The settlement agreement makes clear that the settlement does not constitute or include an admission by the Company of 
any fault or liability and the Company does not admit any fault, wrongdoing or liability. On December 18, 2019, the 
court issued an order that, among other things, granted preliminary approval of the settlement agreement. Following the 
preliminary approval, and pursuant to the terms of the settlement agreement, in December 2019, the Company paid $1 
million for settlement administrative costs, which is part of the Gold Cash Payment, to the plaintiff’s settlement escrow 
account. A Final Approval and Settlement Hearing is currently scheduled for September 24, 2020. The settlement 
agreement is subject to certain contingencies, including court approval. There can be no assurance that a settlement will 
be finalized and approved by the court at the Final Approval and Settlement Hearing or as to the ultimate outcome of the 
litigation. If a final, court approved settlement is not reached, the Company will defend the matter vigorously and 
believes there are meritorious defenses and legal standards that must be met for, among other things, success on the 
merits. The Company has notified its insurance carriers and continues to pursue coverage, but the insurers to date have 
denied coverage. As the insurance claim is still pending, the Company has not recognized any insurance recovery related 
to the Gold Litigation. 

The Company recognized a charge to earnings of $28 million within selling, general and administrative expense 

during the fourth quarter of 2018 as its loss became probable and estimable with the offset in the caption “Accrual for 
Legal Matters and Settlements Current” on its Consolidated Balance Sheet related to this settlement as of December 31, 
2018.  If the settlement agreement is not approved by the court or the Company incurs additional losses with respect to 
the Bamboo Flooring Litigation (as defined below), the actual losses that may result from these actions may exceed this 
amount. Any such losses could, potentially, have a material adverse effect, individually or collectively, on the 
Company’s results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. 

In addition, there are a number of individual claims and lawsuits alleging damages involving Strand Bamboo 

Product (the “Bamboo Flooring Litigation”). While the Company believes that a loss associated with the Bamboo 
Flooring Litigation is reasonably possible, the Company is unable to reasonably estimate the amount or range of possible 
loss. Any such losses could, potentially, have a material adverse effect, individually or collectively, on the Company’s 
results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. The Company disputes the claims in the Bamboo Flooring 
Litigation and intends to defend such matters vigorously. 

Litigation Relating to Chinese Laminates  

Formaldehyde-Abrasion MDLs 

Beginning on or about March 3, 2015, numerous purported class action cases were filed in various United 

States federal district courts and state courts involving claims of excessive formaldehyde emissions from the Company’s 
Chinese-manufactured laminate flooring products. The purported classes consisted of all United States consumers that 
purchased the relevant products during certain time periods. Plaintiffs in these cases challenged the Company’s labeling 
of its products as compliant with the California Air Resources Board Regulation and alleged claims for fraudulent 
concealment, breach of warranty, negligent misrepresentation and violation of various state consumer protection statutes. 

20 

 
 
 The plaintiffs sought various forms of declaratory and injunctive relief and unquantified damages, including restitution 
and actual, compensatory, consequential and, in certain cases, punitive damages, as well as interest, costs and attorneys’ 
fees incurred by the plaintiffs and other purported class members in connection with the alleged claims. The United 
States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (the “MDL Panel”) transferred and consolidated the federal cases to the 
United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (the “Virginia Court”). The consolidated case in the 
Virginia Court is captioned In re: Lumber Liquidators Chinese-Manufactured Flooring Products Marketing, Sales, 
Practices and Products Liability Litigation (the “Formaldehyde MDL”). 

Beginning on or about May 20, 2015, multiple class actions were filed in the United States District Court for 

the Central District of California and other district courts located in the place of residence of each non-California 
plaintiffs consisting of United States consumers who purchased the Company’s Chinese-manufactured laminate flooring 
products challenging certain representations about the durability and abrasion class ratings of such products. These 
plaintiffs asserted claims for fraudulent concealment, breach of warranty and violation of various state consumer 
protection statutes. The plaintiffs did not quantify any alleged damages in these cases; however, in addition to attorneys’ 
fees and costs, they did seek an order (i) certifying the action as a class action, (ii) adopting the plaintiffs’ class 
definitions and finding that the plaintiffs are their proper representatives, (iii) appointing their counsel as class counsel, 
(iv) granting injunctive relief to prohibit the Company from continuing to advertise and/or sell laminate flooring 
products with false abrasion class ratings, (v) providing restitution of all monies the Company received from the 
plaintiffs and class members and (vi) providing damages (actual, compensatory and consequential), as well as punitive 
damages. On October 3, 2016, the MDL Panel transferred and consolidated the abrasion class actions to the Virginia 
Court. The consolidated case is captioned In re: Lumber Liquidators Chinese-Manufactured Laminate Flooring 
Durability Marketing and Sales Practices Litigation (the “Abrasion MDL”).  

On March 15, 2018, the Company entered into a settlement agreement to jointly settle the Formaldehyde MDL 

and the Abrasion MDL. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, the Company agreed to fund $22 million (the 
“MDL Cash Payment”) and provide $14 million in store-credit vouchers for an aggregate settlement amount of $36 
million to settle claims brought on behalf of purchasers of Chinese-manufactured laminate flooring sold by the Company 
between January 1, 2009 and May 31, 2015. The $36 million aggregate settlement amount was accrued in 2017. On 
June 16, 2018, the Virginia Court issued an order that, among other things, granted preliminary approval of the 
settlement agreement. Following the preliminary approval, and pursuant to the terms of the settlement agreement, in 
June 2018, the Company paid $0.5 million for settlement administration costs, which is part of the MDL Cash Payment, 
to the plaintiffs’ settlement escrow account. Subsequent to the Final Approval and Fairness Hearing held on October 3, 
2018, the Court approved the settlement on October 9, 2018 and, as a result, the Company paid $21.5 million in cash 
into the plaintiffs’ settlement escrow account.  

On November 8, 2018, an individual filed a Notice of Appeal in the United States Court of Appeals for the 
Fourth Circuit (the “Appeals Court”) challenging the settlement. On December 14, 2018, another individual filed a 
Notice of Appeal in the Appeals Court. Subsequently, the Appeals Court consolidated both appeals and briefing is now 
complete. Vouchers, which generally have a three-year life, will be distributed by the administrator upon order of the 
Virginia Court. At December 31, 2019, the Company’s obligations related to Formaldehyde MDL and Abrasion MDL 
consisted of a short-term payable of $36 million with $14 million expected to be satisfied by the issuance of vouchers. If 
the appeals were to result in the settlement being set aside, the Company would receive $21.5 million back from the 
escrow agent. Accordingly, the Company has accounted for the payment of $21.5 million as a deposit in the caption 
“Deposit for Legal Settlements” on it Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company has no liability accrued related to the 
appeals. 

In addition to those purchasers who elected to opt out of the above settlement (the “Opt Outs”), there are a 
number of individual claims and lawsuits alleging personal injuries, breach of warranty claims or violation of state 
consumer protection statutes that remain pending (collectively, the “Related Laminate Matters”). Certain of these 
Related Laminate Matters were settled in 2019 and 2018. The Company recognized charges to earnings of $0.4 million 
and $2.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, within selling, general and 
administrative expenses for these Related Laminate Matters.  As of December 31, 2019, the remaining accrual related to 
these matters was $0.1 million, which has been included in the caption “Accrual for Legal Matters and Settlements 
Current” on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. While the Company believes that a further loss associated with 

21 

the Opt Outs and Related Laminate Matters is possible, the Company is unable to reasonably estimate the amount or 
range of possible loss beyond what has been provided. Any such losses could, potentially, have a material adverse effect, 
individually or collectively, on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. 

Canadian Litigation 

On or about April 1, 2015, Sarah Steele (“Steele”) filed a purported class action lawsuit in the Ontario, Canada 

Superior Court of Justice against the Company. In the complaint, Steele’s allegations include strict liability, breach of 
implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose, breach of implied warranty of merchantability, fraud by 
concealment, civil negligence, negligent misrepresentation and breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing 
relating to the Company’s Chinese-manufactured laminate flooring products. Steele did not quantify any alleged 
damages in her complaint, but seeks compensatory damages, punitive, exemplary and aggravated damages, statutory 
remedies, attorneys’ fees and costs. While the Company believes that a further loss associated with the Steele litigation 
is possible, the Company is unable to reasonably estimate the amount or range of possible loss. 

Employment Cases 

Mason Lawsuit 

In August  2017, Ashleigh Mason, Dan Morse, Ryan Carroll and Osagie Ehigie filed a purported class action 

lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York on behalf of all current and former store 
managers, store managers in training, installation sales managers and similarly situated current and former employees 
(collectively, the “Mason Putative Class Employees”) alleging that the Company violated the Fair Labor Standards Act 
(“FLSA”) and New York Labor Law (“NYLL”) by classifying the Mason Putative Class Employees as exempt. The 
alleged violations include failure to pay for overtime work. The plaintiffs sought certification of the Mason Putative 
Class Employees for (i) a collective action covering the period beginning three years prior to the filing of the complaint 
(plus a tolling period) through the disposition of this action for the Mason Putative Class Employees nationwide in 
connection with FLSA and (ii) a class action covering the period beginning six years prior to the filing of the complaint 
(plus a tolling period) through the disposition of this action for members of the Mason Putative Class Employees who 
currently are or were employed in New York in connection with NYLL. The plaintiffs did not quantify any alleged 
damages but, in addition to attorneys’ fees and costs, the plaintiffs seek class certification, unspecified amounts for 
unpaid wages and overtime wages, liquidated and/or punitive damages, declaratory relief, restitution, statutory penalties, 
injunctive relief and other damages. 

In November 2018, the plaintiffs filed a motion requesting conditional certification for all store managers and 

store managers in training who worked within the federal statute of limitations period.  In May 2019, the magistrate 
judge granted plaintiffs’ motion for conditional certification.  The litigation is in the discovery stage, which currently 
closes in May 2020. 

The Company disputes the Mason Putative Class Employees’ claims and intends to defend the matter 
vigorously. Given the uncertainty of litigation, the preliminary stage of the case and the legal standards that must be met 
for, among other things, class certification and success on the merits, the Company cannot estimate the reasonably 
possible loss or range of loss, if any, that may result from this action and therefore no accrual has been made related to 
this. Any such losses could, potentially, have a material adverse effect, individually or collectively, on the Company’s 
results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. 

Kramer Lawsuit 

In November 2017, Robert J. Kramer, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated (collectively, the 

“Kramer Plaintiffs”) filed a purported class action lawsuit in the Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento on 
behalf of all current and former store managers, all others with similar job functions and/or titles and all current and 
former employees classified as non-exempt or incorrectly classified as exempt and who worked for the Company in the 
State of California (collectively, the “CSM Employees”) alleging violation of the California Labor Code including, 
among other items, failure to pay wages and overtime and engaging in unfair business practices (the “Kramer matter”). 

22 

The Kramer Plaintiffs seek certification of the CSM Employees for a class action covering the prior four-year period 
prior to the filing of the complaint through the disposition of this action for the CSM Employees who currently are or 
were employed in California (the “California SM Class”). On or about February 19, 2019, the Kramer Plaintiffs filed a 
first amended complaint adding a claim for penalties under the California Private Attorney General Act for the same 
substantive alleged violations asserted in the Complaint. The Kramer Plaintiffs did not quantify any alleged damages 
but, in addition to attorneys’ fees and costs, the Kramer Plaintiffs seek unspecified amounts for unpaid wages and 
overtime wages, liquidated and/or punitive damages, declaratory relief, restitution, statutory penalties, injunctive relief 
and other damages. 

On September 9, 2019, the Company entered into an agreement to settle the Kramer matter, consistent with the 

terms of the Memorandum of Understanding previously disclosed by the Company.  Under the terms of the settlement 
agreement, the Company will pay $4.75 million to settle the claims asserted in the Kramer matter (or which could have 
been asserted in the Kramer matter) on behalf of all current and/or former store managers and store managers in training 
employed by the Company at any time between November 17, 2013 and September 19, 2019.  The settlement agreement 
was preliminarily approved by the court on September 19, 2019, and granted final approval on January 17, 2020. The 
Company recognized a net charge to earnings of approximately $4.75 million within selling general and administrative 
expense in its second quarter 2019 financial statements. 

Antidumping and Countervailing Duties Investigation 

In October 2010, a conglomeration of domestic manufacturers of multilayered wood flooring (“Petitioners”) 

filed a petition seeking the imposition of antidumping (“AD”) and countervailing duties (“CVD”) with the United States 
Department of Commerce (“DOC”) and the United States International Trade Commission (“ITC”) against imports of 
multilayered wood flooring from China. This ruling applies to companies importing multilayered wood flooring from 
Chinese suppliers subject to the AD and CVD orders. The Company’s multilayered wood flooring imports from China 
accounted for approximately 6% and 7% of its flooring purchases in 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company’s 
consistent view through the course of this matter has been, and remains, that its imports are neither dumped nor 
subsidized.  

As part of its processes in these proceedings, following the original investigation, the DOC conducts annual 

administrative reviews of the CVD and AD rates. In such cases, the DOC will issue preliminary rates that are not 
binding and are subject to comment by interested parties. After consideration of the comments received, the DOC will 
issue final rates for the applicable period, which may lag by a year or more. As rates are adjusted through the 
administrative reviews, the Company adjusts its payments prospectively based on the final rate. The Company will begin 
to pay the finalized rates on each applicable future purchase when recognized by United States Customs and Border 
Protection. 

The DOC made its initial determinations in the original investigation regarding CVD and AD rates on April 6, 

2011 and May 26, 2011, respectively. On December 8, 2011, orders were issued setting final AD and CVD rates at a 
maximum of 3.3% and 1.5%, respectively. These rates became effective in the form of additional duty deposits, which 
the Company has paid, and applied retroactively to the DOC initial determinations. 

Following the issuance of these orders, a number of appeals were filed by several parties, including the 

Company, with the Court of International Trade (“CIT”) challenging, among other things, certain facts and 
methodologies that may impact the validity of the AD and CVD orders and the applicable rates. The Company 
participated in appeals of both the AD order and CVD order. On February 15, 2017, the Court of Appeals for the Federal 
Circuit (“CAFC”) vacated the CIT’s prior decision and remanded with instructions to the DOC to recalculate its AD rate. 
On remand, the DOC granted a 0% AD rate to eight Chinese suppliers, but did not exclude them permanently from the 
AD order. Nor did the CIT terminate the AD order. In July 2018, the CIT issued a judgment sustaining the DOC’s 
calculation of 0% for the eight suppliers, but also excluded three of them from the AD order. Certain Chinese suppliers 
and the Petitioners have appealed this judgment to the CAFC. The Company is evaluating the impact of the CIT’s 
judgment on its previously recorded expense related to the AD rates in the original investigation and subsequent annual 
reviews discussed below. Because of the length of time for finalization of rates as well as appeals, any subsequent 

23 

adjustment of CVD and AD rates typically flows through a period different from those in which the inventory was 
originally purchased and/or sold. 

In the first DOC annual review in this matter, AD rates for the period from May 26, 2011 through 
November 30, 2012, and CVD rates from April 6, 2011 through December 31, 2011, were modified to a maximum of 
5.92% and a maximum of 0.83%, respectively, which resulted in an additional payment obligation for the Company, 
based on best estimates and shipments during the applicable window, of $0.8 million. The Company recorded this as a 
long-term liability on its accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet and in cost of sales in its second quarter 
2015 financial statements. These AD rates were appealed to the CIT by several parties, including the Company. On 
remand from the CIT, the DOC has reduced the AD rate to a maximum of 0.73%. In June 2018, the CIT sustained the 
reduced AD rate of a maximum of 0.73% but did remand back to the DOC the issue regarding the calculation of the 
electricity rate, which, depending on that outcome, may cause a revision to the final AD rate. That remand from the 
DOC is expected to proceed in the spring of 2020 with the CIT’s lifting of a stay pending the final disposition of the 
appeal of the original investigation by the CAFC which issued its decision on January 10, 2020. This ruling from the 
CIT resulted in the Company reversing the $0.8 million accrual and recording a receivable of approximately $1.3 million 
during the second quarter of 2018.  

The second annual review of the AD and CVD rates was initiated in February 2014. Pursuant to the second 

annual review, in early July 2015, the DOC finalized the AD rate for the period from December 1, 2012 through 
November 30, 2013 at a maximum of 13.74% and the CVD rate for the period from January 1, 2012 through 
December 31, 2012 at a maximum of 0.99%. The Company believes the best estimate of the probable additional 
amounts owed was $4.1 million for shipments during the applicable time periods, which was recorded as a long-term 
liability on its accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet and included in cost of sales in its second quarter 
2015 financial statements. Beginning in July 2015, the Company began depositing these rates on each applicable 
purchase. The Company and other parties appealed the AD rates relating to this second annual review to the CIT. In 
June 2018, the court remanded the case back to the DOC to recalculate several of its adjustments. In its June 2019 
remand, the DOC reduced the AD rate to 6.55%. The CIT is expected to rule on the DOC’s remand by early 2020.  If the 
final ruling remains at 6.55%, the Company’s liability of $4.1 million would decrease by $2.8 million to $1.3 million in 
the period in which the ruling is finalized. 

The third annual review of the AD and CVD rates was initiated in February 2015. The third AD review covered 

shipments from December 1, 2013 through November 30, 2014. The third CVD review covered shipments from 
January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013. In May 2016, the DOC issued the final CVD rate in the third review, 
which was a maximum of 1.38%. On July 13, 2016, the DOC set the final AD rate at a maximum of 17.37%. The 
Company appealed the AD rates to the CIT. In November 2018, the CIT issued an opinion sustaining the DOC’s results, 
and that decision was appealed to the CAFC by certain plaintiff interveners in January 2019. That CAFC decision is 
expected to be issued by the fall of 2020.  The Company’s best estimate of the probable additional amounts owed 
associated with AD and CVD is approximately $5.5 million for shipments during the applicable time periods. During the 
quarter ended June 30, 2016, the Company recorded this amount in other long-term liabilities in its balance sheet and as 
a charge to earnings in cost of sales on its statement of operations. After payments during 2019, the remaining liability 
was $4.7 million as of December 31, 2019, included in the caption “Other Long-Term Liabilities” on the Consolidated 
Balance Sheets. 

The fourth annual period has been resolved including appeals.  

The DOC initiated the fifth annual review of AD and CVD rates in February 2017. The AD review covers 
shipments from December 1, 2015 through November 30, 2016. The CVD review covers shipments from January 1, 
2015 through December 31, 2015. In June 2018, the DOC issued the final CVD rate in the fifth review, which was a 
maximum of 0.85% (with one company having a maximum rate of 0.11%). In July 2018, the DOC issued the final AD 
rate in the fifth review, which was a maximum of 0.00% and, the Company recorded a receivable in the amount of $2.6 
million in other current assets in its balance sheet. Due to payments during the fourth quarter of 2019, there was no 
remaining receivable as of December 31, 2019. In connection with the issuance of the final CVD rate, with one company 
having a maximum rate of 0.11%, the Company recorded a receivable of less than $100 thousand. 

24 

The DOC initiated the sixth annual review of AD and CVD rates in February 2018. The AD review covers 
shipments from December 1, 2016 through November 30, 2017. The CVD review covers shipments from January 1, 
2016 through December 31, 2016. In July 2019, the DOC issued the final AD rate in the sixth annual review, which was 
a maximum of 42.57% (with one company having a maximum rate of 0.00%), and the final CVD rate in the sixth annual 
review, which was a maximum of 3.2%. With the finalization of the AD rate for the sixth annual review, the Company 
recorded a net liability of $0.8 million during the third quarter of 2019 with a corresponding reduction in cost of sales.  
The Company received payments during 2019 for the vendor with a final rate of 0.00% and the remaining balance of 
$0.5 million as of December 31, 2019 was included in other current assets on the consolidated balance sheet. The 
vendors with a final rate of 42.57% are under appeal and the balance of $1.5 million as of December 31, 2019 was 
included in other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. With the finalization of the CVD rate for the 
sixth annual review, the Company recorded a liability of $0.4 million during 2019 with a corresponding reduction in 
sales.  After payments during 2019, the remaining balance was approximately $40 thousand as of December 31, 2019.  
The Company and other parties have appealed the final AD rate ruling to the CIT, which is expected to issue its decision 
in the fall of 2020. However there was not a stay placed on this period.  

The DOC initiated the seventh annual review of the AD and CVD rates in March 2019.  The AD review covers 

shipments from December 1, 2017 through November 30, 2018. The CVD review covers shipments from January 1, 
2017 through December 31, 2017.  In January 2020, the DOC issued non-binding preliminary results in the sixth annual 
review for CVD rates and AD rates. The preliminary AD rate was a maximum of 0.00%. The preliminary CVD rate was 
a maximum of 24.61%. The final CVD and AD rates in the seventh annual review are currently expected to be issued in 
June 2020. If the preliminary ruling regarding the CVD rate were to be finalized, the Company anticipates it would 
record a net liability of approximately $2 million. If the preliminary CVD rate were to be finalized, the Company 
currently expects that it would appeal such ruling. 

The DOC is expected to initiate the eighth annual review of AD and CVD rates in February or March of 2020. 

The AD review will cover shipments from December 1, 2018 through November 30, 2019. The CVD review covers 
shipments from January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018. 

Outstanding AD and CVD duties are subject to interest based on the IRS quarterly published rate. The 

Company has recorded a net $0.6 million of interest expense through the line item Other Expense on the Statement of 
Operations during the year ended December 31, 2019. 

Other Matters 

The Company is also, from time to time, subject to claims and disputes arising in the normal course of business. 
In the opinion of management, while the outcome of any such claims and disputes cannot be predicted with certainty, its 
ultimate liability in connection with these matters is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s 
results of operations, financial position or liquidity. 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures. 

None. 

PART II 

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity 
Securities. 

Market Information 

Our common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the trading symbol “LL.” We are 

authorized to issue up to 35,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001. Total shares of common stock 
outstanding at February 20, 2020 were 28,724,931 and we had six stockholders of record. 

25 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 

The following table presents our share repurchase activity for the quarter ended December 31, 2019 (dollars in 

thousands, except per share amounts): 

Period 
October 1, 2019 to October 31, 2019 
November 1, 2019 to November 30, 2019 
December 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019 

Total 

  Total Number 
of Shares 
Purchased1 

Average 
Price Paid 
Per Share1 

of Shares 

     Total Number      Maximum Dollar Value 
  of Shares That May Yet 
Be Purchased as 
Part of Publicly 
Announced 
Programs2 

  Purchased as 
  Part of Publicly   
  Announced  
Programs2 

 —   
 —   
 —   
 —   

 —   
 —   
 —   
 —   

 —   
 —   
 —   
 —   

 — 
 — 
 — 
 — 

1      We repurchased 1,610 shares of our common stock, at an average price of $9.08, in connection with the net 

settlement of shares issued as a result of the vesting of restricted shares during the quarter ended December 31, 
2019. 

2      Our initial stock repurchase program, which authorized the repurchase of up to $50 million in common stock, was 

authorized by our board of directors and publicly announced on February 22, 2012. Our board of directors 
subsequently authorized two additional stock repurchase programs, each of which authorized the repurchase of up to 
an additional $50 million in common stock. These programs were publicly announced on November 15, 2012 and 
February 19, 2014, respectively, and are currently indefinitely suspended until we are better able to evaluate the 
long-term customer demand and assess our estimates of operations and cash flow. At December 31, 2019, we had 
approximately $14.7 million remaining under this authorization. 

Dividend Policy 

We have never paid any dividends on our common stock and do not expect to pay them in the near future.  

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans 

See Item 12. “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder 

Matters” for information regarding securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans. 

Performance Graph 

The following graph compares the performance of our common stock during the period beginning 

December 31, 2014 through December 31, 2019, to that of the total return index for the NYSE Composite and a Custom 
Peer Group whose members are listed below assuming an investment of $100 on December 31, 2014. In calculating total 
annual stockholder return, reinvestment of dividends, if any, is assumed. The indices are included for comparative 

26 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
purpose only. They do not necessarily reflect management’s opinion that such indices are an appropriate measure of the 
relative performance of our common stock. 

     12/31/2014     12/31/2015    12/30/2016     12/30/2017     12/31/2018     12/31/2019 

Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc. 

 100.00   

 26.18   

 23.74   

 47.34   

 14.36   

 14.73 

NYSE Composite 

Peer Group1 

 100.00   

 96.03   

 107.62   

 127.96   

 116.72   

 146.76 

 100.00   

 119.54   

 121.43   

 171.80   

 162.11   

 216.75 

1      The Peer Group consists of industry competitors and other retailers of a similar size to the Company.  They include: 
The Home Depot, Inc., Lowe’s Companies, Inc., Floor & Décor Holdings, Inc., Tile Shop Holdings, Inc., The 
Sherwin-Williams Company, Pier 1 Imports, Inc., Vitamin Shoppe, Inc., Hibbett Sports, Inc. and Haverty Furniture 
Companies, Inc. 

Item 6. Selected Financial Data. 

The selected statements of income data for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 and the balance 

sheet data as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements 
included in Item 8. “Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this report. This information should 
be read in conjunction with those audited financial statements, the notes thereto, and Item 7. “Management’s Discussion 
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this report. 

The selected balance sheet data set forth below as of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, and income data for 
the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements contained 

27 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
in reports previously filed with the SEC, which are not included herein. Our historical results are not necessarily 
indicative of our results for any future period. 

Statement of Income Data 
Net Sales  

Comparable Store Net Sales (Decrease) 
Increase 6 
Cost of Sales  
Gross Profit  
Selling, General and Administrative 
Expenses  
Operating Income (Loss)  
Other Expense 
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes  
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 
Net Income (Loss) 
Net Income (Loss) per Common Share: 

Basic  
Diluted  

Weighted Average Common Shares 
Outstanding: 

Basic  
Diluted  

Year Ended December 31,  

2019 1 

2018 2 

2017 3 

2016 4 

2015 5 

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

  $ 1,092,602  

$ 1,084,636  

$ 1,028,933  

$  960,588  

$  978,776  

 (1.0)%     

 2.6 %    

 5.4 %    

 (4.6)%    

 (11.1)%

 688,916  
 403,686  

 691,696  
 392,940  

 659,872  
 369,061  

   656,719  
   303,869  

   699,918  
   278,858  

 386,970  
 16,716  
 3,764  
 12,952  
 3,289  
 9,663  

 443,513  
 (50,573)  
 2,827  
 (53,400)  
 979  
$  (54,379)  

 406,027  
 (36,966)  
 1,591  
 (38,557)  
 (734)  
$  (37,823)  

   397,504  
    (93,635) 
 638  
    (94,273) 
    (25,710) 
$  (68,563) 

   362,051  
    (83,193) 
 234  
    (83,427) 
    (26,994) 
$  (56,433) 

 0.34  
 0.34  

$
$

 (1.90)  
 (1.90)  

$
$

 (1.33)  
 (1.33)  

$ 
$ 

 (2.51) 
 (2.51) 

$ 
$ 

 (2.08) 
 (2.08) 

  $

  $
  $

 28,689  
 28,793  

 28,571  
 28,571  

 28,407  
 28,407  

    27,284  
    27,284  

    27,082  
    27,082  

1      Results for the year ended December 31, 2019 include: (i) an unfavorable adjustment of antidumping costs and 

countervailing duties of $1.1 million associated with applicable shipments of engineered hardwood from China in a 
prior period, (ii) a favorable adjustment of duties related to prior periods of $0.8 million, and (iii) incremental legal 
and professional fees and settlement expenses, related to our defense of various legal matters of approximately $7.6 
million.  

2      Results for the year ended December 31, 2018 include: (i) a favorable adjustment of antidumping costs and 

countervailing duties of $4.9 million associated with applicable shipments of engineered hardwood from China in a 
prior period, (ii) a favorable adjustment of duties related to prior periods of $1.7 million, (iii) incremental legal and 
professional fees and settlement expenses, related to our defense of various legal matters of approximately $75.7 
million and (iv) other expenses primarily related to an impairment of certain assets related to our decision to exit the 
finishing business totaling approximately $1.8 million. 

3      Results for the year ended December 31, 2017 include: (i) a favorable adjustment of antidumping costs and 

countervailing duties of $2.8 million associated with applicable shipments of engineered hardwood from China in a 
prior period, (ii) reduced reserves for estimated costs to be incurred related to our indoor air quality testing program 
by approximately $1 million, (iii) incremental legal and professional fees and settlement expenses, related to our 
defense of various legal matters of approximately $48.3 million and (iv) other expenses primarily related to costs to 
dispose of certain Chinese laminate products whose sales were discontinued in 2015 and an impairment of certain 
assets related to a vertical integration initiative totaling approximately $3.1 million. 

4      Results for the year ended December 31, 2016 include: (i) an unfavorable adjustment of antidumping costs and 

countervailing duties of $5.5 million associated with applicable shipments of engineered hardwood from China in a 
prior period, (ii) pre-tax expenses of $6.2 million related to the purchase of testing kits and professional fees in 
connection with our indoor air quality testing program, (iii) incremental legal and professional fees and settlement 
expenses, related to our defense of various legal matters of approximately $47.7 million and (iv) other expenses 
primarily related to employee retention initiatives totaling approximately $2.8 million. 

28 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
     
     
     
     
     
  
 
 
  
    
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
    
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
 
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
5      Results for the year ended December 31, 2015 include: (i) the write down of our laminates and associated moldings 
sourced from China totaling approximately $22.5 million and other inventory adjustments of $6.6 million, (ii) an 
adjustment of antidumping costs and countervailing duties of $4.9 million associated with applicable shipments of 
engineered hardwood from China in a prior period, (iii) pre-tax expenses of $9.4 million related to the purchase of 
testing kits and professional fees in connection with our indoor air quality testing program, (iv) incremental legal 
and professional fees and settlement expenses, related to our defense of various legal matters of approximately 
$34.2 million and (v) other expenses related to the simplification of our business and employee retention totaling 
approximately $11.1 million. 

6      A store is generally considered comparable on the first day of the thirteenth full calendar month after opening. 

2019 

2018 

Year Ended December 31,  
2017 
(dollars in thousands) 

2016 

2015 

Balance Sheet Data 
Cash and Cash Equivalents 
Merchandise Inventories 
Total Assets1 
Customer Deposits and Store Credits 
Total Debt and Capital Lease Obligations 
Total Stockholders’ Equity 
Working Capital2 

  $ 

 8,993   $  11,565   $  19,938   $   10,271   $  26,703 
   244,402 
   445,564 
    33,771 
    20,000 
   277,568 
   195,044 

   301,892  
   482,544  
    32,639  
    40,351  
   230,892  
   173,683  

   262,280  
   410,795  
    38,546  
    15,000  
   197,847  
   119,835  

   318,272  
   475,517  
    40,332  
    65,000  
   147,398  
   124,179  

   286,369  
   596,009  
    41,571  
    82,000  
   161,250  
   121,007  

Other Data 
Total Stores in Operation (end of period) 
Average Sale3 

  $ 

 419  

 413  
 1,379   $  1,355   $  1,310   $ 

 393  

 383  

 374 
 1,255   $  1,230 

1      Total Assets were impacted in 2019 by the adoption of ASC 842, as further described in Item 8 Notes 1 and 5, 

Leases. 

2      Working Capital is defined as current assets minus current liabilities. 

3      Average Sale is defined as the average invoiced sales order, measured quarterly, excluding returns as well as 

transactions under $100 (which are generally sample orders or add-on/accessories to existing orders). 

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. 

Overview 

Lumber Liquidators is one of the leading specialty retailers of hard-surface flooring in North America, offering 

a complete purchasing solution across an extensive assortment of domestic and exotic hardwood species, engineered 
hardwood, laminate, resilient vinyl, waterproof vinyl plank and porcelain tile. We also feature the renewable flooring 
products, bamboo and cork, and provide a wide selection of flooring enhancements and accessories, including moldings, 
noise-reducing underlayment, adhesives and flooring tools. We offer delivery and in-home installation services through 
third-party independent contractors for customers who purchase our floors. At December 31, 2019, we sold our products 
through 419 Lumber Liquidators stores in 47 states in the United States and in Canada, a customer relationship center 
and website. 

We believe we have achieved a reputation for offering great value, superior service and a broad selection of 

high-quality hard-surface flooring products. With a balance of selection, quality, availability, service and price, we 
believe our value proposition is the most complete within a highly fragmented hard-surface flooring market. The 

29 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
        
     
        
        
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
   
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
foundation for our value proposition is strengthened by our unique store model, the industry expertise of our people, our 
singular focus on hard-surface flooring, and our advertising reach and frequency. 

To supplement the financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP, we use the following non-GAAP 

financial measures: (i) Adjusted Gross Profit; (ii) Adjusted Gross Margin; (iii) Adjusted SG&A; (iv) Adjusted SG&A as 
a percentage of sales; (v) Adjusted Operating Income (Loss); (vi) Adjusted Operating Margin and (vii) Adjusted 
Earnings per Diluted Share. The non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed in addition to, and not in lieu of, 
financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. These supplemental measures may vary from, and may not be 
comparable to, similarly titled measures by other companies. 

The non-GAAP financial measures are presented because management and analysts use these non-GAAP 

financial measures to evaluate our operating performance and management, in certain cases, uses them to determine 
incentive compensation and/or to address questions it receives. Therefore, we believe that the presentation of non-GAAP 
financial measures provides useful supplementary information to, and facilitates additional analysis by, investors. The 
presented non-GAAP financial measures exclude items that management does not believe reflect our core operating 
performance, which include regulatory and legal settlements and associated legal and operating costs, and changes in 
antidumping and countervailing duties from prior periods, as such items are outside of our control or due to their 
inherent unusual, non-operating, unpredictable, non-recurring, or non-cash nature.  

Executive Summary 

In 2019, we focused on several key initiatives related to our core business that we believed strengthened our 

sales and operating margin and provided an improved shopping experience to our customers. These initiatives were 
driving DIY, DIFM and Pro traffic, enhancing the customer experience and continuing to improve operational 
effectiveness.  

Our results for the year ended December 31, 2019 were as follows: 

•  Net sales increased $8 million, or 0.7%, to $1,093 million in 2019 from $1,085 million in 2018, which 
includes a $19 million increase in non-comparable store net sales partially offset by a decrease of $11 
million in comparable store net sales.  Net services sales (install and freight) increased 6.1% over the 
prior year while merchandise sales remained flat. We opened 11 new stores in 2019, closed 5, and as 
of December 31, 2019, operated 419 stores in the United States and Canada. 

•  Gross margin in 2019 increased to 36.9% from 36.2% in 2018, and when excluding items in the table 
that follows in Results of Operations, Adjusted Gross Margin (a non-GAAP measure) increased to 
37% in 2019 from 35.6% in 2018.  This 140 basis point improvement was due to a larger mix of 
higher-margin manufactured products, reduced discounting in the stores, merchandising cost-out 
efforts and selective retail price increases. The improvement in Adjusted Gross Margin was achieved 
despite higher tariff-related costs and an increased mix of lower-margin installation sales. 

•  Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses decreased as a percentage of net sales to 

35.4% in 2019, compared to 40.9% in 2018.  Excluding the items shown in the table that follows in 
Results of Operations, Adjusted SG&A as a percentage of net sales (a non-GAAP measure) was 34.7% 
in 2019, an increase of 100 basis points from 33.7% in 2018.  The increase in Adjusted SG&A was 
driven by a combination of higher payroll and occupancy costs, which are primarily related to the 11 
new stores opened this year, increases in IT expense, costs related to the headquarters move, and 
higher advertising. 

• 

Included in SG&A were legal-related costs and settlements of $7.6 million and $76 million in 2019 
and 2018, respectively. 

30 

•  Operating income for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $17 million compared to an operating 
loss of $51 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, which was heavily influenced by certain 
legal settlements. Both periods were impacted by the unusual items summarized in the tables that 
follow in Results of Operations. Excluding these items, Adjusted Operating Income (a non-GAAP 
measure) was $25 million and Adjusted Operating Margin (a non-GAAP measure) was 2.3% in 2019, 
compared to $20 million, or 1.9%, in 2018.  The primary driver of the increase was the growth in gross 
margin due to tariff mitigation efforts. 

•  Net income for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $9.7 million, or $0.34 per diluted share, 

compared to a net loss of $54 million, or $1.90 per diluted share for the year ended December 31, 
2018.  2019 benefited from actions taken to improve gross margin while 2018 was adversely affected 
by legal settlements and other legal costs.  Adjusted Earnings per Diluted Share (a non-GAAP 
measure) was $0.58 in 2019 and $0.57 in 2018. 

• 

In August 2019, we experienced a network security incident caused by malware that prevented access 
to several of our information technology systems and data.  Following the discovery of the incident, 
we promptly took actions to isolate and shut down affected systems based on our existing protocols.  
We implemented our business continuity plan and undertook actions to recover the affected systems. 
We believe we were successfully able to restore the operation of the systems without loss of business 
data.  Based on the nature of the network security incident, the impact on our information technology 
systems and the results of the forensic IT analysis, we do not believe confidential customer, employee, 
or company data was lost or disclosed.  Our stores remained open and operating throughout the 
incident, but were utilizing manual back-up processes for approximately six days which we believe 
had an adverse impact on sales.  We maintain cyber-security and other insurance and have been 
working collaboratively with our carriers.  As of December 31, 2019, we estimate the equipment 
replaced and costs associated with the incident to date to be approximately $3.7 million.  During 2019, 
we received an initial recovery from insurance in excess of $2 million, capitalized new equipment, and 
recorded approximately $0.8 million as a receivable related to further anticipated recovery.  The 
receivable is recorded in “Other Current Assets” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and does not 
include any potential business interruption recovery or involuntary gains related to the incident. 

•  Tariffs played a significant role in year-over-year comparisons. Beginning in September 2018, goods 
coming from China received an additional 10% tariff. Beginning in June 2019, the tariffs increased to 
25%. In order to mitigate the impact of tariffs, we reduced discounting in the stores, implemented 
merchandising cost-out efforts and enacted retail price increases in order to mitigate the impact of 
tariffs.  On November 7, 2019, the United States Trade Representative (“USTR”) ruled on a request 
made by certain interested parties, including the Company, and retroactively excluded certain flooring 
products imported from China from the Section 301 tariffs.  The granted exclusion applies 
retroactively from the date the tariffs were originally implemented on September 24, 2018 through 
August 7, 2020.  We recognized approximately $11 million of operating income in the fourth quarter 
of 2019 related to recoveries associated with relevant products already sold in 2018 and 2019, net of 
certain other associated costs.  We also reduced the carrying cost of inventory by approximately $12 
million related to relevant products held for sale and recorded a receivable of $25 million from United 
States Customs (included in the caption “Tariff Recovery Receivable” on the Consolidated Balance 
Sheets) related to anticipated recoveries and expect to receive payments throughout the first half of 
2020. The recent tariff exclusions had a positive impact on the fourth quarter of 2019 and we expect it 
will also positively impact 2020. 

The Company obtains nearly half of its merchandise from Asia and most of that is sourced from China.  As we 
enter 2020, we are closely monitoring the Coronavirus situation including the actions taken by authorities to combat the 
spread of the virus, which includes extended quarantines and restrictions on travel of both people and goods.  The near-
term risk to the Company is the potential disruption of our supply chain.  We are currently unable to predict the full 
impact of these potential disruptions, how and in what manner our competitors will be affected, or the reaction of our 
customers.  Merchandise on hand and already in route should allow us to avoid a material impact in the first quarter of 

31 

2020.  However, depending on the length and severity of the situation, we could see a material impact beginning in the 
second quarter, and it could continue for weeks or months.  We are monitoring on a daily basis and evaluating what 
actions to take to respond to potential disruptions. 

As we head into 2020, our focus will be on delivering enhanced profitability, driving traffic to our stores and 

online, and improving the customer experience. Our research indicates that the initial interest in purchasing a floor 
begins with digital browsing. We believe that by providing an improved digital experience and better website 
performance, we will not only grow our e-commerce sales, but also drive traffic into our stores. Once customers are in 
our stores, we believe that our store model provides a competitive advantage by allowing our knowledgeable sales 
associates to assist customers throughout the project design and purchase process in a more intimate environment, from 
product selection to installation.  

Working capital and liquidity 

At December 31, 2019, we had $111 million in liquidity, comprised of $9 million of cash and $102 million in 

availability under our asset-based revolving loan (the “Revolving Loan”). We also had $286 million in inventory and 
$60 million in accounts payable, while borrowings against our Credit Agreement were $82 million. At December 31, 
2018, we had $80 million in liquidity, comprised of $12 million of cash and $68 million in availability under our 
Revolving Loan. We also had $318 million in inventory and $73 million in accounts payable, while borrowings against 
our Revolving Loan were $65 million. The increase in liquidity at December 31, 2019 from the year earlier was driven 
by the increased borrowing capacity under the Credit Agreement, partially offset by the $33 million of cash paid for the 
DOJ and SEC settlements discussed in Item 3 along with other, smaller settlements, and $20 million of capital 
expenditures. 

32 

Results of Operations 

We believe the selected sales data, the percentage relationship between Net Sales and major categories in the 
Consolidated Statements of Operations and the percentage change in the dollar amounts of each of the items presented 
below are important in evaluating the performance of our business operations. 

% of Net Sales 

     Year Ended December 31,  

2019 

2018 

  % Increase (Decrease)   
in Dollar Amounts 
2019 
vs. 2018 

 0.0 %  
 6.1 %  
 0.7 %  
 2.7 %  
 (12.7)%  
NM  
 33.1 %  
NM  
NM  
NM  

 1.8 %  

Net Sales  
Net Merchandise Sales 
Net Services Sales 
Total Net Sales 
Gross Profit  

Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses 
Operating Loss 
Other Expense 
Income (Loss)/ Before Income Taxes 
Income Tax Expense 
Net Income (Loss) 
SELECTED SALES DATA 
Average Sale1 
Average Retail Price per Unit Sold2 
Comparable Store Sales (Decrease) Increase (%) 

Number of Stores Open, end of period 
Number of Stores Opened in Period, net 
Number of Stores Relocated in Period3 

Comparable Stores4 (% change to prior year): 

Customers Invoiced5 
Net Sales of Stores Operating for 13 to 
36 months 
Net Sales of Stores Operating for more than 
36 months 

 87.5 %    
 12.5 %    
 100.0 %    
 36.9 %    
 35.4 %    
 1.5 %    
 0.3 %    
 1.2 %    
 0.3 %    
 0.9 %    

  $ 

 1,379  

$ 
 0.2 %     
 (1.0)%     

 419  
 11  
 3  

 88.1 %  
 11.9 %  
 100.0 %  
 36.2 %  
 40.9 %  
 (4.7)%  
 0.2 %  
 (4.9)%  
 0.1 %  
 (5.0)%  

 1,355  

 (0.8)%  
 2.6 %  

 413  
 20  
 1  

 (2.8)%     

 (0.8)%  

 8.3 %     

 13.1 %  

 (1.3)%     

 2.3 %  

Net Sales in Markets with all Stores Comparable 
(no cannibalization) 

 (0.3)%     

 3.4 %  

1  Average Sale is defined as the average invoiced sales order, measured quarterly, excluding returns as well as 
transactions under $100 (which are generally sample orders or add-on/accessories to existing orders).     

2      Average retail price per unit (square feet for flooring and other units of measures for moldings and accessories) sold 

is calculated on a total company basis and excludes non-merchandise revenue. 

3      A relocated store remains a comparable store as long as it is relocated within the primary trade area. 

4      A store is generally considered comparable on the first day of the thirteenth full calendar month after opening. 

5      Change in number of customers invoiced is calculated by applying the average sale to total net sales at comparable 

stores.  

A detailed discussion of the 2019 year-over-year changes can be found below and should be read in conjunction 
with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements presented in this report.  

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A detailed discussion of the 2018 year-over-year changes can be found in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and 
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Form 10-K filed on March 18, 2019.  

Net Sales 

Net sales in 2019 increased $8 million, or 0.7%, from 2018 as net sales in comparable stores decreased $11 

million, or 1%, and the net sales in non-comparable stores increased $19 million. Comparable store sales declined due to 
a decrease in store traffic of 2.8% and the 1.8% increase in average ticket was not enough to offset.  Net services sales 
(install and freight) increased 6.1% over the prior year while merchandise sales remained flat.  Pro sales growth 
significantly outpaced total company growth.  By major category, manufactured products grew from 36% of sales in 
2018 to 41% of sales in 2019, mostly offset by a decline in solid and engineered hardwood products.  The vinyl sub-
category within manufactured products continues to drive growth due to its outstanding aesthetics, high resilience and 
waterproof characteristics. 

Gross Profit 

Gross profit in 2019 increased 2.7% to $404 million from $393 million in 2018. Both years’ gross margins were 
impacted by the unusual items highlighted in the table that follows. When excluding these items, Adjusted Gross Margin 
(a non-GAAP measure) improved by 140 basis points driven by a larger mix of higher-margin manufactured products, 
reduced discounting in the stores, merchandising cost-out efforts and retail price increases.  The gross margin 
improvement was achieved despite tariffs on certain flooring products imported from China as previously discussed. 

We believe that each of the items below can distort the visibility of our ongoing performance and that the 

evaluation of our financial performance can be enhanced by use of supplemental presentation of our results that exclude 
the impact of these items. 

Year Ended December 31,  

2019 

2018 

$  

      % of Sales       

$  

      % of Sales   

(dollars in thousands) 

Gross Profit/Margin, as reported (GAAP) 

        $ 

 403,686       

36.9  %   $ 

 392,940       

36.2  %   

Antidumping Adjustments 1 
HTS Classification Adjustments 2 

Sub-Total Items above 

 1,143    
 (779) 
 364    

 0.1  %     
 —  %    
 0.1  %     

 (4,948)  
 (1,711)  
 (6,659)  

 (0.5)%   
 (0.1)%   
 (0.6)%   

Adjusted Gross Profit/Margin (non-GAAP measures) 

  $ 

 404,050     

 37.0  %   $ 

 386,281     

 35.6  %   

1  We recognized unfavorable adjustments to countervailing and antidumping duties of $1.1 million in the year ended 

December 31, 2019 and a favorable $4.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2018 associated with applicable 
shipments of engineered hardwood from China related to prior periods. 

2      We recognized favorable classification adjustments related to Harmonized Tariff Schedule (“HTS”) duty 

categorization in prior periods of $0.8 million and $1.7 million during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 
2018, respectively.  

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses 

SG&A expenses in 2019 decreased 13% to $387 million from $444 million in 2018. The decrease in SG&A 
was primarily attributable to the absence of $61 million in accruals for settlements with the Unites States Attorney’s 
Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, the Department of Justice, Securities and Exchange Commission and the 
settlement of the Gold litigation related to the Company’s Morning Star Strand bamboo flooring that were recorded in 
the fourth quarter of 2018.  Excluding the items shown in the table that follows, Adjusted SG&A (a non-GAAP measure) 
increased $13 million, or 3.6%, primarily driven by increases in payroll of $5.9 million and occupancy of $1.3 million, 
both of which are primarily related to the 11 new stores opened this year and full-year effects of the 21 stores opened in 

34 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
   
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2018.     IT expenses increased $1.4 million from 2018 to 2019. The increase in SG&A expense was also impacted by 
costs related to the move to our new corporate headquarters and a $0.9 million increase in advertising. Payroll-related 
costs as a percentage of sales were 14.6% in 2019 and 14.2% in 2018.  Other items affecting the increase in payroll 
included merit increases, executive bonus, retention and severance.  

We believe that each of the items below can distort the visibility of our ongoing performance and that the 

evaluation of our financial performance can be enhanced by use of supplemental presentation of our results that exclude 
the impact of these items. 

SG&A, as reported (GAAP) 

Accrual for Legal Matters and Settlements 3 
Legal and Professional Fees 4 
All Other 5 

Sub-Total Items above 

Year Ended December 31,  

2019 

2018 

$  

      % of Sales      

$  

      % of Sales  

  $ 

 386,970    

(dollars in thousands) 
 35.4  %   $ 

 443,513    

 3,475    
 4,169    
 —    
 7,644    

 0.3  %     
 0.4  %     
 —  %     
 0.7  %     

 63,951    
 11,707    
 1,769    
 77,427    

 40.9  % 

 5.9  % 
 1.1  % 
 0.2  % 
 7.2  % 

Adjusted SG&A (a non-GAAP measure) 

  $ 

 379,326    

 34.7  %   $ 

 366,086    

 33.7  % 

3 

2019 Accrual for Legal Matters and Settlements included $5.1 million of expense for the Kramer employment case 
and certain Related Laminate Matters partially offset by $1.6 million of insurance recoveries in 2019 related to 
certain significant legal actions.  Accrual for Legal Matters and Settlements in 2018 represents the charge to 
earnings related to the Bamboo Flooring Litigation, the governmental investigations, and Related Laminate Matters 
in 2018.  These matters are described more fully in Item 8. Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements.  

4  Represents charges to earnings related to our defense of significant legal actions, described in note 3 above, during 

the period. This does not include all legal costs incurred by the Company. 

5  All Other in 2018 represents an impairment of certain assets related to our decision to exit the finishing business. 

Operating Loss and Operating Margin 

Operating income was $17 million in 2019, compared to an operating loss of $51 million in 2018.   2018 was 
heavily influenced by certain legal settlements. Adjusted Operating Income (a non-GAAP measure) was $25 million, 
with Adjusted Operating Margin of 2.3%, in 2019, compared to $20 million, or 1.9%, in 2018.  The growth in gross 
margin due to tariff mitigation efforts was the primary driver of the increase which was partially offset by the 3.6% 
growth in Adjusted SG&A (a non-GAAP measure). 

35 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
    
    
 
   
 
 
 
 
  
 
We believe that each of the items below can distort the visibility of our ongoing performance and that the 

evaluation of our financial performance can be enhanced by use of supplemental presentation of our results that exclude 
the impact of these items. 

Operating Income (Loss), as reported (GAAP) 

  $ 

 16,716   

 1.5  %  $ 

 (50,573) 

 (4.7)% 

Year Ended December 31,  

2019 

$  

      % of Sales      

$  
(in thousands) 

2018 

      % of Sales  

Gross Margin Items: 
Antidumping Adjustments 1 
HTS Classification Adjustments 2 

Gross Margin Subtotal 

SG&A Items: 
Accrual for Legal Matters and Settlements 3 
Legal and Professional Fees 4 
All Other 5 

SG&A Subtotal  

 1,143   
 (779) 
 364   

 3,475 
 4,169 
 — 
 7,644 

 0.1  %    
 —  %    
 0.1  %    

 (4,948) 
 (1,711) 
 (6,659) 

 0.3  %     
 0.4  %     
 —  %     
 0.7  %     

 63,951   
 11,707   
 1,769   
 77,427   

 (0.5)% 
 (0.1)% 
 (0.6)% 

 5.9  %  
 1.1  %  
 0.2  %  
 7.2  %  

Adjusted Operating Income/Margin (a non-GAAP measure) 

  $ 

 24,724   

 2.3  %   $ 

 20,195   

 1.9  % 

1,2      See the Gross Margin section above for more detailed explanations of these individual items. 

3,4,5    See the SG&A section above for more detailed explanations of these individual items. 

Provision for Income Taxes 

We record tax expense each period for income taxes incurred for US federal tax, in certain states, and in foreign 

jurisdictions resulting in an effective tax rate of 25.4% and (1.8)% for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, 
respectively.  The increase in effective tax rate was driven by the complete depletion of federal net operating loss 
carryforwards. 

We have a full valuation allowance recorded against our net deferred tax assets.  We intend to maintain this 
valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets until there is sufficient evidence to support the reversal of all or some 
portion of these allowances. A reduction in the valuation allowance could result in a significant decrease in income tax 
expense in the period that the release is recorded. However, the exact timing and amount of any reduction in our 
valuation allowance are unknown at this time and will be subject to the earnings level we achieve in future periods.  

We file income tax returns with the United States federal government and various state and foreign 
jurisdictions. In the normal course of business, we are subject to examination by taxing authorities. During 2017, the 
Internal Revenue Service completed audits of our income tax returns through 2016. 

Diluted Earnings per Share 

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $9.7 million, or $0.34 per diluted share. Net loss for 

the year ended December 31, 2018 was $54 million, resulting in a loss of $1.90 per diluted share. Adjusted Earnings and 
Adjusted Earnings per Diluted Share (a non-GAAP measure) for the year ended December 31, 2019 were $17 million 
and $0.58 per diluted share, compared to $16 million and $0.57 per diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2018. 

We believe that each of the items below can distort the visibility of our ongoing performance and that the 

evaluation of our financial performance can be enhanced by use of supplemental presentation of our results that exclude 
the impact of these items. 

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Year Ended December 31,  

2019 

2018 

Net Income (Loss), as reported (GAAP) 
Net  Income (Loss) per Diluted Share (GAAP) 

Gross Margin Items: 
Antidumping Adjustments 1 
HTS Classification Adjustments 2 

Gross Margin Subtotal 

SG&A Items: 
Accrual for Legal Matters and Settlements 3 
Legal and Professional Fees (2019 is net of taxes) 4 
All Other 5 

SG&A Subtotal  

  $ 
  $ 

(in thousands) 

 9,663   
 0.34   

$ 
$ 

 1,143   
 (779) 
 364   

 3,475 
 3,085 
 — 
 6,560 

Adjusted Earnings  
Adjusted Earnings per Diluted Share (a non-GAAP measure) 

  $ 
  $ 

 16,587   
 0.58  

$ 

$ 

 (54,379)
 (1.90)

 (4,948)
 (1,711)
 (6,659)

 63,951 
 11,707 
 1,769 
 77,427 

 16,389 

 0.57 

1,2,3  See the Gross Profit and SG&A sections above for more detailed explanations of these individual items. 

4  Represents charges to earnings related to our defense of certain significant legal actions during the period. This does 
not include all legal costs incurred by the Company. 2019 items have been tax effected at the Company’s federal 
statutory rate of 26%.  Due to the full valuation allowance of the deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2018, the 
2018 adjustments did not have a tax impact during that year. 

5  All Other in 2018 represents an impairment of certain assets related to the Company’s decision to exit the finishing 

business. 

Liquidity and Capital Resources 

Our principal liquidity and capital requirements are for capital expenditures to maintain and grow our business, 

for legal settlements, for working capital, and for general corporate purposes. Our principal sources of liquidity at 
December 31, 2019 were cash from our ongoing operations, $9 million of cash and cash equivalents and $102 million of 
availability under our Revolving Loan. As December 31, 2019, the outstanding balance of the revolving loan was 
$57 million and it carried an average interest rate of 3.90%.   As of December 31, 2019, the outstanding balance of the 
first-in-last-out term loan was $25 million and it carried an interest rate of 4.75%.    

The DOJ and SEC settlements, discussed in Item 3 of this Form 10-K, totaled $33 million and were paid in the 
second quarter of 2019 along with other, smaller settlements. Additionally, we funded $1 million of the cash portion of 
the settlement of the Gold Litigation in the fourth quarter of 2019; the remaining $13 million of the cash portion is 
expected to be paid subsequent to the court’s final approval, expected to be in 2020. We anticipate funding the 
$4.75 million Kramer settlement in the first half of 2020 after the court acts.  In addition, we anticipate receiving at total 
of approximately $27 million from United States Customs related to tariff exclusion refunds. 

On March 29, 2019, we amended our prior Credit Agreement to add incremental borrowing capacity of up to 

$50 million and to extend the maturity to 2024, which is described more fully in Item 8 Note 4 to the consolidated 
financial statements. 

We currently expect capital expenditures for 2020 to total between $19 million and $21 million, but we will 

continue to assess and adjust our level of capital expenditures based on changing circumstances. Included in our capital 
requirement for 2020, is the funding to open approximately 15 stores and remodel and/or relocate some existing stores. 

37 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
     
  
   
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
     
  
   
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Although certain matters remain outstanding, we have taken significant steps to eliminate uncertainty 
associated with legal and regulatory matters previously discussed. We believe that cash flow from operations, together 
with liquidity sources mentioned above, will be sufficient to fund our settlements and operations and anticipated capital 
expenditures for the next 12 months. We prepare our forecasted cash flow and liquidity estimates based on assumptions 
that we believe to be reasonable, but are also inherently uncertain. Actual future cash flows could differ from these 
estimates. 

Merchandise Inventories 

Merchandise inventory is our most significant asset and is considered either “available for sale” or “inbound in-
transit,” based on whether we have physically received and inspected the products at an individual store location, in our 
distribution centers or in another facility where we control and monitor inspection. During the fourth quarter of 2018, we 
purposefully purchased inventory in advance of an announced, but subsequently postponed, incremental 15% tariff on 
purchases of Chinese goods. 

Merchandise inventories and available inventory per store in operation on December 31 were as follows: 

Inventory – Available for Sale  
Inventory – Inbound In-Transit  
Total Merchandise Inventories  

Available Inventory Per Store 

As of 

As of 

  December 31, 2019     December 31, 2018

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

(in thousands) 

 254,812   $ 
 31,557  
 286,369   $ 

 275,036 
 43,236 
 318,272 

 608   $ 

 666 

Available inventory per store at December 31, 2019 was lower than available inventory per store at 

December 31, 2018. The decrease in merchandise inventories from 2018 was driven by a change in product mix to 
lower-cost vinyl in 2019 combined with the tariff-related increase in inventory during the fourth quarter of 2018 
discussed above and extra inventory carried in 2018 as we transitioned the finishing lines out of our Toano, Virginia 
facility.   

Inbound in-transit inventory generally varies due to the timing of certain international shipments and certain 

seasonal factors, including international holidays, rainy seasons and specific merchandise category planning. 

Cash Flows 

The following table summarizes our cash flow activities for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 

2017: 

Net Cash provided by (used in): 

Operating Activities  
Investing Activities  
Financing Activities  
Effect of Exchange Rates 
Total 

Year Ended December 31,  
2018 

2019 

2017 

$ 

$ 

 329   $ 
 (19,484)    
 15,881     
 702     
 (2,572)  $ 

 (42,986)   $ 
 (13,461)     
 49,205     
 (1,131)     
 (8,373)   $ 

 39,392 
 (4,338)
 (26,193)
 806 
 9,667 

Operating Activities. Net cash provided by operating activities was $0.3 million in 2019 and was primarily 

due to a $15 million decrease in inventory, net of payables.  Net income in 2019 of $9.7 million was also a factor for the 
net cash provided by operating activities.  These were mostly offset by payments for legal matters and settlements of $35 
million. 

38 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
      
       
  
       
       
   
  
  
  
 
Net cash used in operating activities was $43 million in 2018 and was primarily due to a $54 million increase in 

inventory, net of payables, which was the result of the build in inventory previously discussed, as well payments of $22 
million on the remaining cash portion of the Formaldehyde MDL and Abrasion MDL obligation. Absent the build in 
inventory and the settlement payment, cash from operating activities would have been a positive $33 million. 

Investing Activities. Net cash used in investing activities was $19 million in 2019 and $13 million in 2018.  

2019 included our corporate headquarters move to Richmond, Virginia, and 11 new store openings.  For the year ended 
December 31, 2018, there were 21 new stores openings. 

Financing Activities. Net cash provided by financing activities was $16 million in 2019 and was primarily 

attributable to $17 million in net borrowings on the Credit Agreement. Net cash provided by financing activities was $49 
million in 2018 and was primarily attributable to $50 million in net borrowings on the Revolving Loan.  

Credit Agreement 

On March 29, 2019, we entered into a Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit 

Agreement”) with Bank of America, N.A. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (the “Lenders”). The Credit 
Agreement amended and restated the Third Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Prior 
Agreement”). Under the Credit Agreement, the Lenders increased the maximum amount of borrowings under the 
revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) from $150 million under the Prior Agreement to $175 million 
and added a new first in-last out $25 million term loan (the “FILO Term Loan”) for a total of $200 million, subject to the 
borrowing bases described below. We also have the option to increase the Revolving Credit Facility to a maximum total 
amount of $225 million, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions to such increase as specified in the Credit 
Agreement. 

As of December 31, 2019, a total of $57 million was outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility and $25 
million was outstanding under the FILO Term Loan.  We also had $3.9 million in letters of credit which factor into its 
remaining availability. 

The Revolving Credit Facility and the FILO Term Loan mature on March 29, 2024 and are secured by security 
interests in the Collateral (as defined in the Credit Agreement), which includes substantially all of our assets including, 
among other things, our inventory and accounts receivables, and our East Coast distribution center located in Sandston, 
Virginia.  Under the terms of the Credit Agreement, we have the ability to release the East Coast distribution center from 
the Collateral under certain conditions. 

The Revolving Credit Facility is available to us up to the lesser of (1) $175 million or (2) a revolving borrowing 

base equal to the sum of specified percentages of our eligible credit card receivables, eligible inventory (including 
eligible in-transit inventory), and eligible owned real estate, less certain reserves, all of which are defined by the terms of 
the Credit Agreement (the “Revolving Borrowing Base”).  If the outstanding FILO Term Loan exceeds the FILO 
Borrowing Base (as defined in the Credit Agreement), the amount of such excess reduces availability under the 
Revolving Borrowing Base. 

Loans outstanding under the Credit Agreement can bear interest based on the Base Rate (as defined in the 

Credit Agreement) or the LIBOR Rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement).  Interest on Base Rate loans is charged at 
varying per annum rates computed by applying a margin ranging from (i) 0.25% to 0.75% over the Base Rate with 
respect to the FILO Term Loan, in each case depending on the Borrower’s average daily excess borrowing availability 
under the Revolving Credit Facility during the most recently completed fiscal quarter.  Interest on LIBOR Rate loans and 
fees for standby letters of credit are charged at varying per annum rates computed by applying a margin ranging from 
(i) 1.25% to 1.75% over the applicable LIBOR Rate with respect to revolving loans and (ii) 2.25% to 3.00% over the 
applicable LIBOR Rate with respect to the FILO Term Loan, in each case depending on our average daily excess 
borrowing availability under the Revolving Credit Facility during the most recently completed fiscal quarter. 

The Credit Agreement contains a fixed charge coverage ratio covenant that becomes effective only when 

specified availability under the Revolving Credit Facility falls below the greater of $17.5 million or 10% of the 

39 

Combined Loan Cap (as defined in the Credit Agreement).  This covenant – though not currently in effect – would have 
been met at December 31, 2019. 

Contractual Commitments and Contingencies 

Our significant contractual obligations and commitments as of December 31, 2019 are summarized in the 

following table: 

Total 

      Less Than 1 Year       

1 to 3 Years 

      3 to 5 Years 

      5+ Years 

Payments Due by Period 

(in thousands) 

  $ 

 152,558   $ 
 180  

 37,855   $ 
 180  

 58,287   $ 
 —  

 33,733   $   22,683 
 — 

 —  

Contractual Obligations 
Operating Lease Obligations 1 
Purchase Obligations 2 
Total Debt Obligations, including 
current maturities 

Total Contractual Obligations 

  $ 

 82,000  
 234,738   $ 

 —  
 38,035   $ 

 —  
 58,287   $ 

 — 
 82,000  
 115,733   $   22,683 

1 

2 

Included in this table is the base period or current renewal period for our operating leases. The operating leases 
generally contain varying renewal provisions. 

Purchase obligations represent contractual purchase commitments. 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements 

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements or other financing activities with special-purpose entities. 

New Accounting Pronouncements 

See Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in Note 1 that is included in Item 8 of this Form 10 - K for 

further information about new accounting pronouncements adopted during 2019 and accounting pronouncements issued 
but not yet effective. 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates 

Critical accounting policies are those that we believe are both significant and that require us to make difficult, 
subjective or complex judgments, often because we need to estimate the effect of inherently uncertain matters. We base 
our estimates and judgments on historical experiences and various other factors that we believe to be appropriate under 
the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates, and we might obtain different estimates if we used 
different assumptions or conditions. We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant 
judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements. 

Loss Contingencies 

We are involved in various lawsuits, claims, investigations, and proceedings. Certain of these matters include 
speculative claims for substantial or indeterminate amounts of damages. We record a liability when we believe that it is 
both probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. If we determine that a loss is 
reasonably possible and a loss or range of the loss can be estimated, we disclose such amounts. Significant judgment is 
required to determine both probability and the estimated amount of any loss or range of loss. We assess each legal matter 
and any related provisions at least quarterly and adjust them accordingly to reflect the impact of negotiations, 
settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel, and updated information. 

Until a final resolution related to loss contingencies for legal and other contingencies is reached, there may be 

an exposure to loss in excess of the amount we have recorded, and such amounts could be material, either individually or 
in the aggregate, to our business, consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. Therefore, if one or 

40 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
        
        
        
        
   
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
more of these matters were resolved against us for amounts in excess of management’s expectations, our results of 
operations and financial condition, including in a particular reporting period, could be materially adversely affected. 

Valuation of Deferred Tax Assets 

We account for income taxes and the related accounts in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes 

(“ASC 740”). Deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the difference between the financial statement 
and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted rates expected to be in effect during the year in which the differences 
reverse. We periodically assess the likelihood that we will be able to recover our deferred tax assets and reflect any 
changes in estimates in the valuation allowance. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the 
opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. 
At December 31, 2019, we had a valuation allowance of $27 million primarily attributable to the uncertainty related to 
the realizability of our deferred tax assets. Based upon a consideration of our cumulative loss history in the three-year 
period ended December 31, 2019, we did not rely upon projections of future taxable income in assessing the 
recoverability of deferred tax assets and determined that it is not more likely than not that our deferred tax assets will be 
realized.  

Significant management judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets 

and liabilities and the valuation allowance recorded against our net deferred tax assets, if any. Management considers 
estimates of the amount and character of future taxable income in assessing the likelihood of realization of deferred tax 
assets. Our actual effective tax rate and income tax expense could vary from estimated amounts due to the future impacts 
of various items, including changes in income tax laws, tax planning and the Company’s forecasted financial condition 
and results of operations in future periods. Although management believes current estimates are reasonable, actual 
results could differ from these estimates. 

Stock-Based Compensation 

We currently utilize a single equity incentive plan under which we may grant non-qualified stock options, 
restricted shares, stock appreciation rights and other equity awards to employees, non-employee directors and other 
service providers. We recognize expense for our stock-based compensation based on the fair value of the awards that are 
granted. Compensation expense is recognized only for those awards expected to vest, with forfeitures estimated at the 
date of grant based on our historical experience and future expectations. Measured compensation cost is recognized 
ratably over the service period of the entire related stock-based compensation award. 

The fair value of stock options was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton valuation 

model. In order to determine the related stock-based compensation expense, we used the following assumptions for stock 
options granted during 2019: 

•  Expected life of 5.5 years; 

•  Expected stock price volatility of 55%; 

•  Risk-free interest rate of 2.1%; and 

•  Dividends are not expected to be paid in any year. 

The expected stock price volatility is based on the historical volatility of our stock price. The volatility is 

estimated for a period of time equal to the expected term of the related option. The risk-free interest rate is based on the 
implied yield of United States Treasury zero-coupon issues with an equivalent remaining term. The expected term of the 
options represents the estimated period of time until exercise and is determined by considering the contractual terms, 
vesting schedule and expectations of future employee behavior. We have never paid a dividend. Had we arrived at 
different assumptions of stock price volatility or expected terms of our options, our stock-based compensation expense 
and results of operations could have been different. 

41 

Recognition of Net Sales 

We recognize net sales for products purchased at the time the customer takes possession of the merchandise. 

We recognize service revenue, which consists primarily of installation revenue and freight charges for in-home delivery, 
when the service has been rendered. We report sales exclusive of sales taxes collected from customers and remitted to 
governmental taxing authorities. Net sales are reduced by an allowance for anticipated sales returns that we estimate 
based on historical and current sales trends and experience. We believe that our estimate for sales returns is an accurate 
reflection of future returns. Any reasonably likely changes that may occur in the assumptions underlying our allowance 
estimates would not be expected to have a material impact on our financial condition or operating performance. Actual 
sales returns did not vary materially from estimated amounts for 2019, 2018 or 2017. 

In addition, customers who do not take immediate delivery of their purchases are generally required to pay a 

deposit, equal to approximately half of the retail sales value, with the balance payable when the customer takes 
possession of the merchandise. These customer deposits benefit our cash flow and return on investment capital, because 
we receive partial payment for our customers’ purchases immediately. We record these deposits as a liability on our 
balance sheet in Customer Deposits and Store Credits until the customer takes possession of the merchandise. 

Merchandise Inventories 

We value our merchandise inventories at the lower of cost or net realizable value. We determine merchandise 
cost using the weighted average method. All of the hardwood flooring we purchase from suppliers is either prefinished 
or unfinished, and in immediate saleable form. Inventory cost includes the costs of bringing an article to its existing 
condition and location such as shipping and handling and import tariffs. In determining market value, we make 
judgments and estimates as to the market value of our products, based on factors such as historical results and current 
sales trends. Any reasonably likely changes that may occur in those assumptions in the future may require us to record 
charges for losses or obsolescence against these assets, but would not be expected to have a material impact on our 
financial condition or operating performance. Actual losses and obsolescence charges did not vary materially from 
estimated amounts for 2019, 2018 or 2017. 

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. 

Interest Rate Risk 

We are exposed to interest rate risk through the investment of our cash and cash equivalents and our Credit 

Agreement. We may invest our cash in short-term investments with maturities of three months or less. Changes in 
interest rates affect the interest income we earn, and therefore impact our cash flows and results of operations. 
Borrowings under our Credit Agreement are exposed to interest rate risk due to the variable rate of the borrowings. As of 
December 31, 2019, we had $82 million outstanding under our Credit Agreement. If the interest rate had varied by 1% in 
either direction throughout 2019, interest expense would have fluctuated by $820,000. 

We currently do not engage in any interest rate hedging activity and have no current intention to do so. 
However, in the future, in an effort to mitigate losses associated with these risks, we may at times enter into derivative 
financial instruments, although we have not historically done so. We do not, and do not intend to, engage in the practice 
of trading derivative securities for profit. 

Exchange Rate Risk 

Less than two percent of our revenue, expense and capital purchasing activities are transacted in currencies 

other than the United States dollar, including the Euro, Canadian dollar, Chinese yuan and Brazilian real. 

We currently do not engage in any exchange rate hedging activity as the vast majority of our foreign purchases 

are denominated in United States dollars. However, in the future, in an effort to mitigate losses associated with these 
risks, we may at times engage in transactions involving various derivative instruments to hedge revenues, inventory 
purchases, assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. If the exchange rate on December 31, 2019 had 
varied by 10% in either direction, net income from Canadian operations would have fluctuated nominally. 

42 

 
 
Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. 

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements 
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

Page 

44
47
48
49
50
51
52

43 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc. 

Opinion on the Financial Statements 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc. (the Company) as 
of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), 
stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019, and the related 
notes and Financial Statement Schedule II – Analysis of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (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 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations 
and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019, 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 31, 2019, 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 24, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion 
thereon. 

Adoption of ASU No. 2016-02 

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for 
leases in 2019 due to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), and the related amendments. 

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. 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2003. 

Richmond, Virginia 
February 24, 2020 

44 

 
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc. 

Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

We have audited Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, 
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, Lumber Liquidators 
Holdings, Inc. (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of 
December 31, 2019, 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 2019 consolidated financial statements of the Company and our report dated February 24, 2020 
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 
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. 

45 

 
 
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 

Richmond, Virginia 
February 24, 2020 

46 

 
 
Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc. 

Consolidated Balance Sheets 
(in thousands) 

Assets 
Current Assets: 

Cash and Cash Equivalents 
Merchandise Inventories 
Prepaid Expenses 
Deposit for Legal Settlement 
Tariff Recovery Receivable 
Other Current Assets 
Total Current Assets 

Property and Equipment, net 
Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets 
Goodwill 
Other Assets 
Total Assets 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity 
Current Liabilities: 
Accounts Payable 
Customer Deposits and Store Credits 
Accrued Compensation 
Sales and Income Tax Liabilities 
Accrual for Legal Matters and Settlements - Current 
Operating Lease Liabilities - Current 
Other Current Liabilities 
Total Current Liabilities 
Other Long-Term Liabilities 
Operating Lease Liabilities - Long-Term 
Deferred Tax Liability 
Credit Agreement 
Total Liabilities 

December 31,    
2019 

December 31,  
2018 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

 8,993   $ 

 286,369  
 8,288  
 21,500  
 27,025  
 6,938  
 359,113  
 98,733  
 121,796  
 9,693  
 6,674  
 596,009   $ 

 59,827   $ 
 41,571  
 11,742  
 7,225  
 67,471  
 31,333  
 18,937  
 238,106  
 13,757  
 100,470  
 426  
 82,000  
 434,759  

 11,565 
 318,272 
 6,299 
 21,500 
 — 
 8,667 
 366,303 
 93,689 
 — 
 9,693 
 5,832 
 475,517 

 73,412 
 40,332 
 9,265 
 4,200 
 97,625 
 — 
 17,290 
 242,124 
 20,203 
 — 
 792 
 65,000 
 328,119 

Stockholders’ Equity: 

Common Stock ($0.001 par value; 35,000 shares authorized; 29,958 and 31,578 
shares issued and 28,714 and 28,627 shares outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 
2018, respectively) 
Treasury Stock, at cost (1,245 and 2,951 shares, respectively) 
Additional Capital 
Retained Earnings 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss 
Total Stockholders’ Equity 

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity 

  $ 

 30  
 (142,314) 
 218,616  
 86,498  
 (1,580) 
 161,250  
 596,009   $ 

 32 
 (141,828)
 213,744 
 76,835 
 (1,385)
 147,398 
 475,517 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

47 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc. 

Consolidated Statements of Operations 
(in thousands except per share amounts) 

Year Ended December 31,  
2018 

2017 

2019 

Net Sales  
Net Merchandise Sales 
Net Services Sales 
Total Net Sales 
Cost of Sales  
Cost of Merchandise Sold 
Cost of Services Sold 
Total Cost of Sales  

Gross Profit  

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses  

Operating Income (Loss) 

Other Expense 

Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes  

Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 
Net Income (Loss) 
Net Income (Loss) per Common Share—Basic  
Net Income (Loss) per Common Share—Diluted  
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding: 

Basic  
Diluted  

 $ 

 956,041    $ 
 136,561   
    1,092,602  

 955,949    $ 
 128,687   
   1,084,636  

 938,269 
 90,664 
   1,028,933 

 591,087 
 596,411  
 586,918  
 68,785 
 95,285  
 101,998  
 659,872 
 691,696  
 688,916  
 369,061 
 392,940  
 403,686  
 406,027 
 443,513  
 386,970  
 (36,966)
 (50,573) 
 16,716  
 1,591 
 2,827  
 3,764  
 (38,557)
 (53,400) 
 12,952  
 3,289  
 (734)
 979  
 9,663   $  (54,379)  $  (37,823)
 (1.33)
 0.34   $
 (1.33)
 0.34   $

 (1.90)  $
 (1.90)  $

 $
 $
 $

 28,689  
 28,793  

 28,571  
 28,571  

 28,407 
 28,407 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

48 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
     
     
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
   
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
   
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
   
    
  
    
  
   
   
  
  
   
  
  
 
 
 
 
Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc. 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) 
(in thousands) 

Year Ended December 31,  
2018 

2017 

2019 

Net Income (Loss) 
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income: 

Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments 
Total Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income 
Comprehensive Income (Loss) 

 $ 

 9,663   $  (54,379)   $  (37,823)

 304 
 (233)  
 (195) 
 (195) 
 304 
 (233)  
 9,468   $  (54,612)   $  (37,519)

 $ 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

49 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
    
  
    
  
   
   
  
  
   
  
  
 
 
Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc. 

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity 
(in thousands) 

     Common Stock 
     Treasury Stock 
  Shares     Par Value   Shares      Value 

    Additional     Retained     Comprehensive    Stockholders’ 

  Capital 

  Earnings     Income (Loss) 

Equity 

  Accumulated 
Other 

Total 

December 31, 2016 

 28,248   $ 

 31   

 2,854   $ (139,420)  $  202,700   $ 169,037   $ 

 (1,456)  $ 

 230,892 

Stock-Based 
Compensation 
Expense 
Exercise of Stock 
Options 
Release of 
Restricted Shares 
Common Stock 
Repurchased 
Translation 
Adjustment 
Net Loss 

December 31, 2017 

Stock-Based 
Compensation 
Expense 
Exercise of Stock 
Options 
Release of 
Restricted Shares 
Common Stock 
Repurchased 
Translation 
Adjustment 
Net Loss 

December 31, 2018 

Stock-Based 
Compensation 
Expense 
Release of 
Restricted Shares 
Common Stock 
Repurchased 
Translation 
Adjustment 
Net Income 

December 31, 2019 

 —  

 88  

 —   

 —  

 —   

 —  

 154  

 —   

 —  

 —  

 —  

 —  

 —  

 —   

 53  

 (1,455) 

 4,582  

 1,347  

 —  

 —  

 —  

 —  

 —  

 —  

 —  

 —  

 —  

 —  

 4,582 

 1,347 

 — 

 (1,455)

 —  
 —  
 28,490   $ 

 —   
 —   
 31   

 —  
 —  

 —  
 —  

 —  
 —  

 —  
    (37,823) 

 2,907   $ (140,875)  $  208,629   $ 131,214   $ 

 304  
 —  
 (1,152)  $ 

 304 
 (37,823)
 197,847 

 —  

 44  

 93  

 —  

 —   

 —  

 —   

 —  

 1   

 —  

 —  

 —  

 —  

 —   

 44  

 (953) 

 4,346  

 770  

 (1) 

 —  

 —  

 —  

 —  

 —  

 —  

 —  

 —  

 —  

 4,346 

 770 

 — 

 (953)

 —  
 —  
 28,627   $ 

 —   
 —   
 32   

 —  
 —  

 —  
 —  

 —  
 —  

 —  
    (54,379) 

 2,951   $ (141,828)  $  213,744   $  76,835   $ 

 (233) 
 —  
 (1,385)  $ 

 (233)
 (54,379)
 147,398 

 —  

 87  

 —  

 —  

 —  

 —  

 —  

 —  

 —  

 (2) 

 (1,706) 

 (486) 

 4,872  

 —  

 —  

 —  
 —  

 —  

 —  

 —  

 —  
 9,663  

 —  

 —  

 —  

 4,872 

 — 

 (488)

 (195) 
 —  
 (1,580)  $ 

 (195)
 9,663 
 161,250 

 —  
 —  
 28,714   $ 

 —  
 —  
 30   

 —  
 —  

 —  
 —  

 1,245   $ (142,314)  $  218,616   $  86,498   $ 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

50 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc. 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 
(in thousands) 

Year Ended December 31, 
2018 

2019 

2017 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities: 

Net Income (Loss) 
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss): 

Depreciation and Amortization  
Deferred Income Taxes (Benefit) Provision 
Stock-Based Compensation Expense  
Provision for Inventory Obsolescence Reserves 
(Gain) Loss on Disposal of Fixed Assets 
Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities: 

Merchandise Inventories  
Accounts Payable  
Customer Deposits and Store Credits  
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets  
Accrual for Legal Matters and Settlements 
Deposit for Legal Settlement 
Payments for Legal Matters and Settlements 
Other Assets and Liabilities  

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities  

Cash Flows from Investing Activities: 
Purchases of Property and Equipment  
Other Investing Activities 

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities  

Cash Flows from Financing Activities: 

Borrowings on Credit Agreement 
Payments on Credit Agreement 
Proceeds from the Exercise of Stock Options  
Payments on Financed Insurance Obligations 
Other Financing Activities 

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities  
Effect of Exchange Rates on Cash and Cash Equivalents  
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents  
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year 
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year 

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash operating and financing activities: 

Tenant Improvement Allowance for Leases 
Financed Insurance Premiums 

  $ 

 9,663   $ 

 (54,379)  $ 

 (37,823)

 17,465  
 (366) 
 4,848  
 1,888  
 (221) 

 28,941  
 (13,640) 
 1,353  
 (27,113) 
 4,575  
 —  
 (34,729) 
 7,665  
 329  

 18,425  
 240  
 4,091  
 3,108  
 1,818  

 (59,179) 
 4,852  
 1,685  
 2,902  
 63,951  
 (21,500) 
 (2,904) 
 (6,096) 
 (42,986) 

 17,739 
 (3,246)
 4,735 
 6,349 
 1,498 

 32,614 
 (52,475)
 6,001 
 28,962 
 36,960 
 — 
 (2,522)
 600 
 39,392 

 (19,906) 
 422  
 (19,484) 

 (14,332) 
 871  
 (13,461) 

 (7,411)
 3,073 
 (4,338)

 104,500  
 (87,500) 
 —  
 —  
 (1,119) 
 15,881  
 702  
 (2,572) 
 11,565  
 8,993   $ 

 74,000  
 (24,000) 
 770  
 (612) 
 (953) 
 49,205  
 (1,131) 
 (8,373) 
 19,938  
 11,565   $ 

 40,000 
 (65,000)
 1,347 
 (734)
 (1,806)
 (26,193)
 806 
 9,667 
 10,271 
 19,938 

 (2,962)  $ 
 —  

 —   $ 
 —  

 — 
 1,346 

  $ 

  $ 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

51 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
     
 
     
 
   
 
  
    
  
    
  
   
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
    
  
   
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
    
  
    
  
   
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
    
  
   
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
    
  
    
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
(amounts in thousands, except share data and per share amounts) 

Note 1.         Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 

Nature of Business 

Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc. and its direct and indirect subsidiaries (collectively and, where applicable, 

individually, the “Company”) engage in business as a multi-channel specialty retailer of hard-surface flooring, and hard-
surface flooring enhancements and accessories, operating as a single operating segment. The Company offers an 
extensive assortment of exotic and domestic hardwood species, engineered hardwood, laminate, resilient vinyl, 
waterproof vinyl plank and porcelain tile flooring direct to the consumer. The Company features the renewable flooring 
products, bamboo and cork, and provides a wide selection of flooring enhancements and accessories, including 
moldings, noise-reducing underlayment, adhesives and flooring tools. The Company also provides in-home delivery and 
installation services to its customers.  The Company sells primarily to homeowners or to contractors on behalf of 
homeowners through a network of store locations in metropolitan areas. The Company’s stores spanned 47 states in the 
United States (“U.S.”) and included eight stores in Canada at December 31, 2019. In addition to the store locations, the 
Company’s products may be ordered, and customer questions/concerns addressed, through both its customer relationship 
center in Richmond, Virginia, and its website, www.lumberliquidators.com.  Until January 2019, the Company finished 
the majority of its Bellawood products on its finishing lines in Toano, Virginia, which along with the call center, 
corporate offices and a distribution center, represented the corporate headquarters until November 2019.  In July of 
2018, the Company announced its plan to sell its finishing line equipment to an unaffiliated third-party purchaser and to 
relocate its corporate headquarters to Richmond, Virginia, in 2019.  The move of the corporate headquarters to 
Richmond, Virginia was completed as of November 2019. 

Organization and Basis of Financial Statement Presentation 

The consolidated financial statements of Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation, include 

the accounts of its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in 
consolidation.  

Use of Estimates 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. 

requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial 
statements and accompanying notes. During 2018, the Company recognized significant liabilities related to various legal 
and regulatory matters. While the payment of these liabilities in 2019, 2018, and 2017 has had, and is expected to have, a 
material adverse impact on the Company’s liquidity and cash flow from operations, the Company estimates that it has 
sufficient liquidity through amounts available under its Revolving Credit Facility and forecasted cash flows from 
operations to fund its working capital, including these legal and regulatory liabilities. The Company prepares its 
forecasted cash flow and liquidity estimates based on assumptions that it believes to be reasonable but are also inherently 
uncertain. Actual future cash flows could differ from these estimates. 

Cash and Cash Equivalents 

The Company had cash and cash equivalents of $9 million and $12 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, 
respectively. The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity date of three months or less when 
purchased to be cash equivalents, of which there were zero at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company 
accepts a range of debit and credit cards, and these transactions are generally transmitted to a bank for reimbursement 
within 24 hours. The payments due from the banks for these debit and credit card transactions are generally received, or 
settled, within 24 to 48 hours of the transmission date. The Company considers all debit and credit card transactions that 

52 

settle in less than seven days to be cash and cash equivalents. Amounts due from the banks for these transactions 
classified as cash equivalents totaled $6.5 million and $7.3 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. 

Credit Programs 

Credit is offered to the Company’s customers through a credit card, underwritten by a third-party financial 

institution and at no recourse to the Company. A credit line is offered to the Company’s professional customers through 
the Lumber Liquidators Commercial Credit Program. This commercial credit program is underwritten by a third-party 
financial institution, generally with no recourse to the Company. 

As part of the credit program, the Company’s customers may tender their Lumber Liquidators credit card to 

receive installation services. As of December 31, 2019, the Company utilized a network of associates to perform certain 
customer-facing, consultative services and coordinate the installation of its flooring products by third-party independent 
contractors in all of its stores.  

Fair Value of Financial Instruments 

The carrying amounts of financial instruments such as cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable and other 
liabilities approximates fair value because of the short-term nature of these items. The carrying amount of obligations 
under its Credit Agreement approximates fair value due to the variable rate of interest.  

Merchandise Inventories 

The Company values merchandise inventories at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The method by which 

amounts are removed from inventory is weighted average cost. All of the hardwood flooring purchased from vendors is 
either prefinished or unfinished, and in immediate saleable form.  The Company relies on a select group of international 
suppliers to provide imported flooring products that meet the Company’s specifications.  In 2019, approximately 46% of 
the Company’s product was sourced from China.  The Company is subject to near-term risks associated with obtaining 
products from abroad, including disruptions or delays in production, shipments, delivery or processing as a result of a 
pandemic, including the Coronavirus.  The Company is developing contingency plans to minimize potential disruptions. 

Inventory cost includes the costs of bringing an article to its existing condition and location such as shipping 
and handling and import tariffs. Prior to the sale of the finishing line equipment in 2018, the Company would add the 
finish to, and box, various species of unfinished product, to produce certain proprietary products, primarily Bellawood. 
Any finishing and boxing costs were included in the average unit cost of related merchandise inventory. In addition, the 
Company maintains an inventory reserve for loss or obsolescence based on historical results and current sales trends. 
This reserve was $6.9 million and $6.8 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. 

Included in merchandise inventories are tariff related costs, including Section 301 tariffs.  In late 2019, the 

United States Trade Representative (“USTR”) ruled on a request made by certain interested parties, including the 
Company, and retroactively excluded certain flooring products imported from China from the Section 301 tariffs.  The 
Company has recorded a $27 million receivable related to these tariffs in the caption “Tariff Recovery Receivable” on 
the Consolidated Balance Sheets and expects to receive payments by the end of 2020. 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets 

The Company evaluates potential impairment losses on long-lived assets and right-of-use assets used in 

operations when events and circumstances indicate that the assets may be impaired, and the undiscounted cash flows 
estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the carrying amounts of those assets. If impairment exists and the 
undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the carrying amount of those assets, an 
impairment loss is recorded based on the difference between the carrying value and fair value of the assets. 

During 2018, the Company decided to exit the finishing business and entered into an agreement to sell this 

equipment to a third party, which altered the Company’s expectations of future cash flows from these long-lived assets. 

53 

As a result, the Company tested certain long-lived assets for impairment and recorded a $1.8 million impairment charge 
within selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses in its accompanying consolidated statements of 
operations. The charge was measured as the difference between the fair value (Level 2 inputs under ASC 820) of the 
assets and the carrying value of the related net assets based on the contract to sell to a third party. The Company received 
$0.8 million in connection with this transaction during 2018 and had $1.0 million in assets held-for-sale, included in 
Other Current Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2018.  During 2019, the Company received 
$0.9 million in connection with this transaction and had $0.1 million in assets held-for-sale included in Other Current 
Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2019. 

During 2017, the Company determined that the carrying value of certain assets that had once been part of a 

discontinued vertical integration strategy was above their fair value and recorded an impairment charge of $1.5 million 
within SG&A expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. The charge was measured as the difference between 
the fair value (Level 2 inputs under ASC-820) of the assets and the carrying value of the related net assets based on a 
contract to sell to a third party.  

Goodwill and Other Indefinite-Lived Intangibles 

Goodwill represents the costs in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired associated with acquisitions by 
the Company.  As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, other assets include $0.8 million for an indefinite-lived intangible 
asset for the phone number 1 - 800 - HARDWOOD and related internet domain names. The Company evaluates these 
assets for impairment on an annual basis, or whenever events or changes in circumstance indicate that the asset carrying 
value exceeds its fair value. Based on the analysis performed, the Company has concluded that no impairment in the 
value of these assets has occurred. 

Self-Insurance 

The Company is self-insured for certain employee health benefit claims and for certain workers’ compensation 
claims. The Company estimates a liability for aggregate losses below stop-loss coverage limits based on estimates of the 
ultimate costs to be incurred to settle known claims and claims incurred but not reported as of the balance sheet date. 
The estimated liability is not discounted and is based on a number of assumptions and factors including historical and 
industry trends and economic conditions. This liability could be affected if future occurrences and claims differ from 
these assumptions and historical trends. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had accruals of $2.5 million 
and $2.4 million, respectively, related to estimated claims included in other current liabilities. 

Recognition of Net Sales  

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 (“Topic 606”), Revenue from 
Contracts with Customers, which superseded the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, 
including most industry-specific revenue recognition guidance. The core principle of Topic 606 is that an entity 
recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the 
consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services and when control of those 
goods and services has passed to the customer. The Company adopted Topic 606 as of January 1, 2018 using the 
modified retrospective transition method. However, because adoption of the standard did not change the timing or 
amount of the Company’s recognition of revenue and because the Company does not recognize revenues for partial 
contracts, there was no adjustment to retained earnings needed as part of the adoption of the new standard.   

The Company generates revenues primarily by retailing merchandise in the form of hard-surface and porcelain 
flooring and accessories. Additionally, the Company expands its revenues by offering services to deliver and/or install 
this merchandise for its customers; it considers these services to be separate performance obligations. The separate 
performance obligations are detailed on the customer’s invoice(s) and the customer often purchases flooring 
merchandise without purchasing installation or delivery services.  Sales occur through a network of 419 stores, which 
spanned 47 states, including eight stores in Canada at December 31, 2019. In addition, both the merchandise and 
services can be ordered through a call center and from the Company’s website, www.lumberliquidators.com. The 
Company’s agreements with its customers are of short duration (less than a year), and as such the Company has elected 

54 

not to disclose revenue for partially satisfied contracts that will be completed in the days following the end of a period as 
permitted by GAAP. The Company reports its revenues exclusive of sales taxes collected from customers and remitted 
to governmental taxing authorities, consistent with past practice. 

Revenue is based on consideration specified in a contract with a customer and excludes any sales incentives from 

vendors and amounts collected on behalf of third parties. The Company recognizes revenue when it satisfies a 
performance obligation by transferring control over a product to a customer or performing service for a customer.  
Revenues from installation and freight services are recognized when the delivery is made or the installation is complete, 
which approximates the recognition of revenue over time due to the short duration of service provided. The price of the 
Company’s merchandise and services is specified in the respective contract and detailed on the invoice agreed to with 
the customer including any discounts. The Company generally requires customers to pay a deposit, equal to 
approximately half of the retail sales value, when ordering merchandise not regularly carried in a given location or not 
currently in stock. In addition, the Company generally does not extend credit to its customers with payment due in full at 
the time the customer takes possession of merchandise or when the service is provided. Customer payments and deposits 
received in advance of the customer taking possession of the merchandise or receiving the services are recorded as 
deferred revenues in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet caption Customer Deposits and Store Credits.   

The following table shows the activity in this account for the periods noted: 

Customer Deposits and Store Credits, Beginning Balance 

$ 

New Deposits 
Recognition of Revenue 
Sales Tax included in Customer Deposits 
Other 

Customer Deposits and Store Credits, Ending Balance 

$ 

2019 

Year Ended December 31,  
2018 

 (40,332) $ 

 (1,163,691)    
 1,092,602     
 67,029 
 2,821     
 (41,571)   $ 

 (38,546)   $ 

 (1,155,019)
 1,084,636 

 67,125     
 1,472     
 (40,332)   $ 

2017 

 (32,639)
 (1,101,841)
 1,028,933 
 66,028 
 973 
 (38,546)

Subject to limitations under the Company’s policy, return of unopened merchandise is accepted for 90 days.  

The amount of revenue recognized for flooring merchandise is adjusted for expected returns, which are estimated based 
on the Company’s historical data, current sales levels and forecasted economic trends. The Company uses the expected 
value method to estimate returns because it has a large number of contracts with similar characteristics.  The Company 
previously recognized revenue in full, recorded an allowance for expected returns (contra-revenue) and recorded a 
separate refund liability for expected returns. The Company reduces revenue by the amount of expected returns and 
records it within Accrued Expenses and Other on the consolidated balance sheet. The Company continues to estimate the 
amount of returns based on the historical data. In addition, the Company recognizes a related asset for the right to 
recover returned merchandise and records it in the Other Current Assets caption of the accompanying consolidated 
balance sheet. This amount was $1.2 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018. The Company recognizes sales 
commissions as incurred since the amortization period is less than one year.  

We offer hundreds of different flooring products; however, no single flooring product represented a significant 

portion of our sales mix. By major product category, our sales mix was as follows: 

Year Ended December 31, 

Manufactured Products 1 
Solid and Engineered Hardwood 
Moldings and Accessories and Other 
Installation and Delivery Services 

Total 

  $ 

2019 
 452,914  
 319,582     
 183,545   
 136,561   
  $  1,092,602   

 41 %   $ 
 29 %    
 17 %     
 13 %     

2017 
 315,369  
 31 %
 423,301       41 %
 19 %
 199,599   
 9 %
 90,664   
 100 %   $  1,084,636     100 %   $  1,028,933     100 %

2018 
 392,512  
 36 %   $ 
 367,026       34 %    
 18 %     
 196,411   
 12 %     
 128,687   

1 

Includes laminate, vinyl, engineered vinyl plank and porcelain tile. 

55 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
  
 
 
     
     
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
Cost of Sales 

Cost of sales includes the cost of products sold, including tariffs, the cost of installation services, and 
transportation costs from vendors to the Company’s distribution centers or store locations. It also includes any applicable 
finishing costs related to production of the Company’s proprietary brands, transportation costs from distribution centers 
to store locations, transportation costs for the delivery of products from store locations to customers, certain costs of 
quality control procedures, warranty and customer satisfaction costs, inventory adjustments including obsolescence and 
shrinkage, and costs to produce samples, which are net of vendor allowances. 

The Company offers a range of limited warranties for the durability of the finish on its prefinished products to 

its services provided. These limited warranties range from one to 100 years, with lifetime warranties for certain of the 
Company’s products. Warranty reserves are based primarily on claims experience, sales history and other considerations, 
including payments made to satisfy customers for claims not directly related to the warranty on the Company’s products. 
Warranty costs are recorded in cost of sales. This reserve was $0.9 million and $1.4 million at December 31, 2019 and 
2018, respectively. The Company seeks recovery from its vendors and third-party independent contractors of installation 
services for certain amounts paid. 

Vendor allowances primarily consist of volume rebates that are earned as a result of attaining certain purchase 

levels and reimbursement for the cost of producing samples. Vendor allowances are accrued as earned, with those 
allowances received as a result of attaining certain purchase levels accrued over the incentive period based on estimates 
of purchases. Volume rebates earned are initially recorded as a reduction in merchandise inventories and a subsequent 
reduction in cost of sales when the related product is sold. Reimbursement received for the cost of producing samples is 
recorded as an offset against cost of sales. 

Advertising Costs 

Advertising costs charged to selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses, net of vendor allowances, 
were $75 million, $74 million and $77 million in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The Company uses various types of 
media to brand its name and advertise its products. Media production costs are generally expensed as incurred, except 
for direct mail, which is expensed when the finished piece enters the postal system. Media placement costs are generally 
expensed in the month the advertising occurs, except for contracted endorsements and sports agreements, which are 
generally expensed ratably over the contract period. Amounts paid in advance are included in prepaid expenses and 
totaled $0.4 million and $0.6 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. 

Store Opening Costs 

Costs to open new store locations are charged to SG&A expenses as incurred, net of any vendor support. 

Other Vendor Consideration 

Consideration from non-merchandise vendors, including royalties and rebates, are generally recorded as an 

offset to SG&A expenses when earned. 

Depreciation and Amortization 

Property and equipment is carried at cost and depreciated on the straight-line method over the estimated useful 

lives. The estimated useful lives for leasehold improvements are the shorter of the estimated useful lives or the 
remainder of the lease terms. For leases with optional renewal periods for which renewal is not reasonably certain, the 
Company uses the original lease term, excluding optional renewal periods, to determine the appropriate estimated useful 

56 

lives. Capitalized software costs are capitalized from the time that technological feasibility is established until the 
software is ready for use. The estimated useful lives are generally as follows: 

Buildings and Building Improvements 
Property and Equipment 
Computer Software and Hardware  
Leasehold Improvements 

Leases 

      Years 
   7 to 40 
   3 to 10 
   3 to 10 
   1 to 10 

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02 (“ASU 2016-02”), which 

created ASC Topic 842, Leases, and superseded the lease accounting requirements in Topic 840, Leases. In summary, 
Topic 842 requires organizations that lease assets to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights 
and obligations created by those leases. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, Targeted Improvements to 
ASC 842, which included an option to not restate comparative periods in transition and elect to use the effective date of 
ASC 842 as the date of initial application of transition, which the Company elected. As a result of the adoption of ASC 
842 on January 1, 2019, the Company recorded both operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets of $113 million and 
lease liabilities of $121 million. The adoption of ASC 842 had an immaterial impact on the Company’s consolidated 
statements of operations and consolidated statements of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2019. The 
Company elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard 
which, among other things, allowed the Company to carryforward the historical lease classification.  

The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in operating 
lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. The operating lease ROU assets and 
operating lease liabilities are recognized as the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term 
at commencement date. As most of the leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company used its incremental 
borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of future 
payments. The operating lease ROU asset also is adjusted for any lease payments made and excludes lease incentives 
and initial direct costs incurred. The Company’s lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease at 
certain dates, typically at the Company’s own discretion. The Company regularly evaluates the renewal options and 
when they are reasonably certain of exercise, the Company includes the renewal period in its lease term. Many of the 
Company’s leases include both lease (e.g., payments including rent, taxes, and insurance costs) and non-lease 
components (e.g., common-area or other maintenance costs) which are accounted for as a single lease component as the 
Company has elected the practical expedient to group lease and non-lease components for all leases. Lease expense for 
minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement.  

The Company made an accounting policy election that payments under agreements with an initial term of 12 

months or less will not be included on the consolidated balance sheet but will be recognized in the consolidated 
statements of operations on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement.  

Additional information and disclosures required by this new standard are contained in “Note 5, Leases.” 

Stock-Based Compensation 

The Company records compensation expense associated with stock options and other forms of equity 
compensation in accordance with ASC 718. The Company may issue incentive awards, including performance-based 
awards, in the form of stock options, restricted shares and other equity awards to employees, non-employee directors and 
other service providers. The Company recognizes expense for the majority of its stock-based compensation based on the 
fair value of the awards that are granted. For awards granted to non-employee directors, expense is recognized based on 
the fair value of the award at the end of a reporting period. For performance-based awards granted to certain members of 
senior management, the Company recognizes expense after assessing the probability of the achievement of certain 
financial metrics on a periodic basis. Compensation expense is recognized only for those awards expected to vest, with 

57 

 
 
 
 
 
   
forfeitures estimated at the date of grant based on historical experience and future expectations. Measured compensation 
cost is recognized ratably over the requisite service period of the entire related stock-based compensation award. 

Foreign Currency Translation 

The Company’s Canadian operations use the Canadian dollar as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities 

are translated at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated at the 
average monthly exchange rates during the year. Resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a component of 
accumulated other comprehensive income on the consolidated balance sheets. 

Income Taxes 

Income taxes are accounted for in accordance with ASC 740 (“ASC 740”). Income taxes are provided for under 
the asset and liability method and consider differences between the tax and financial accounting bases. The tax effects of 
these differences are reflected on the consolidated balance sheets as deferred income taxes and measured using the 
effective tax rate expected to be in effect when the differences reverse. ASC 740 also requires that deferred tax assets be 
reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be 
realized. In evaluating the need for a valuation allowance, the Company takes into account various factors, including the 
nature, frequency and severity of current and cumulative losses, expected level of future taxable income, the duration of 
statutory carryforward periods and tax planning alternatives. In future periods, any valuation allowance will be re-
evaluated in accordance with ASC 740, and a change, if required, will be recorded through income tax expense in the 
period such determination is made. 

The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the 

tax position will be sustained on examination by the relevant taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of its 
position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest 
benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company classifies 
interest and penalties related to income tax matters as a component of income tax expense. 

Net Income per Common Share 

Basic net income per common share is determined by dividing net income by the weighted average number of 

common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted net income per common share is determined by dividing net income 
by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year, plus the dilutive effect of common stock 
equivalents, including stock options and restricted shares. Common stock and common stock equivalents included in the 
computation represent shares issuable upon assumed exercise of outstanding stock options and release of restricted 
shares, except when the effect of their inclusion would be antidilutive. 

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements 

In August 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2018 - 15 (“ASU 2018 - 15”), which 
provides guidance on the accounting for costs of implementation activities performed in a cloud computing arrangement 
that is a service contract, as initially published in Accounting Standards Update No. 2015 - 05, Intangibles—Goodwill 
and Other— Internal-Use Software: Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement. In 
summary, the new standard requires customers of cloud computing services to recognize an intangible asset for the 
software license and, to the extent that payments attributable to the software license are made over time, a liability is also 
recognized. The new standard also allows customers of cloud computing services to capitalize certain implementation 
costs. The amendments in ASU 2018 - 15 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, 
beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company adopted the new standard as of the beginning of the fourth quarter of 
2019.  The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or cash 
flows. 

58 

Note 2.         Property and Equipment 

Property and equipment consisted of: 

Land 
Building 
Property and Equipment 
Computer Software and Hardware 
Leasehold Improvement 
Assets under Construction 

Less: Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization 

Property and Equipment, net 

December 31, 

  $ 

2019 
 4,937   $ 
 44,395  
 57,047  
 51,437  
 54,139  
 1,549  
      213,504  
      114,771  

2018 
 4,937 
 44,319 
 53,411 
 54,375 
 46,297 
 767 
    204,106 
    110,417 
 93,689 

 98,733   $ 

  $ 

As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had cumulatively capitalized $42 million and $40 million of 

computer software costs, respectively. Amortization expense related to these assets was $4.6 million, $4.3 million and 
$3.9 million for 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. 

Note 3.         Other Liabilities 

Other long-term liabilities consisted of: 

Antidumping and Countervailing Duties Accrual, Including Accrued Interest 
Deferred Rent 
Lease Incentive Obligation 
Other  

Other Long Term Liabilities 

Note 4.         Credit Agreement 

December 31,  

2019 
 12,795   $ 
 —  
 —  
 962  
 13,757   $ 

2018 
 11,456 
 4,850 
 2,864 
 1,033 
 20,203 

  $ 

  $ 

On March 29, 2019, the Company entered into a Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit 

Agreement”) with Bank of America, N.A. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (the “Lenders”).  The Credit 
Agreement amended and restated the Third Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Prior 
Agreement”).  Under the Credit Agreement, the Lenders increased the maximum amount of borrowings under the 
revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) from $150 million under the Prior Agreement to $175 million 
and added a new first in-last out $25 million term loan (the “FILO Term Loan”) for a total of $200 million, subject to the 
borrowing bases described below.  The Company also has the option to increase the Revolving Credit Facility to a 
maximum total amount of $225 million, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions to such increase as specified in the 
Credit Agreement.  

As of December 31, 2019, a total of $57 million was outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility and $25 
million was outstanding under the FILO Term Loan.  As of December 31, 2019, there was $102 million of availability 
under the Revolving Credit Facility.  The Company also had $3.9 million in letters of credit which factor into its 
remaining availability. 

The Revolving Credit Facility and the FILO Term Loan mature on March 29, 2024, and are secured by security 

interests in the Collateral (as defined in the Credit Agreement), which includes substantially all assets of the Company 
including, among other things, the Company’s inventory and accounts receivables, and the Company’s East Coast 
distribution center located in Sandston, Virginia.  Under the terms of the Credit Agreement, the Company has the ability 
to release the East Coast distribution center from the Collateral under certain conditions. 

59 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
The Revolving Credit Facility is available to the Company up to the lesser of (1) $175 million or (2) a revolving 

borrowing base equal to the sum of specified percentages of the Borrowers’ eligible credit card receivables, eligible 
inventory (including eligible in-transit inventory) and eligible owned real estate, less certain reserves, all of which are 
defined by the terms of the Credit Agreement (the “Revolving Borrowing Base”).  If the outstanding FILO Term Loan 
exceeds the FILO Borrowing Base (as defined in the Credit Agreement), then the amount of such excess reduces 
availability under the Revolving Borrowing Base. 

Loans outstanding under the Credit Agreement can bear interest based on the Base Rate (as defined in the 

Credit Agreement) or the LIBOR Rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement).  Interest on Base Rate loans is charged at 
varying per annum rates computed by applying a margin ranging from (i) 0.25% to 0.75% over the Base Rate with 
respect to revolving loans and (ii) 1.25% to 2.00% over the Base Rate with respect to the FILO Term Loan, in each case 
depending on the Borrowers’ average daily excess borrowing availability under the Revolving Credit Facility during the 
most recently completed fiscal quarter.  Interest on LIBOR Rate loans and fees for standby letters of credit are charged at 
varying per annum rates computed by applying a margin ranging from (i) 1.25% to 1.75% over the applicable LIBOR 
Rate with respect to revolving loans and (ii) 2.25% to 3.00% over the applicable LIBOR Rate with respect to the FILO 
Term Loan, in each case depending on the Company’s average daily excess borrowing availability under the Revolving 
Credit Facility during the most recently completed fiscal quarter.  At December 31, 2019, the Company’s Revolving 
Credit Facility carried an average interest rate of 3.90% and the FILO Term Loan carried an interest rate of 4.75%. 

The Credit Agreement contains a fixed charge coverage ratio covenant that becomes effective only when 

specified availability under the Revolving Credit Facility falls below the greater of $17.5 million or 10% of the 
Combined Loan Cap (as defined in the Credit Agreement). 

Note 5.         Leases 

The Company has operating leases for its stores, corporate headquarters in Richmond, Virginia, its distribution 
center on the west coast, supplemental office facilities and certain equipment.  The store location leases generally have 
five-year base periods with one or more five-year renewal periods. The corporate headquarters in Richmond, Virginia 
has base terms running through December 31, 2029. The supplemental office facility in Richmond, Virginia has base 
terms running through November 30, 2020. The distribution center on the west coast has base terms running through 
October 31, 2024. Total rent expense was $37 million, $34 million and $33 million in 2019, 2018 and 2017, 
respectively. 

The cost components of the Company’s operating leases recorded in SG&A on the consolidated statement of 

operations were as follows for the periods shown: 

Operating lease costs 
Variable lease costs 

Total 

Year Ended December 31, 2019 

Store Leases 

      Other Leases 

Total  

$ 

$ 

 32,759 
   8,381 
 41,140 

  $ 

  $ 

 4,078 
 1,007 
 5,085 

  $ 

  $ 

 36,837 
   9,388 
 46,225 

Variable lease costs consist primarily of taxes, insurance, and common area or other maintenance costs for our 

leased facilities, which are paid as incurred. 

60 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other information related to leases were as follows: 

Year Ended December 31, 2019 

Store Leases      Other Leases      

Total  

Supplemental Cash Flows Information 
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: 

Operating cash flows from operating leases 

$ 

 33,590   $ 

 4,252   $  37,842  

Right-of-use assets obtained or modified in exchange for operating lease 
obligations 

$ 

 25,745   $ 

 9,828   $  35,573  

Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term (years) 

4.81  

7.60  

5.28  

Weighted Average Discount Rate 

5.8 % 

5.5 % 

5.7 %

At December 31, 2019, the future minimum rental payments under non-cancellable operating leases were as 

follows: 

Operating Leases 

2020 
2021 
2022 
2023 
2024 
Thereafter 
Total minimum lease payments 
Less imputed interest 
       Total 

Note 6.         Stockholders’ Equity 

Net Income per Common Share 

  Store Leases 
  $ 

 33,752  
 28,460  
 22,508  
 16,554  
 9,853  
 14,443  
 125,570  
 (15,900) 
 109,670   $ 

  $ 

Other 
Leases 

Total 

  Operating 

Leases 

 4,103   $   37,855 
 32,123 
 3,663  
 26,164 
 3,656  
 20,287 
 3,733  
 13,446 
 3,593  
 22,683 
 8,240  
   152,558 
 26,988  
 (4,855) 
   (20,755)
 22,133   $  131,803 

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per common share: 

2019 

 $ 

 9,663     $ 

Year Ended December 31,  
2018 
 (54,379)    $ 
 28,571  

 28,689  

 104  
 28,793  

 —  
 28,571  

 $ 
 $ 

 0.34   $ 
 0.34   $ 

 (1.90)  $ 
 (1.90)  $ 

2017 
 (37,823)
 28,407 

 — 
 28,407 
 (1.33)
 (1.33)

Net Income (Loss) 
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding—Basic  
Effect of Dilutive Securities: 

Common Stock Equivalents  

Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding—Diluted  
Net Income (Loss) per Common Share—Basic  
Net Income (Loss) per Common Share—Diluted  

61 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
     
     
   
  
  
   
    
  
    
  
   
   
  
  
   
  
  
 
The following have been excluded from the computation of Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding—

Diluted because the effect would be antidilutive: 

Stock Options  
Restricted Shares 

Stock Repurchase Program 

2019 

As of December 31,  
2018 

 604      
 187  

 643      
 407  

2017 

 653 
 433 

The Company’s board of directors has authorized the repurchase of up to $150 million of the Company’s 

common stock.  At December 31, 2019, the Company had approximately $14.7 million remaining under this 
authorization. The Company did not purchase any shares under this program during the three-years ended December 31, 
2019. 

Note 7.         Stock-Based Compensation 

Overview 

The Company has an equity incentive plan (the “Plan”) for employees, non-employee directors and other 

service providers from which the Company may grant stock options, restricted shares, stock appreciation rights 
(“SARs”) and other equity awards. The total number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance under the Plan 
is 7.8 million. As of December 31, 2019, 2.5 million shares of common stock were available for future grants. Stock 
options granted under the Plan expire no later than ten years from the date of grant and the exercise price shall not be 
less than the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant. Vesting periods are assigned to stock options and 
restricted shares on a grant-by-grant basis at the discretion of the Board. The Company issues new shares of common 
stock upon exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted shares. 

The Company also maintains the Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc. Outside Directors Deferral Plan under 
which each of the Company’s non-employee directors has the opportunity to elect annually to defer certain fees until 
departure from the Board. A non-employee director may elect to defer up to 100% of his or her fees and have such fees 
invested in deferred stock units. Deferred stock units must be settled in common stock upon the director’s departure from 
the Board. There were 158,283 and 132,348 deferred stock units outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018, 
respectively. 

62 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
     
     
  
 
 
Stock Options 

The following table summarizes activity related to stock options: 

Shares 

Balance, December 31, 2016 

Granted  
Exercised 
Forfeited 

Balance, December 31, 2017 

Granted  
Exercised 
Forfeited 

Balance, December 31, 2018 

Granted  
Forfeited 

Balance, December 31, 2019 

 835,614    $ 
 127,984     
 (87,955)    
    (185,975)    
 689,668   $ 
 215,297  
 (43,510) 
    (128,870) 

 732,585   $ 
 110,535  
    (149,657) 

 693,463   $ 

 24.86   
 22.09   
 15.31   
 25.62   
 25.31   
 20.54   
 17.70   
 33.25   
 22.97   
 8.47   
 25.16   
 20.18   

     Remaining        
  Weighted  
 Average  
  Contractual    
  Average  
  Exercise Price   Term (Years)   

  Aggregate   
Intrinsic 
Value 
 1,167 

 7.5    $ 

 7.7   $ 

 8,530 

 7.3   $ 

 — 

 7.1   $ 

 144 

Exercisable at December 31, 2019 
Vested and expected to vest December 31, 2019 

 361,974   $ 
 693,463   $ 

 24.43   
 20.18   

     $ 
     $ 

 — 
 144 

The aggregate intrinsic value is the difference between the exercise price and the closing price of the 
Company’s common stock on December 31. There were no stock options exercised during 2019.  The intrinsic value of 
stock options exercised during 2018 and 2017 was $0.3 million and $0.8 million, respectively. 

As of December 31, 2019, total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested options was approximately 

$1.5 million, net of estimated forfeitures, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 
approximately 2.2 years. 

The fair value of each stock option award is estimated by management on the date of the grant using the Black-
Scholes-Merton option pricing model. The weighted average fair value of options granted during 2019, 2018 and 2017 
was $4.32, $10.69 and $11.20, respectively. 

The following are the average assumptions for the periods noted: 

Expected dividend rate 
Expected stock price  volatility 
Risk-free interest rate 
Expected term of options 

      2019 

Year Ended December 31,  
2018 

2017 

 — %   
 55 %   
 2.1 %   
 5.5  years  

 — %   
 55 %   
 2.8 %   
 5.5  years  

 — % 
 55 % 
 1.7 % 
 5.5 years  

The expected stock price volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock price. The 
volatilities are estimated for a period of time equal to the expected term of the related option. The risk-free interest rate is 
based on the implied yield of U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with an equivalent remaining term. The expected term of 
the options represents the estimated period of time until exercise and is determined by considering the contractual terms, 
vesting schedule and expectations of future employee behavior. 

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Restricted Shares 

The following table summarizes activity related to restricted shares: 

Nonvested, December 31, 2016 

Granted  
Released 
Forfeited 

Nonvested, December 31, 2017 

Granted  
Released 
Forfeited 

Nonvested, December 31, 2018 

Granted  
Released 
Forfeited 

Nonvested, December 31, 2019 

     Weighted Average 
  Grant Date Fair  

Shares 
 586,187   $ 
 207,196  
 (205,349) 
 (108,288) 
 479,746   $ 
 224,835  
 (137,064) 
 (80,305) 
 487,212   $ 
 661,784  
 (130,721) 
 (107,309) 
 910,966   $ 

Value 

 17.71 
 19.56 
 18.31 
 15.68 
 18.71 
 22.39 
 18.67 
 17.98 
 20.54 
 10.35 
 11.09 
 14.71 
 15.18 

The fair value of restricted shares released during 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $1.5 million, $2.9 million and $5.2 

million, respectively. As of December 31, 2019, total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted 
shares was approximately $5.1 million, net of estimated forfeitures, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted 
average period of approximately 2.4 years. 

During 2019, the Company granted 100,281 shares of performance-based restricted stock awards, vesting over 

a three-year period, with a grant date fair value of approximately $1.1 million. These shares were awarded to certain 
members of senior management in connection with the achievement of specific key financial metrics measured over a 
two-year period and vest over a three-year period. The number of awards that will ultimately vest is contingent upon the 
achievement of these key financial metrics by the end of year two. The Company assesses the probability of achieving 
these metrics on a quarterly basis. For these awards, the Company recognizes the fair value expense ratably over the 
performance and vesting period. Once these amounts have been determined, half of the shares will vest at the end of year 
two and the remaining half will vest at the end of year three. These awards are included above in RSAs Granted. 

64 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
Stock Appreciation Rights 

The following table summarizes activity related to SARs: 

  Weighted  
Average  

      Remaining        
Average  

  Contractual  

  Exercise Price   Term (Years)   

Balance, December 31, 2016 

Granted  
Exercised 
Forfeited 

Balance, December 31, 2017 

Granted  
Exercised 
Forfeited 

Balance, December 31, 2018 

Granted  
Exercised 
Forfeited 

Shares 
 28,668   $ 
 2,899  
 (165) 
 (14,852) 
 16,550   $ 
 1,738  
 —  
 (335) 
 17,953   $ 
 —  
 —  
 (17,708) 

 32.63   
 17.39   
 24.35  
 45.93   
 18.10   
 23.31   
 —   
 86.16  
 17.33   
 —   
 —   
 16.44   
 82.08   

  Aggregate  
Intrinsic  
Value 

 7.5   $ 

 6 

 8.6   $ 

 251 

 7.8   $ 

 — 

 — 

 — 

Balance, December 31, 2019 

 245   $ 

 3.4   $ 

Exercisable at December 31, 2019 

 245   $ 

 82.08   

 3.4   $ 

The fair value method, estimated by management using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model, is used 

to recognize compensation cost associated with SARs. 

Note 8.         Income Taxes 

The components of income (loss) before income taxes were as follows: 

United States 
Foreign 

Total Income (Loss) before Income Taxes 

Year Ended December 31,  
2018 
 (52,473)    $ 
 (927) 
 (53,400)  $ 

2019 
 13,830     $ 
 (878)  
 12,952   $ 

2017 
 (38,258)
 (299)
 (38,557)

  $ 

  $ 

The expense (benefit) for income taxes consisted of the following: 

Current 

Federal 
State 
Foreign 

Total Current 

Deferred 
Federal 
State 

Total Deferred 

Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 

Year Ended December 31,  

2019 

2018 

2017 

  $ 

 2,550   $ 
 1,015  
 90  
 3,655  

 —   $ 

 607  
 132  
 739  

 2,254 
 146 
 112 
 2,512 

 (203) 
 (163) 
 (366) 
 3,289   $ 

 140  
 100  
 240  
 979   $ 

 (2,087)
 (1,159)
 (3,246)
 (734)

  $ 

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Tax expense in the amount of $0.5 million and $0.2 million was recognized as a component of income tax 

expense during 2019 and 2018, respectively, resulting from the exercise of stock options and the release of restricted 
shares. Prior to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-09, which amends ASC Topic 718, 
Compensation – Stock Compensation, in 2017, excess tax benefits and shortfalls were recognized as adjustments to 
additional paid-in capital. 

Income Tax Expense (Benefit) at Federal Statutory 
Rate 

$

 2,720      21.0 %   $ (11,214)     21.0 %  $  (13,495)      35.0 % 

2019 

Year Ended December 31,  
2018 

2017 

Increases (Decreases): 

State Income Taxes, Net of Federal Income Tax 
Benefit 
Valuation Allowance 
Foreign Operations 
Uncertain Tax Positions  
Non-Deductible Fines and Penalties 
Federal Rate Change 
Other 

Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 

$

 425  
 3.3 %     
 668  
 5.2 %     
 90  
 0.7 %     
 174  
 1.3 %    
 6  
 — %     
 —  
 — %     
 (6.1)%     
 (794) 
 3,289     25.4 %   $

 723   
 3,897   
 132   
 2,919  
 4,011   
 —   
 511   
 979   

 (1.3) %    
 (7.3) %    
 (0.3) %    
 (5.5) %   
 (7.5) %    
 — %    
 (0.9) %    
 (1.8) %  $ 

 (740)  
 3,826   
 221   
 —   
 1,156   
 8,088   
 210   
 (734)  

 1.9 % 
 (10.0)% 
 (0.5)% 
 — %  
 (3.0)% 
 (21.0)% 
 (0.5)% 
 1.9 % 

The tax effects of temporary differences that result in significant portions of the deferred tax accounts based on a 

21% federal rate in both 2019 and 2018, are as follows: 

Deferred Tax Liabilities: 

Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets 
Depreciation and Amortization and Other 

Total Gross Deferred Tax Liabilities 

Deferred Tax Assets: 

Operating Lease Liabilities 
Stock-Based Compensation Expense 
Legal Settlement Reserves 
Other Accruals and Reserves  
Employee Benefits 
Inventory Reserves 
Inventory Capitalization 
Foreign Net Operating Loss Carryforwards 
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards 
Capital Loss Carryforwards and Other 

Total Gross Deferred Tax Assets 

Less: Valuation Allowance 
Total Net Deferred Tax Assets 
Net Deferred Tax Liability 

December 31,  

2019 

2018 

  $ 

 (31,804)  $ 
 (9,676) 
 (41,480) 

 — 
 (10,672)
 (10,672)

 34,419  
 2,611  
 11,774  
 5,054  
 1,169  
 1,311  
 3,194  
 3,341  
 2,444  
 2,724  
 68,041  
 (26,986) 
 41,055  

  $ 

 (425)  $ 

 — 
 2,348 
 14,251 
 4,811 
 1,018 
 1,896 
 3,492 
 3,153 
 2,445 
 2,784 
 36,198 
 (26,318)
 9,880 
 (792)

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) was enacted in the fourth quarter of 2017.  Generally, the Tax Act 

became effective in 2018, and it altered the deductibility of certain items (e.g., certain compensation, interest, 
entertainment expenses), and allowed qualifying capital expenditures to be deducted fully in the year of purchase. As of 
December 31, 2018, the Company completed the analysis of the tax effects of the Tax Act based on guidance issued to-
date and has reflected all applicable changes in its financial statements. 

66 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
     
     
  
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
     
    
  
     
    
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
  
 
         
   
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
  
    
  
   
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
The Company continues to monitor developments by federal and state rulemaking authorities regarding tax law 

changes and recognizes the impact of these law changes in the period in which they are enacted. 

For 2019 and 2018, the Company’s U.S. operations were in a cumulative loss position. As such, the Company 
has recorded a valuation allowance on its net deferred tax assets. The valuation allowance increased by $1.1 million and 
$4.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. In future periods, the allowance could be 
reduced if sufficient evidence exists indicating that it is more likely than not that a portion or all of these deferred tax 
assets will be realized. 

For 2019 and 2018, the Company’s Canadian operations were in a cumulative loss position. As such, the 

Company has recorded a full valuation allowance on the net deferred tax assets in Canada. The valuation allowance 
decreased by $0.4 million and increased by $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. 
In future periods, the allowance could be reduced if sufficient evidence exists indicating that it is more likely than not 
that a portion or all of these deferred tax assets will be realized. 

As of December 31, 2019, a full valuation allowance has been provided against certain deferred tax assets as it 

is presently deemed more likely than not that the benefit of such net tax assets will not be utilized. Due to recent 
cumulative losses, the Company did not rely upon projections of future taxable income in assessing the recoverability of 
deferred tax assets. In future periods, a reduction in the valuation allowance could result in a significant decrease in 
income tax expense in the period that the release is recorded.  However, the exact timing and amount of any reduction in 
our valuation allowance are unknown at this time and will be subject to the earnings level we achieve in future periods. 

As of December 31, 2019, the Company had no remaining U.S. federal net operating loss carryforward. As of 

December 31, 2018, the Company had a U.S. federal net operating loss carryforward of $12 million. As of December 31, 
2019 and 2018, respectively, the Company had state net loss carryforwards of $39 million and $52 million, which begin 
to expire in 2022. The Company had foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $12 million at December 31, 2019 and 
2018, which begin to expire in 2030. 

The Company paid income taxes (net of refunds) of $0.2 million in 2019.  The Company received income tax 

refunds (net of payments) of $0.1 million and $29 million in 2018 and 2017, respectively.  

As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had $0.2 million and $3.6 million, respectively of gross 

unrecognized tax benefits related to Uncertain Tax Positions ($0.2 million and $3.5 million, respectively, net of federal 
tax benefit). It is reasonably possible that the amount of the unrecognized tax benefit with respect to certain of the 
uncertain tax positions will increase or decrease during the next 12 months; however, the Company does not expect the 
change in uncertain tax positions to have a significant effect on its results of operations, financial position or cash flows. 

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and 

penalties, is as follows: 

Balance at beginning of year 
Increases for tax positions related to current year 
(Decreases) Increases for tax positions related to prior years 
Settlements 
Balance at end of year 

Year Ended December 31,  
2019 

2018 

 3,610    $ 
 174   
 (3,443)   
 (116)   
 225    $ 

 27   
 3,583   
 —   
 —   
 3,610   

$ 

$ 

Included in the additions of unrecognized tax benefits in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, is 

approximately $0.2 million for an uncertain tax position related to state income taxes.  

The Company files income tax returns with the U.S. federal government and various state and foreign 

jurisdictions. In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to examination by taxing authorities.   As of 

67 

 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
December 31, 2019, the Internal Revenue Service has completed audits of the Company’s income tax returns through 
2016.   

Note 9.         401(k) Plan 

The Company maintains a plan, qualified under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, for all eligible 

employees. Employees are eligible to participate following the completion of three months of service and attainment of 
age 21. The plan is a safe harbor plan, with company matching contributions of 100% of the first 3% of employee 
contributions and 50% of the next 2% of employee contributions. Both deferrals and Roth contributions are allowed up 
to 50% of an employee’s eligible compensation, subject to annual IRS limits. Additionally, employees are immediately 
100% vested in the Company’s matching contributions. The Company’s matching contributions, included in SG&A 
expenses, totaled $2.8 million, $2.6 million and $2.3 million in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. 

Note 10.       Commitments and Contingencies 

The Company has been actively resolving various legal and other matters that have arisen in recent years. 

Certain other matters remain outstanding. More detailed discussion of many of the matters noted below are included in 
this Form 10 - K under the caption “Item 3 Legal Proceedings.” 

2019, 2018 and 2017 Settlements and Resolutions 

During 2019, 2018 and 2017, the Company recorded accruals in accordance with GAAP related to several legal 

matters. These include: 

2019 
Employee Classification Litigation 

2018 
Governmental Investigations 
Litigation Related to Bamboo 

2017 
Formaldehyde-Abrasion MDLs 

Governmental Investigations: DOJ Deferred Prosecution Agreement and SEC Resolution  

Beginning in 2015, the Company received subpoenas in connection with a criminal investigation conducted by 
the DOJ and the SEC.  The focus of the investigations related to compliance with disclosure and financial reporting and 
requirements under the federal securities laws. The Company cooperated with the investigations and produced 
documents and other information responsive to subpoenas and other requests.  In March of 2019, prior to filing its 
December 31, 2018 Form 10-K, the Company reached an agreement with the U.S. Attorney, the DOJ and SEC regarding 
the investigation (the “Settlement Agreements”). The Company entered into a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (“DPA”) 
with the U.S. Attorney and the DOJ and a Cease-and-Desist Order (the “Order”) with the SEC, under which, among 
other things, the Company (1) paid a fine in the amount of $19.1 million to the United States Treasury, (2) forfeited to 
the U.S. Attorney and the DOJ the sum of $13.9 million, of which up to $6.1 million was submitted by the Company to 
the SEC in disgorgement and prejudgment interest under the Order and (3) is required to adopt a new compliance 
program, or modify its existing one, including internal controls, compliance policies, and procedures in order to ensure 
that the Company maintains an effective system of internal account controls designed to ensure the making and keeping 
of fair and accurate books, records and accounts, as well as a compliance program designed to prevent and detect 
violations of certain federal securities laws throughout its operations.  

The Settlement Agreements also provide that the Company will continue to cooperate with the U.S. Attorney, 
the DOJ and the SEC in all matters relating to the conduct described in the Settlement Agreements and, at the request of 
the U.S. Attorney, the DOJ or the SEC, the Company will cooperate fully with other domestic or foreign law 
enforcement authorities and agencies in any investigation of the Company in any and all matters relating to the 
Settlement Agreements. In the event the Company breaches the DPA, there is a risk the government would seek to 
impose remedies provided for in the DPA, including instituting criminal prosecution against the Company. 

68 

 
 
 
 
The Company accrued a charge of $33 million within selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses in 
its December 31, 2018 financial statements, reflecting the amounts owed under the Settlement Agreements.  During the 
second quarter of 2019, the Company remitted $33 million due to the applicable governmental parties and relieved the 
applicable portion of the liability in the caption “Accrual for Legal Matters and Settlements Current” on its balance 
sheet.  

Litigation Relating to Bamboo Flooring  

In 2014, Dana Gold (“Gold”) filed a purported class action lawsuit alleging that certain bamboo flooring that 
the Company sells (the “Strand Bamboo Product”) is defective (the “Gold Litigation”). The plaintiffs sought financial 
damages and, in addition to attorneys’ fees and costs, the plaintiffs wanted a declaration that the Company’s actions 
violated the law.  

On September 30, 2019, the parties finalized a settlement agreement that is consistent with the terms of the 
Memorandum of Understanding previously disclosed by the Company, which would resolve the Gold Litigation on a 
nationwide basis. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, the Company will contribute $14 million in cash (the 
“Gold Cash Payment”) and provide $14 million in store-credit vouchers, with a potential additional $2 million in store-
credit vouchers based on obtaining a claim’s percentage of more than 7%, for an aggregate settlement of up to $30 
million. The settlement agreement makes clear that the settlement does not constitute or include an admission by the 
Company of any fault or liability and the Company does not admit any fault, wrongdoing or liability. On December 18, 
2019, the court issued an order that, among other things, granted preliminary approval of the settlement agreement. 
Following the preliminary approval, and pursuant to the terms of the settlement agreement, in December 2019, the 
Company paid $1 million for settlement of administrative costs, which is part of the Gold Cash Payment, to the 
plaintiff’s settlement escrow account. A Final Approval and Settlement Hearing is currently scheduled for September 24, 
2020. The settlement agreement is subject to certain contingencies, including court approval. There can be no assurance 
that a settlement will be finalized and approved by the court at the Final Approval and Settlement Hearing or as to the 
ultimate outcome of the litigation. If a final, court approved settlement is not reached, the Company will defend the 
matter vigorously and believes there are meritorious defenses and legal standards that must be met for, among other 
things, success on the merits. The Company has notified its insurance carriers and continues to pursue coverage, but the 
insurers to date have denied coverage. As the insurance claim is still pending, the Company has not recognized any 
insurance recovery related to the Gold Litigation. 

The Company recognized a charge to earnings of $28 million within selling, general and administrative expense 

during the fourth quarter of 2018 as its loss became probable and estimable with the offset in the caption “Accrual for 
Legal Matters and Settlements Current” on its consolidated balance sheet related to this settlement as of December 31, 
2018. If the settlement agreement is not approved by the court or the Company incurs additional losses with respect to 
the Bamboo Flooring Litigation (as defined below), the actual losses that may result from these actions may exceed this 
amount. Any such losses could, potentially, have a material adverse effect, individually or collectively, on the 
Company’s results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. 

In addition, there are a number of individual claims and lawsuits alleging damages involving Strand Bamboo 

Product (the “Bamboo Flooring Litigation”). While the Company believes that a loss associated with the Bamboo 
Flooring Litigation is reasonably possible, the Company is unable to reasonably estimate the amount or range of possible 
loss. Any such losses could, potentially, have a material adverse effect, individually or collectively, on the Company’s 
results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. The Company disputes the claims in the Bamboo Flooring 
Litigation and intends to defend such matters vigorously. 

69 

 
 
Litigation Relating to Chinese Laminates  

Formaldehyde-Abrasion MDLs 

On March 15, 2018, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with the lead plaintiffs in the 
Formaldehyde MDL (as defined in Item 3 of this Form 10-K) and Abrasion MDL (as defined in Item 3 of this Form 10-
K), cases more fully described in Item 3 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Under the terms of the settlement 
agreement, the Company agreed to fund $22 million in cash and provide $14 million in store-credit vouchers for an 
aggregate settlement of $36 million to settle claims brought on behalf of purchasers of Chinese-made laminate flooring 
sold by the Company between January 1, 2009 and May 31, 2015. The Company deposited $22 million into an escrow 
account administered by the court and plaintiffs’ counsel in accordance with the final settlement. The final approval 
order by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia has been appealed and is pending. The 
Company does not anticipate any change to its obligations, but must wait until the appeals are adjudicated or withdrawn.  
If the appeals were to result in the settlement being set aside, the Company would receive $21.5 million back from the 
escrow agent. Accordingly, the Company has accounted for the payment of $21.5 million as a deposit in the 
accompanying consolidated financial statements. While insurance carriers initially denied coverage with respect to the 
Formaldehyde MDL and Abrasion MDL, the Company continues to pursue recoveries that the Company believes are 
appropriate. The $36 million aggregate settlement amount was accrued within SG&A expenses in 2017.  

For approximately three years after a final ruling has been reached in this matter, plaintiffs will be able to 

redeem vouchers for product. Some of the states have alternative expiration dates while others have an indefinite amount 
of time to redeem vouchers. The Company will account for the sales of these products by relieving the relevant liability, 
reducing inventory used in the transaction and offsetting SG&A expenses for any profit. The Company does not know 
the timing or pace of voucher redemption.  

In addition to those purchasers who opted out of the above settlement (the “Opt Outs”), there are a number of 

individual claims and lawsuits alleging personal injuries, breach of warranty claims, or violation of state consumer 
protection statutes that remain pending (collectively, the “Related Laminate Matters”). Certain of these Related 
Laminate Matters were settled in 2019 and 2018, while some remain in settlement negotiations. The Company 
recognized charges to earnings of $1.8 million and $3 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, 
respectively, within SG&A expenses for these Remaining Laminate Matters. As of December 31, 2019, the remaining 
accrual related to these matters is $0.1 million, which has been included in the Accrual for Legal Settlements on the 
Consolidated Balance Sheet. While the Company believes that a further loss associated with the Opt Outs and Related 
Laminate Matters is reasonably possible, the Company is unable to reasonably estimate the amount or range of possible 
loss beyond what has been provided. If the Company incurs losses with the respect to the Opt Outs or further losses with 
respect to Related Laminate Matters, the ultimate resolution of these actions could have a material adverse effect on the 
Company’s results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity.   

Canadian Litigation 

On or about April 1, 2015, Sarah Steele (“Steele”) filed a purported class action lawsuit in the Ontario, Canada 

Superior Court of Justice against the Company. In the complaint, Steele’s allegations include strict liability, breach of 
implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose, breach of implied warranty of merchantability, fraud by 
concealment, civil negligence, negligent misrepresentation and breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing 
relating to the Company’s Chinese-manufactured laminate flooring products. Steele did not quantify any alleged 
damages in her complaint, but seeks compensatory damages, punitive, exemplary and aggravated damages, statutory 
remedies, attorneys’ fees and costs. While the Company believes that a further loss associated with the Steele litigation 
is possible, the Company is unable to reasonably estimate the amount or range of possible loss. 

Lacey Act Related Matters 

On October 7, 2015, the Company reached a settlement with the Department of Justice (DOJ) with respect to its 
allegations of violations of the Lacey Act in its importation of certain wood flooring products and the court entered final 
judgment on February 3, 2016. In connection with this settlement the Company agreed to pay a total of $10 million in 

70 

fines, community service payments and forfeited proceeds and is subject to a five-year probation period and 
implemented the Lacey Compliance Plan. The Company has paid the settlement amount including the remaining $1.8 
million in the first quarter of 2018. In addition, the Company reached a settlement with the DOJ and paid $3.2 million 
with respect to certain engineered hardwood flooring determined by the Company to have Lacey Act compliance 
concerns. 

Employment Cases 

Mason Lawsuit 

In August  2017, Ashleigh Mason, Dan Morse, Ryan Carroll and Osagie Ehigie filed a purported class action 

lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York on behalf of all current and former store 
managers, store managers in training, installation sales managers and similarly situated current and former employees 
(collectively, the “Mason Putative Class Employees”) alleging that the Company violated the Fair Labor Standards Act 
(“FLSA”) and New York Labor Law (“NYLL”) by classifying the Mason Putative Class Employees as exempt. The 
alleged violations include failure to pay for overtime work. The plaintiffs sought certification of the Mason Putative 
Class Employees for (i) a collective action covering the period beginning three years prior to the filing of the complaint 
(plus a tolling period) through the disposition of this action for the Mason Putative Class Employees nationwide in 
connection with FLSA and (ii) a class action covering the period beginning six years prior to the filing of the complaint 
(plus a tolling period) through the disposition of this action for members of the Mason Putative Class Employees who 
currently are or were employed in New York in connection with NYLL. The plaintiffs did not quantify any alleged 
damages but, in addition to attorneys’ fees and costs, the plaintiffs seek class certification, unspecified amounts for 
unpaid wages and overtime wages, liquidated and/or punitive damages, declaratory relief, restitution, statutory penalties, 
injunctive relief and other damages. 

In November 2018, the plaintiffs filed a motion requesting conditional certification for all store managers and 

store managers in training who worked within the federal statute of limitations period.  In May 2019, the magistrate 
judge granted the plaintiffs’ motion for conditional certification.  The litigation is in the discovery stage, which currently 
closes in May 2020. 

The Company disputes the Mason Putative Class Employees’ claims and intends to defend the matter 
vigorously. Given the uncertainty of litigation, the preliminary stage of the case and the legal standards that must be met 
for, among other things, class certification and success on the merits, the Company cannot estimate the reasonably 
possible loss or range of loss, if any, that may result from this action and therefore no accrual has been made related to 
this. Any such losses could, potentially, have a material adverse effect, individually or collectively, on the Company’s 
results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. 

Kramer Lawsuit 

In November 2017, Robert J. Kramer, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated (collectively, the 

“Kramer Plaintiffs”) filed a purported class action lawsuit in the Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento on 
behalf of all current and former store managers, all others with similar job functions and/or titles and all current and 
former employees classified as non-exempt or incorrectly classified as exempt and who worked for the Company in the 
State of California (collectively, the “CSM Employees”) alleging violation of the California Labor Code including, 
among other items, failure to pay wages and overtime and engaging in unfair business practices (the “Kramer matter”). 
The Kramer Plaintiffs seek certification of the CSM Employees for a class action covering the prior four-year period 
prior to the filing of the complaint through the disposition of this action for the CSM Employees who currently are or 
were employed in California (the “California SM Class”). On or about February 19, 2019, the Kramer Plaintiffs filed a 
first amended complaint adding a claim for penalties under the California Private Attorney General Act for the same 
substantive alleged violations asserted in the complaint. The Kramer Plaintiffs did not quantify any alleged damages but, 
in addition to attorneys’ fees and costs, the Kramer Plaintiffs seek unspecified amounts for unpaid wages and overtime 
wages, liquidated and/or punitive damages, declaratory relief, restitution, statutory penalties, injunctive relief and other 
damages.  

71 

On September 9, 2019, the Company entered into an agreement to settle the Kramer matter, consistent with the 

terms of the Memorandum of Understanding previously disclosed by the Company.  Under the terms of the settlement 
agreement, the Company will pay $4.75 million to settle the claims asserted in the Kramer matter (or which could have 
been asserted in the Kramer matter) on behalf of all current and/or former store managers and store managers in training 
employed by the Company at any time between November 17, 2013 and September 19, 2019.  The settlement agreement 
was preliminarily approved by the court on September 19, 2019, and granted final approval on January 17, 2020. The 
Company recognized a net charge to earnings of approximately $4.75 million within SG&A expense in its second 
quarter 2019 financial statements.  As of December 31, 2019, the remaining accrual related to this matter is $4.75 
million, which is included on the balance sheet within the caption “Accrual for Legal Matters and Settlements- Current.” 

Antidumping and Countervailing Duties Investigation 

In October 2010, a conglomeration of domestic manufacturers of multilayered wood flooring (“Petitioners”) 

filed a petition seeking the imposition of antidumping (“AD”) and countervailing duties (“CVD”) with the United States 
Department of Commerce (“DOC”) and the United States International Trade Commission (“ITC”) against imports of 
multilayered wood flooring from China. This ruling applies to companies importing multilayered wood flooring from 
Chinese suppliers subject to the AD and CVD orders. The Company’s multilayered wood flooring imports from China 
accounted for approximately 6% and 7% of its flooring purchases in 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company’s 
consistent view through the course of this matter has been, and remains, that its imports are neither dumped nor 
subsidized.  As such, it has appealed the original imposition of AD and CVD fees. 

As part of its processes in these proceedings, the DOC conducts annual reviews of the AD and CVD rates. In 
such cases, the DOC will issue preliminary rates that are not binding and are subject to comment by interested parties. 
After consideration of the comments received, the DOC will issue final rates for the applicable period, which may lag by 
a year or more. At the time of import, the Company makes deposits at the then prevailing rate, even while the annual 
review is in process. When rates are declared final by the DOC, the Company accrues a receivable or payable depending 
on where that final rate compares to the deposits it has made. The Company and/or the domestic manufacturers can 
appeal the final rate for any period and can place a hold on final settlement by U.S. Customs and Border Protection while 
the appeals are pending. 

In addition to its overall appeal of the imposition of AD and CVD, which is still pending, the Company as well 
as other involved parties have appealed many of the final rate determinations. Those appeals are pending and, at times, 
have resulted in delays in settling the shortfalls and refunds shown in the table below. Because of the length of time for 
finalization of rates as well as appeals, any subsequent adjustment of AD and CVD rates typically flows through a period 
different from those in which the inventory was originally purchased and/or sold. 

Results by period for the Company are shown below. The column labeled ‘December 31, 2019 
Receivable/Liability Balance’ represents the amount the Company would receive or pay (net of any collections or 
payments) as the result of subsequent adjustment to rates whether due to finalization by the DOC or because of action of 
a court based on appeals by various parties. It does not include any initial amounts paid for AD or CVD in the current 
period at the in-effect rate at that time. 

The Company recorded net interest expense related to antidumping of $0.6 million for the year ended 
December 31, 2019, with the amount included in other expense on the Statements of Operations. The estimated 
associated interest payable and receivable for each period is not included in the table below and is included in the same 
financial statement line item on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as the associated liability and receivable 
balance for each period. 

72 

 
 
Review 
Period 

Period Covered 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

1&2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

1 

2 

May 2011 through  
 November 2012 
December 2012 through  
 November 2013 
December 2013 through 
 November 2014 
December 2014 through  
 November 2015 
December 2015 through  
 November 2016 
December 2016 through 
 November 2017 
December 2017 through  
 November 2018 

April 2011 through  
December 2012 
January 2013 through  
December 2013 
January 2014 through  
December 2014 
January 2015 through  
December 2015 
January 2016 through  
December 2016 
January 2017 through  
December 2017 
January 2018 through 
December 2018 

Rates at which  
Company 
Deposited 

Antidumping 

6.78% and 3.3% 

3.30% 

3.3% and 5.92% 

5.92% and 13.74% 

5.92%. 13.74%. and 17.37%

Final Rate 

0.73%1 

13.74% 2 

17.37% 

0.00% 

0.00% 

December 31, 2019 
Receivable/Liability 
Balance 

$1.3 million 
receivable1 
$4.1 million 
liability 
$4.7 million 
liability 
Settled 

Settled 

17.37% and 0.00% 

42.57% and 0.00%3 

0.00% 

Pending4 

$0.5 million receivable 
$1.5 million liability3 
NA 

Included on the Consolidated 
Balance Sheet in Other Current 
Assets 
Included on the Consolidated 
Balance Sheet in Other Assets 
Included on the Consolidated 
Balance Sheet in Other Long-
Term Liabilities 

Countervailing 
1.50% 

0.83% / 0.99% 

1.50% 

1.50% and 0.83% 

1.38% 

1.06% 

0.83% and 0.99% 

Final at 0.11% and 0.85%5 

0.99% and 1.38% 

Final at 3.10% and 2.96% 

1.38% and 1.06% 

Pending7 

1.06% 

Pending 
Included on the Consolidated 
Balance Sheet in Other Current 
Assets 
Included on the Consolidated 
Balance Sheet in Other Assets 
Included on the Consolidated 
Balance Sheet in Other Current 
Liabilities 

$0.5 million 

$1.3 million 

$10.3 million 

$0.2 million 
 receivable 
$0.05 million  
receivable 
$0.02 million  
receivable 
$0.07 million  
receivable 5 
$0.04 million  
liability6 

NA 

NA 

$0.1 million 

$0.3 million 

$0.04 million 

In the second quarter of 2018, the Court of International Trade sustained the DOC’s recommendation to reduce the rate for the first annual review 
period to 0.73% (from 5.92%).  As a result, the Company reversed its $0.8 million liability and recorded a $1.3 million receivable with a 
corresponding reduction of cost of sales during the year ended December 31, 2018. 

As a result of the remand from CIT, in June 2019 the DOC proposed to reduce the AD rate to 6.55% for the second annual review period.  The CIT is 
expected to rule on the DOC’s remand during 2020.  If the final ruling remains at 6.55% (from 13.74%), the Company’s liability of $4.1 million 
would decrease by $2.8 million to $1.3 million in the period in which the ruling is finalized. 

73 

 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

In the third quarter of 2019, the DOC issued the final rates for the sixth annual review period at 42.57% and 0% depending on the vendor.  As a 
result, the Company recorded a liability of $0.8 million with a corresponding reduction of cost of sales during the year ended December 31, 2019.  
The Company received payments during 2019 for its vendor with a final rate of 0% and the remaining balance of $0.5 million as of December 31, 
2019 was included in other current assets on the consolidated balance sheet.  The vendors with a final rate of 42.57% are under appeal and the 
balance of $1.5 million as of December 31, 2019 was included in other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. 

In January 2020, the DOC issued a preliminary rate of 0.0% for the seventh annual review period.    

In the second quarter of 2018, the DOC issued the final rates for the fifth annual review period at 0.11% and 0.85% depending on the vendor.  As a 
result, in the second quarter of 2018, the Company recorded a receivable of $0.07 million for deposits made at previous preliminary rates, with a 
corresponding reduction of cost of sales. 

In the third quarter of 2019, the DOC issued the final rates for the sixth annual review period at 3.1% and 2.96% depending on the vendor.  As a 
result, the Company recorded a liability of $0.4 million with a corresponding reduction of cost of sales during the year ended December 31, 2019.   

In January 2020, the DOC issued a preliminary rate of 24.61% for the seventh annual review period.  If the preliminary rates remains at 24.61%, the 
Company will record a liability of $2 million in the period in which the ruling is finalized. 

Other Matters 

The Company is also, from time to time, subject to claims and disputes arising in the normal course of business. 
In the opinion of management, while the outcome of any such claims and disputes cannot be predicted with certainty, its 
ultimate liability in connection with these matters is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s 
results of operations, financial position or liquidity. 

Note 11.       Selected Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited) 

The following tables present the Company’s unaudited quarterly results for 2019 and 2018. 

Quarter Ended 

Net Sales  
Gross Profit  
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses  
Operating (Loss) Income  
Net (Loss) Income 
Net (Loss) Income per Common Share - Basic  
Net (Loss) Income per Common Share - Diluted 
Number of Stores Opened in Quarter, net 
Comparable Store Net Sales (Decrease) Increase 

Net Sales  
Gross Profit  
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses  
Operating (Loss) Income 
Net (Loss) Income 
Net (Loss) Income per Common Share - Basic  
Net (Loss) Income per Common Share - Diluted 
Number of Stores Opened in Quarter 
Comparable Store Net Sales Increase 

      September 30,        December 31,     

     March 31,        
2019 

June 30,  
2019 

  $  266,220      $ 288,567      $ 

 93,611  
 97,032  
 (3,421) 
  $   (4,924) 
 (0.17) 
  $ 
 (0.17) 
  $ 
 —  
 (0.8)%     

   102,487  
   103,864  
 (1,377) 
$  (2,856) 
 (0.10) 
$
 (0.10) 
$
 2  
 (0.1)%     

$ 
$ 
$ 

2019 

2019 
 263,961      $   273,854  
 111,914  
 95,674  
 92,578  
 93,496  
 19,336  
 2,178  
 16,398  
 1,045  
 0.57  
 0.04  
 0.57  
 0.04  
 —  
 4  
 0.4 %
 (3.6)%     

$ 
$ 
$ 

Quarter Ended 

      September 30,        December 31,    

2018 

2018 
 270,469       $   268,921  
 95,976  
 100,682  
 150,885  
 93,987  
 (54,909) 
 6,695  
$   (56,876) 
 5,923  
 (1.99) 
$ 
 0.21  
 (1.99) 
 0.21  
$ 
 4  
 3  
 0.4 %
 2.1 %     

     March 31,        
2018 

June 30,  
2018 

  $  261,772      $ 283,474      $ 

 94,972  
 96,418  
 (1,446) 
  $   (1,972) 
 (0.07) 
  $ 
 (0.07) 
  $ 
 5  
 2.9 %     

   101,310  
   102,223  
 (913) 
$  (1,454) 
 (0.05) 
$
 (0.05) 
$
 8  
 4.7 %     

$ 
$ 
$ 

74 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure. 

None. 

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures. 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures  

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange 

Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), that are designed to ensure that information that would be required to be 
disclosed in Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in 
the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including 
the Principal Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required 
disclosure. 

We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision, and with the participation of our management, including 

our Principal Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our 
disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2019. Based on this evaluation, our Principal Executive Officer 
and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 
2019, and designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file 
or submit under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in 
the rules and forms of the SEC and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, 
including our Principal Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding 
required disclosure. 

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting  

Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over 

financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) promulgated under the 
Exchange Act as a process, designed by, or under the supervision of the Company’s principal executive and principal 
financial officer and effected by the Company’s board of directors, management and other personnel, 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. Internal 
control over financial reporting includes maintaining records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect our 
transactions and disposition of assets; providing reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary for 
preparation of our financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; providing 
reasonable assurance that receipts and expenditures are made only in accordance with management and Board 
authorizations; and providing reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, 
use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements. 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting is not intended to provide absolute 

assurance that a misstatement of our financial statements would be prevented or detected. 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 policies or procedures may deteriorate. 

Management under the supervision of, and with the participation of the Company’s principal executive and 

principal financial officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as 
of December 31, 2019 based on the framework and criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework 
(2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. This evaluation included 
review of the documentation of controls, evaluation of the design effectiveness of controls, testing of the operating 
effectiveness of controls and a conclusion on this evaluation. Based on the foregoing, management concluded that the 
Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2019 based on the specified 
criteria. 

75 

Our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019 has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, 

an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, as shown in Item 8. “Consolidated Financial 
Statements and Supplementary Data.” 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting  

During the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company reported a material weakness in that we did not maintain 
effective controls over the classification of imported products under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United 
States.  This classification is the basis on which tariff obligations on imported products are calculated.  We believe that 
this weakness was the result of inconsistent documentation of product specifications, an overreliance upon the 
knowledge and expertise of certain individuals, and review controls that did not operate at a level of precision to detect 
and correct these errors.  

 Throughout fiscal year 2019, the Company developed and implemented controls that remediated the material 
weakness noted above. These controls included 1) documenting complete product specifications in a consistent manner, 
2) reviewing classification codes for newly created products, and 3) reviewing previously assigned codes to ensure 
continued applicability.  In addition, the Company hired employees with the requisite experience and expertise with 
customs and duties to execute these controls.    

Except as noted in the preceding paragraphs, there has been no change in our internal control over financial 

reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2019 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely 
to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. 

Item 9B. Other Information. 

None. 

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance. 

PART III 

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the definitive proxy statement for our 

2020 annual meeting of shareholders, which will be filed no later than 120 days after December 31, 2019. 

Code of Ethics 

We have a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, which applies to all employees, officers and directors of 

Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc. and its direct and indirect subsidiaries. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics 
meets the requirements of a “code of ethics” as defined by Item 406 of Regulation S-K, and applies to our Principal 
Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer (who is our principal financial officer), as well as all other employees. Our 
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics also meets the requirements of a code of conduct under Rule 303A.10 of the 
NYSE Listed Company Manual. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is posted on our website at 
www.lumberliquidators.com in the “Corporate Governance” section of our Investor Relations home page. 

We intend to provide any required disclosure of an amendment to or waiver from our Code of Business 
Conduct and Ethics on our website at www.lumberliquidators.com in the “Corporate Governance” section of our 
Investor Relations home page promptly following the amendment or waiver. We may elect to disclose any such 
amendment or waiver in a report on Form 8 - K filed with the SEC either in addition to or in lieu of the website 
disclosure. The information contained on or connected to our website is not incorporated by reference in this report and 
should not be considered part of this or any other report that we file with or furnish to the SEC. 

76 

Item 11. Executive Compensation. 

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the definitive proxy statement for our 

2020 annual meeting of shareholders, which will be filed no later than 120 days after December 31, 2019. 

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters. 

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the definitive proxy statement for our 

2020 annual meeting of shareholders, which will be filed no later than 120 days after December 31, 2019. 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence. 

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the definitive proxy statement for our 

2020 annual meeting of shareholders, which will be filed no later than 120 days after December 31, 2019. 

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services. 

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the definitive proxy statement for our 

2020 annual meeting of shareholders, which will be filed no later than 120 days after December 31, 2019. 

PART IV 

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules. 

The following documents are filed as part of this annual report: 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Refer to the financial statements filed as part of this annual report in Part II, Item 8. 

           Financial Statement Schedules. 

The following financial statement schedule is filed as part of this annual report under Schedule II – Analysis of 

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017. All other financial 
statement schedules have been omitted because the required information is either included in the financial statements or 
the notes thereto or is not applicable. 

           Exhibits 

The exhibits listed on the accompanying Exhibit Index are filed or incorporated by reference as part of this 

report. 

Item 16. Form 10 - K Summary. 

None. 

77 

 
 
Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc. 

Schedule II – Analysis of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts 

For the Years Ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 
(in thousands) 

  Additions   
  Balance     Charged to  
  Beginning    Cost and    
      of Year 

     Expenses        Deductions (1)    Other     

of Year 

  Balance End 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2017 
Reserve deducted from assets to which it applies 

Inventory reserve for loss or obsolescence 
Income tax valuation allowance 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2018 
Reserve deducted from assets to which it applies 

Inventory reserve for loss or obsolescence 
Income tax valuation allowance 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2019 
Reserve deducted from assets to which it applies 

Inventory reserve for loss or obsolescence 
Income tax valuation allowance 

   $  7,070    $   6,349     $ 
   $ 17,640    $   3,936 (2)    $ 

 (7,788)    $  —    $ 

 5,631 
 —    $  —    $   21,576 

   $  5,631    $   3,108     $ 
   $ 21,576    $   4,742  
$ 

 (1,932)    $  —    $ 

 6,807 
 —    $  —    $   26,318 

   $  6,807    $   1,888     $ 
   $ 26,318    $ 
$ 

 668  

 (1,795)    $  —    $ 

 6,900 
 —    $  —    $   26,986 

1  Deductions are for the purposes for which the reserve was created. 

2 

Includes the impact of the Tax Act, which was enacted on December 22, 2017. 

78 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
 
       
 
    
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
 
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
  
      
 
 
 
  
       
 
    
 
 
  
      
 
 
 
  
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
  
      
 
 
 
  
       
 
    
 
 
  
      
 
 
 
  
       
 
 
 
 
EXHIBIT INDEX 

3.01    Certificate of Incorporation of Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s 
current report on Form 8-K, filed on January 4, 2010 (File No. 001-33767), and incorporated by 
reference) 

3.02   By-Laws of Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc. (as revised effective February 5, 2020) (filed as 

Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K, filed on February 6, 2020 (File No. 001-
33767), and incorporated by reference) 

4.01   Form of Certificate of Common Stock of Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the 

Company’s current report on Form 8-K, filed on January 4, 2010 (File No. 001-33767), and incorporated 
by reference) 

4.02   Description of Capital Stock 
10.1*   Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc. Amended and Restated 2011 Equity Compensation Plan (filed as 

Form 8-K, filed May 23, 2019 (File No. 001-33767), and incorporated by reference) 

10.2*   Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc. Amended and Restated 2011 Equity Compensation Plan (filed as 
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K, filed May 25, 2016 (File No. 001-33767), 
and incorporated by reference) 

10.3*   Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc. 2011 Equity Compensation Plan (filed as Exhibit A to the Company’s 

definitive Proxy Statement, filed April 6, 2011 (File No. 001-33767), and incorporated by reference)  

10.4*   Lumber Liquidators 2007 Equity Compensation Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Post –

effective Amendment No. 1 to its Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed January 4, 2010 (File 
No. 333-147247), and incorporated by reference) 

10.5   Lease by and between ANO LLC and Lumber Liquidators (relating to Toano facility) (filed as 

Exhibit 10.08 to the Company’s Amendment No. 1 to its Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed 
May 30, 2007 (File No. 333-142309), and incorporated by reference) 

10.6*   Form of Option Award Agreement, effective November 16, 2007 (filed as Exhibit 10.10 to the 

Company’s annual report on Form 10-K, filed on March 12, 2008 (File No. 001-33767), and 
incorporated by reference) 

10.7*   Form of Option Award Agreement, effective December 31, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 10.13 to the 
Company’s annual report on Form 10-K, filed on February 23, 2011 (File No. 001-33767), and 
incorporated by reference)  

10.8*   Form of Option Award Agreement, effective May 6, 2011 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s 

current report on Form 8-K, filed May 6, 2011 (File No. 001-33767), and incorporated by reference) 

10.9   Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of March 29, 2019, among Lumber 

Liquidators Holdings, Inc. and its domestic subsidiaries, including Lumber Liquidators, Inc. and Lumber 
Liquidators Services, LLC (collectively, the “Borrowers”), Bank of America, N.A. as administrative 
agent and collateral agent, and Bank of America, N.A. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as 
lenders (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K, filed March 29, 2019 (File 
No. 001-33767), and incorporated by reference) 

10.10*   Amended and Restated Annual Bonus Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.17 to the Company’s annual report on 
Form 10-K, filed on February 20, 2013 (File No. 001-33767), and incorporated by reference) 
10.11*   Form of Option Award Agreement, effective January 24, 2013 (filed as Exhibit 10.18 to the Company’s 

annual report on Form 10-K, filed on February 20, 2013 (File No. 001-33767), and incorporated by 
reference) 

10.12*   Form of Restricted Stock Agreement, effective January 24, 2013 (filed as Exhibit 10.19 to the 
Company’s annual report on Form 10-K, filed on February 20, 2013 (File No. 001-33767), and 
incorporated by reference) 

10.13*   Form of Stock Appreciation Right Agreement, effective January 24, 2013 (filed as Exhibit 10.20 to the 
Company’s annual report on Form 10-K, filed on February 20, 2013 (File No. 001-33767), and 
incorporated by reference) 

10.14*   Form of Option Award Agreement (Employee), effective November 23, 2015 (filed as Exhibit 10.22 to 

the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K, filed on February 29, 2016 (File No. 001-33767), and 
incorporated by reference) 

79 

 
10.15*   Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (Employee), effective November 23, 2015 (filed as Exhibit 10.24 to 

the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K, filed on February 29, 2016 (File No. 001-33767), and 
incorporated by reference) 

10.16*   Form of Option Award Agreement (Employee), effective August 1, 2016 (filed as Exhibit 10.24 to the 
Company’s annual report on Form 10-K, filed on February 21, 2017 (File No. 001-33767), and 
incorporated by reference) 

10.17*   Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (Employee), effective August 1, 2016 (filed as Exhibit 10.26 to the 
Company’s annual report on Form 10-K, filed on February 21, 2017 (File No. 001-33767), and 
incorporated by reference) 

10.18*   Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (Director), effective May 24, 2017 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the 

Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q, filed on August 1, 2017 (File No. 001-33767), and 
incorporated by reference) 

10.19*   Form of NEO Performance Award, effective March 1, 2018 (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s 

quarterly report on Form 10-Q, filed on May 1, 2018 (File No. 001-33767), and incorporated by 
reference) 

10.20*   Form of Restricted Award Agreement (Director), effective February 7, 2018 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the 
Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q, filed on May 1, 2018 (File No. 001-33767), and incorporated 
by reference) 

10.21*   Form of Restricted Award Agreement (Director), effective May 22, 2019 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the 
Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q, filed on August 7, 2019, 2018 (File No. 001-33767), and 
incorporated by reference) 

10.22   Plea Agreement between Lumber Liquidators, Inc. and the Department of Justice (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to 
the Company’s current report on Form 8-K, filed October 7, 2015 (File No. 001-33767) and incorporated 
by reference) 

10.23   Stipulation for Settlement and Joint Motion for Entry of Consent Order of Forfeiture between Lumber 

Liquidators, Inc. and the Department of Justice (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s current report on 
Form 8-K, filed October 7, 2015 (File No. 001-33767) and incorporated by reference) 

10.24   Class Action Settlement Agreement in Formaldehyde MDL and Durability MDL dated March 15, 2018 
by and between Plaintiffs in the Formaldehyde MDL and the Durability MDL and Lumber Liquidators, 
Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q, filed on May 1, 2018 (File 
No. 001-33767), and incorporated by reference) 

10.25   Deferred Prosecution Agreement, dated March 12, 2019, by and between Lumber Liquidators Holdings, 
Inc., the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and the United States 
Department of Justice, Criminal Division, Fraud Section. (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s current 
report on Form 8-K, filed March 12, 2019 (File No. 001-33767) and incorporated by reference) 
10.26   Order Instituting Cease-and-Desist Proceedings Pursuant to Section 21C of the Securities Exchange Act 
of 1934, Making Findings, and Imposing a Cease-and-Desist Order, dated March 12, 2019, between the 
United States Securities and Exchange Commission and Lumber Liquidators, Holdings, Inc. (filed as 
Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K, filed March 12, 2019 (File No. 001-33767) 
and incorporated by reference) 

10.27   Class Action Settlement in the Kramer Litigation dated September 9, 2019 by and between the Plaintiffs 
in the Kramer Litigation and Lumber Liquidators, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s quarterly 
report on Form 10-Q, filed November 6, 2019 (File No. 001-33767) and incorporated by reference)  
  Agreement of Compromise and Settlement in the Gold Litigation dated September 30, 2019 by and 

10.28

between the Plaintiffs in the Gold Litigation and Lumber Liquidators, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the 
Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q, filed November 6, 2019 (File No. 001-33767) and 
incorporated by reference)  

10.29*   Offer Letter Agreement with Dennis R. Knowles, dated February 23, 2016 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the 
Company’s current report on Form 8-K, filed February 29, 2016 (File No. 001-33767) and incorporated 
by reference) 

10.30*   Amendment, dated November 7, 2016, to Offer Letter, dated as of February 23, 2016, between Lumber 

Liquidators Holdings, Inc. and Dennis R. Knowles (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s current report 
on Form 8-K, filed November 7, 2016 (File No. 001-33767) and incorporated by reference) 

80 

 
10.31*   Offer Letter Agreement with Martin D. Agard, dated August 31, 2016 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the 

Company’s current report on Form 8-K, filed September 9, 2016 (File No. 001-33767) and incorporated 
by reference) 

10.32*   Offer Letter Agreement with Timothy J. Mulvaney, dated March 22, 2017 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the 
Company’s current report on Form 8-K, filed May 26, 2017 (File No. 001-33767) and incorporated by 
reference) 

10.33*   Offer Letter Agreement with M. Lee Reeves, dated June 16, 2017 (filed as Exhibit 10.36 to the 

Company’s annual report on Form 10-K, filed February 27, 2018 (File No. 001-33767) and incorporated 
by reference) 

10.34*   Severance Agreement, dated as of July 26, 2018, between Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc. and 

Dennis R. Knowles (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K, filed July 31, 
2018 (File No. 001-33767) and incorporated by reference) 

10.35*   Severance Agreement, dated as of July 26, 2018, between Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc. and 

Martin D. Agard (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K, filed July 31, 2018 
(File No. 001-33767) and incorporated by reference) 

10.36*   Severance Agreement, dated as of July 26, 2018, between Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc. and M. Lee 

Reeves (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K, filed July 31, 2018 (File 
No. 001-33767) and incorporated by reference) 

10.37   Office Deed of Lease Agreement dated October 19, 2018, by and between LM Retail, LLC and Lumber 

Liquidators Services, LLC (filed as Exhibit 10.35 to Company’s annual report on Form 10-K, filed on 
March 18, 2019 (file No. 001-33767) and incorporated by reference) 

10.38*   Offer Letter Agreement with Jennifer Bohaty, dated March 30, 2018 (filed as Exhibit 10.36 to 

Company’s annual report on Form 10-K, filed on March 18, 2019 (file No. 001-33767) and incorporated 
by reference) 

10.39*   Offer Letter Agreement with Charles E. Tyson, dated May 17, 2018 (filed as Exhibit 10.37 to Company’s 
annual report on Form 10-K, filed on March 18, 2019 (file No. 001-33767) and incorporated by 
reference) 

10.40*   Severance Agreement, dated as of July 26, 2018, between Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc. and 

Jennifer Bohaty (filed as Exhibit 10.38 to Company’s annual report on Form 10-K, filed on 
March 18,2019 (file No. 001-33767) and incorporated by reference) 

10.41*   Severance Agreement, dated as of July 26, 2018, between Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc. and 

Charles E. Tyson (filed as Exhibit 10.39 to Company’s annual report on Form 10-K, filed on 
March 18,2019 (file No. 001-33767) and incorporated by reference) 

10.42*   Severance Agreement, dated as of March 15, 2019, between the Company and Timothy J. Mulvaney 

(filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Company’s current report on Form 8-K, filed on March 18,2019 (file No. 001-
33767) and incorporated by reference) 

10.43*   Offer Letter Agreement with Nancy A. Walsh, dated August 9, 2019 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Company’s 
current report on Form 8-K, filed on August 19, 2019 (file No. 001-33767) and incorporated by 
reference) 

10.44*   Severance Agreement, effective as of September 9, 2019 between the Company and Nancy A. Walsh, 
dated August 9, 2019 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Company’s current report on Form 8-K, filed on 
August 19, 2019 (file No. 001-33767) and incorporated by reference) 

10.45*   Offer Letter Agreement with Christopher Thomsen, dated August 8, 2016 
10.46*   Severance Agreement, effective as of July 26, 2018 between the Company and Christopher Thomsen 
10.47*   Waiver and Release Agreement for Dennis R. Knowles, dated as of February 5, 2020 (filed as 

Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K, filed on February 6, 2020 (file No. 001-
33767) and incorporated by reference) 

10.48*   Amendment to Severance Agreement for Charles E. Tyson, dated as of February 5, 2020 (filed as 

Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K, filed on February 6, 2020 (file No. 001-
33767) and incorporated by reference) 

10.49*   Amendment to Severance Agreement for Nancy A. Walsh, dated as of February 5, 2020 (filed as 

Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K, filed on February 6, 2020 (file No. 001-
33767) and incorporated by reference) 

 21.1   Subsidiaries of Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc.  

81 

 23.1   Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 
 31.1   Certification of Principal Executive Officer of Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc. pursuant to Section 

302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 

 31.2   Certification of Principal Financial Officer of Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc. pursuant to Section 302 

of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 

 32.1   Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer of Lumber Liquidators 

Holdings, Inc. pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley act of 2002 

101   The following financial statements from the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 

2019, formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations, 
(iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ 
Equity, (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

* 

Indicates a management contract or compensation plan, contract or agreement. 

82 

   
 
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the 

registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on 
February 24, 2020. 

SIGNATURES 

 LUMBER LIQUIDATORS HOLDINGS, INC. 
(Registrant) 

By: /s/ Charles E. Tyson 
    Charles E. Tyson 

Principal Executive Officer  

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by 

the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on February 24, 2020. 

Signature 

/s/ Charles E. Tyson 
Charles E. Tyson  

/s/ Nancy A. Walsh 
Nancy A. Walsh 

/s/ Timothy J. Mulvaney 
Timothy J. Mulvaney 

/s/ Nancy M. Taylor 
Nancy M. Taylor 

/s/ Terri F. Graham 
Terri F. Graham 

/s/ David A. Levin 
David A. Levin 

/s/ Douglas T. Moore 
Douglas T. Moore 

/s/ Famous P. Rhodes 
Famous P. Rhodes 

/s/ Martin F. Roper 
Martin F. Roper 

/s/  Jimmie L. Wade 
Jimmie L. Wade 

Title 

   Principal Executive Officer 

(Principal Executive Officer) 

   Chief Financial Officer 

(Principal Financial Officer) 

   Chief Accounting Officer 

(Principal Accounting Officer) 

   Chairperson of the Board 

Director 

   Director 

   Director 

   Director 

   Director 

   Director 

83 

  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
       
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
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