B u s i n e s s M e m b e r
Diamond Member
2020
Annual Repor t
December 18, 2020
Dear PriceSmart Stockholders,
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2020, our Company’s total revenues were $3.33 billion, a 3.3% increase compared
to $3.22 billion in the prior year. Earnings per share for fiscal year 2020 were $2.55 per share compared to $2.40 per share a year
earlier. Our fiscal year ending balance sheet included a $299.5 million cash and cash equivalents balance and stockholders’ equity
attributable to the Company’s stockholders of $831.7 million.
At fiscal year-end, there were 46 PriceSmart warehouse clubs in a total of 12 countries plus the United States Virgin
Islands. During fiscal 2020, we opened three new locations in Central America. In addition, we opened the newest PriceSmart
warehouse club on December 1, 2020 in Bogotá, Colombia, the third location in the greater metropolitan area of that large market.
The story of our fiscal year 2020 was, and continues to be, the pandemic. From the beginning of the fiscal year in
September and continuing through March, our Company was reporting solid sales and earnings growth. March sales were
especially strong as our members purchased large quantities of basic merchandise in preparation for the COVID-related
disruptions in shopping that were soon to come. In April, governments in our countries began to limit store hours and the number
of customers permitted to shop. Our response was to institute measures specifically focused on protecting the health and safety
of our employees and members, reducing expenses while protecting our employees’ job security and shoring up our balance sheet
cash position. We accomplished all of these actions quickly and with minimal disruption to our business.
One of the most gratifying outcomes from our response to the pandemic is how well our Chief Executive Officer, Sherry
Bahrambeygui, and the entire Company have adapted to the truly new world of COVID-19. Within a matter of weeks after the
pandemic hit our markets, we began rolling out our Click & Go™ contactless shopping, a new service that allows members to
order online and pick up their orders at their closest PriceSmart location or, currently in all markets, receive delivery of their
order either to their homes or places of business. Sales from Click & Go ™ shopping represented more than 3.6% of our total
net merchandise sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020.
The pandemic has pushed us to get better at everything we do, including merchandising, distribution, cash management
and how we use technology to enhance efficiency and member experience. But our markets remain especially vulnerable to the
impact of the pandemic in a number of respects. First, many of our markets’ economies rely substantially on tourism. Second, a
couple of our markets depend on the export of petroleum products to generate sources of foreign currency for exchange with the
local currency. And, third, a number of our markets receive substantial dependence remittances, moneys sent from family
members in the United States. In light of these headwinds, our team of more than 9,500 employees has performed admirably in
maintaining and even increasing revenues, controlling expenses and maintaining a strong balance sheet.
In concluding this letter, I want to reemphasize the importance we attach to the core values of our Company, especially
our responsibilities to our employees and to our members. And, on behalf of myself and Sherry Bahrambeygui and our Board of
Directors, we wish you good health and a wonderful holiday season.
Sincerely,
Robert E. Price
PRICESMART, INC.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND
OTHER INFORMATION
August 31, 2020
Selected Financial Data
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of August 31, 2020 and 2019
Consolidated Statements of Income for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 2020
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 2020
Consolidated Statements of Equity for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 2020
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 2020
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Additional Information
Directors & Officers of PriceSmart, Inc.
Page
1
3
26
27
29
30
31
32
F-34
71
74
75
i
PRICESMART, INC.
Selected Financial Data
The selected consolidated financial data presented below is derived from the Company's consolidated financial
statements and accompanying notes. This selected financial data should be read in conjunction with “Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the consolidated financial statements and accompanying
notes thereto included elsewhere in this report.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
2020
Years Ended August 31,
2018 (1)
(in thousands, except income per common share)
2019
2017
2016
OPERATING RESULTS DATA:
Net merchandise sales
Export sales
Membership income
Other revenue and income
Total revenues
Total cost of goods sold
Selling, general and administrative
Pre-opening expenses
Asset impairment
Loss on disposal of assets
Operating income
Total other expense
Income before provision for income taxes
and income of unconsolidated affiliates
Provision for income taxes
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates
Net income
Less: net income attributable to
noncontrolling interest
Net income attributable to PriceSmart, Inc.
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO
PRICESMART, INC. PER SHARE
AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION:
Basic
Diluted
Weighted average common shares - basic
Weighted average common shares - diluted
$ 3,191,762 $ 3,091,648 $ 3,053,754 $ 2,910,062 $ 2,820,740
33,813
45,781
4,842
2,905,176
2,449,626
316,474
1,191
—
1,162
136,723
(5,483)
34,374
54,501
48,551
3,329,188
2,774,778
429,954
1,545
—
443
122,468
(6,428)
34,244
47,743
4,579
2,996,628
2,519,752
338,642
44
—
1,961
136,229
(3,486)
30,981
52,149
49,140
3,223,918
2,695,691
409,255
2,726
—
1,079
115,167
(4,057)
40,581
50,821
21,546
3,166,702
2,656,520
379,949
913
1,929
1,339
126,052
(3,464)
$
$
$
116,040
(37,764)
(95)
78,181 $
111,110
(37,560)
(61)
73,489 $
122,588
(48,177)
(8)
74,403 $
132,743
(42,018)
(1)
90,724 $
131,240
(42,849)
332
88,723
(72)
78,109 $
(298)
73,191 $
(75)
74,328 $
—
90,724 $
—
88,723
2.55 $
2.55 $
2.40 $
2.40 $
30,259
30,259
30,195
30,195
2.44 $
2.44 $
30,115
30,115
2.98 $
2.98 $
30,020
30,023
2.92
2.92
29,928
29,933
(1) U.S. Tax Reform in December 2017 resulted in a reduction in the tax rate from 35% to 21% and may have a beneficial impact on the
Company in the future. However, in fiscal year 2018, we incurred charges of $12.5 million due to a one time transitional tax on unremitted
foreign earnings and of $222,000 to reduce the value of deferred tax assets due to the reduction in U.S. tax rates.
1
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investments
Short-term and long-term restricted cash
Total Assets(1)
Long-term debt
Total PriceSmart stockholders’ equity
attributable to PriceSmart, Inc. stockholders
Dividends paid on common stock attributable
to PriceSmart, Inc. stockholders(2)
$
$
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA - (Continued)
2020
2019
As of August 31,
2018
(in thousands)
2017
2016
299,481 $
46,509
4,290
1,656,825
132,047
102,653 $
17,045
3,583
1,296,411
89,586
93,460 $
32,304
3,454
1,216,392
102,575
162,434 $
—
3,278
1,177,514
106,297
199,522
—
3,194
1,096,735
88,107
831,719
797,351
758,002
708,767
638,071
21,426 $
21,341 $
21,240 $
21,285 $
21,274
(1) Effective September 1, 2019, we adopted the requirements of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)" (ASC
842) using the modified retrospective approach, under which financial results reported in prior periods were not restated. As a result, the
Total Assets as of August 31, 2020 is not comparable with that as of August 31, 2019, August 31, 2018, August 31, 2017, and August 31,
2016.
(2) On February 6, 2020, January 30, 2019, January 24, 2018, February 1, 2017, and February 3, 2016 the Company declared cash dividends
on its common stock.
2
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis and the information under the heading Part II. “Item 6. Selected Financial Data"
should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere in
this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Forward-looking statements concerning PriceSmart, Inc.'s ("PriceSmart", the "Company" or
"we") anticipated future revenues and earnings, adequacy of future cash flows, omni-channel initiatives, proposed warehouse
club openings, the Company's performance relative to competitors and related matters. These forward-looking statements include,
but are not limited to, statements containing the words “expect,” “believe,” “will,” “may,” “should,” “project,” “estimate,”
“anticipated,” “scheduled,” and like expressions, and the negative thereof. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties
that could cause actual results to differ materially including, but not limited to the risks detailed in this Annual Report on Form
10-K under the heading Part I. “Item 1A. Risk Factors.” Forward-looking statements are only as of the date they are made, and
we do not undertake to update these statements, except as required by law. In addition, these risks are not the only risks that the
Company faces. The Company could also be affected by additional factors that apply to all companies operating globally and in
the U.S., as well as other risks that are not presently known to the Company or that the Company currently considers to be
immaterial.
Overview
PriceSmart, headquartered in San Diego, owns and operates U.S.-style membership shopping warehouse clubs in Latin
America and the Caribbean, selling high quality merchandise and services at low prices to our members. We operate 46 warehouse
clubs in 12 countries and one U.S. territory (eight in Costa Rica; seven each in Colombia and Panama; five in the Dominican
Republic, four in Trinidad and Guatemala; three in Honduras; two each in El Salvador and Nicaragua; and one each
in Aruba, Barbados, Jamaica and the United States Virgin Islands). The Company is currently constructing and plans to open a
warehouse club in Bogota, Colombia in December 2020. Our corporate headquarters, U.S. buying operations and regional
distribution centers are located primarily in the United States. Our operating segments are the United States, Central America,
the Caribbean and Colombia. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Factors Affecting the Business
COVID-19 Updates
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in significant challenges across our 13 markets in the third and fourth quarters of
fiscal 2020. Many markets imposed limitations, varying by market and in frequency, on access to the Company’s clubs and on
the Company’s club operations, including in some cases frequent temporary club closures, a reduction in the number of days
during the week and hours per day the Company’s clubs are permitted to be open, restrictions on segments of the population
permitted to shop or circulate on particular days, and limits on the number of people permitted to be in the club at the same time.
We have also experienced product mix shifts due to changing consumer habits, decreases in purchases by many business
members, particularly restaurants and hotels, as well as sporadic supply chain challenges, which can impact inventory levels. In
response, early in calendar year 2020 we identified four main priorities:
Protect the safety and well-being of our employees and our members. We remain vigilant and continue to take proactive
measures to provide a safe environment for our employees and our members. We are closely tracking numerous decrees and
government mandates and are following all local guidelines. We have taken preventative measures that include frequent and
enhanced cleaning and sanitizing protocols, providing personal protective equipment, installing protective barriers for the cashiers
and in other member-facing areas, implementing social distancing measures, metering the number of customers in a club at any
one time, requiring masks to be worn by members in the club (where legally permitted), taking temperatures of employees at the
beginning of shifts, quickly identifying and cooperating with local health officials about confirmed cases, promptly implementing
contact tracing protocols and mapping of potentially exposed employees who are then immediately quarantined while continuing
to be paid, directing employees whose functions could be performed remotely to work off site, offering vulnerable employees
with underlying health conditions, employees over 60 and pregnant employees paid leave and vigilantly educating our employees
about safe practices and enforcing best practices of good hygiene. We have also expanded our efforts to educate family members
of employees about safe practices and to provide them with masks and sanitizing materials. We have modified our sick leave
policy to make sure that sick people can take paid time off. We have built reserve teams of employees who do not overlap with
each other so that they can step in as needed. In the initial months of the pandemic, we reduced or eliminated in-club food service
and food sampling; however, later in the fiscal year as infection rates decreased and restrictions eased, we resumed some limited
seating and capacity in-club food service in some of our markets and we have begun to reintroduce sampling incrementally using
hygienic methods.
Take proactive measures to protect our supply chain. We are working closely with our suppliers to make sure that we
have essential items available for our members. This includes increasing the use of our regional and local distribution centers and
3
merchandise vendors to provide additional flexibility and reduce the risk of interruption of the flow of merchandise to our markets.
We have also placed limits on the quantity of certain key items that members can purchase, such as cleaning supplies, paper
products and core shelf-stable groceries. We have also activated alternative distribution systems and routing to ensure optionality
in the event of outbreak or restrictions on mobility in certain geographic areas.
Expand technology-enabled shopping. During the third fiscal quarter of 2020, we launched our Click & Go™ curbside
pickup service to allow for a contactless way for our members to shop. As of August 31, 2020, we offered the Click & Go™
curbside pickup service in all 13 of our markets. Early in our fourth fiscal quarter, we also added delivery to our Click & Go™
service, which was available in six of our 13 markets as of August 31, 2020 and expanded into further markets in early fiscal
2021. These services provide an alternative and convenient way for our members to shop, while reducing physical contact. Our
Click & Go™ service enables members to use our e-commerce platform to identify and select merchandise, order and pay online,
and then have their orders placed in their cars at their chosen clubs or delivered to their homes or place of business. We continue
to work on improving and expanding our online initiatives, including order fulfillment, in conjunction with optimizing our club
operations to allow members to shop safely, quickly and efficiently.
Manage cash and capital resources. Given the uncertainty surrounding the potential impact of the outbreak on our
results of operations and cash flows, we are taking steps to secure and preserve available cash. Initially, we suspended most of
our capital projects and discretionary spending. As we closely monitored and better understood the risks and opportunities of
operating in this climate, we restarted several of our previously postponed investments. We opened our smaller format warehouse
club in Liberia, Costa Rica in June 2020, and we have resumed construction on our third club in the greater metropolitan area of
Bogota, the eighth in Colombia, which is expected to open in December 2020. We continue to evaluate whether and when to
restart previously announced construction of future warehouse clubs on land that we acquired in Bucaramanga, Colombia and in
Jamaica, as well as other capital projects. In the third quarter of fiscal 2020, we initially furloughed approximately 80 employees
in the United States and implemented temporary salary reductions for employees and executives above a certain income level on
a tiered basis increasing from 10% to 30% based on compensation level. Additionally, the Board of Directors waived their cash
compensation for the calendar quarter ended June 30, 2020. In late fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, we ended the furloughs and
discontinued the temporary salary reductions. Based on Company performance, at the end of the fourth quarter we paid a special
bonus for all employees up to and including Senior Vice Presidents who had their salaries reduced. In addition, in the first quarter
of fiscal year 2021, the Board approved the restoration of their compensation for the quarter for which they had previously waived
it. Furthermore, we initially negotiated extended payments with our vendors, but since then we have begun to return to more
normal payment term arrangements. Lastly, we have taken advantage of tax deferral arrangements where available. In the current
environment, we believe cash flows from operations, our current cash position and access to capital markets will continue to be
sufficient to meet our anticipated operating cash needs, which include any deferred liabilities, funding seasonal buildups in
merchandise inventories and funding our capital expenditures, dividend payments and other financing requirements. Refer to Part
II. “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis - Liquidity and Capital Resources” for additional information.
We expect continued uncertainty and opportunities in the economies of our markets because of the unpredictability of
the duration and intensity of the COVID–19 pandemic and the length and impact of stay-at-home orders and other restrictions;
volatility in employment trends and consumer confidence; volatility in foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices;
and possible fiscal austerity measures taken by governments in our markets, which will likely impact our results in the near future.
Overall economic trends, foreign currency exchange volatility, and other factors impacting the business
Our sales and profits vary from market to market depending on general economic factors, including GDP growth;
consumer preferences; foreign currency exchange rates; political policies and social conditions; local demographic characteristics
(such as population growth); the number of years we have operated in a particular market; and the level of retail and wholesale
competition in that market. The economies of many of our markets are dependent on foreign trade, tourism, and foreign direct
investments. The global and local travel restrictions and general slow-down in global economic activity as result of COVID-19
have significantly impacted and may continue to impact the economies our markets causing significant declines in GDP and
employment and devaluations of local currencies against the U.S. dollar. In general, positive conditions in the broader economy
promotes member spending in our warehouse clubs, while economic weakness, which generally results in a reduction of customer
spending, may have a different or more extreme effect on spending at our clubs.
Currency fluctuations can be one of the largest variables affecting our overall sales and profit performance, as we have
experienced in prior fiscal years, because many of our markets are susceptible to foreign currency exchange rate volatility. During
fiscal 2020, approximately 77.5% of our net merchandise sales were in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Of those sales,
48.2% were comprised of sales of products we purchased in U.S. dollars.
A devaluation of local currency reduces the value of sales and membership income that is generated in that country
when translated to U.S. dollars for our consolidated results. In addition, when local currency experiences devaluation, we may
elect to increase the local currency price of imported merchandise to maintain our target margins, which could impact demand
4
for the merchandise affected by the price increase. We may also modify the mix of imported versus local merchandise and/or the
source of imported merchandise to mitigate the impact of currency fluctuations. Information about the effect of local currency
devaluations is discussed in Part II. “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations - Net Merchandise Sales and Comparable Sales.”
Our capture of total retail and wholesale sales can vary from market to market due to competition and the availability of
other shopping options for our members. Demographic characteristics within each of our markets can affect both the overall level
of sales and future sales growth opportunities. Island countries such as Aruba, Barbados and the U.S. Virgin Islands offer us
limited upside for sales growth given their overall market size. Countries with smaller upper and middle class consumer
populations, such as Honduras, El Salvador, Jamaica and Nicaragua, offer growth potential but may have a more limited market
opportunity for sales growth as compared to more developed countries with larger or growing upper and middle class consumer
populations.
The membership model is a basic and critical operating characteristic in the warehouse club industry that enables us to
operate our business on lower margins because of the membership fee income generated. Our twelve-month renewal rate was
80.5% as of August 31, 2020, a decline from our 85.7% renewal rate as of August 31, 2019. The mobility restrictions imposed
by the local governments in our markets in response to COVID-19, particularly in our Colombian and Central American markets,
significantly reduced in-club visits, which is when most of our membership renewals occur.
Political and other factors in each of our markets may have significant effects on our business. U.S. foreign policy can
also have an impact on social and economic stability in the countries where we operate. For example, the U.S. State Department
has announced varying strategies regarding if, when and how it would authorize disbursement of foreign aid that had been
previously approved by the U.S. Congress to Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. Changes in U.S. policies regarding financial
assistance could cause political or financial instability in the countries we serve.
In the past, we have experienced a lack of availability of U.S. dollars in certain markets (U.S. dollar illiquidity),
particularly in Trinidad. This can impede our ability to convert local currencies obtained through merchandise sales into U.S.
dollars to settle the U.S. dollar liabilities associated with our imported products, or otherwise redeploy these funds in our
Company, increasing our foreign exchange exposure to any devaluation of the local currency relative to the U.S. dollar. We
continued to experience limitations on our ability to convert Trinidad dollars to U.S. dollars or other tradeable securities during
fiscal 2020, with a further deterioration and the problem becoming more acute in August 2020 and into the first two months of
fiscal year 2021. We are working with our banks in Trinidad to source tradeable currencies, but until more U.S. dollars or other
tradeable securities become available, this illiquidity condition is likely to continue. As of August 31, 2020, our Trinidad
subsidiary had Trinidad dollar denominated cash and cash equivalents and short and long-term investments measured in U.S.
dollars of approximately $79.6 million, an increase of $54.7 million from August 31, 2019 when these same balances were
approximately $24.9 million. The Trinidad central bank manages the exchange rate of the Trinidad dollar with the U.S. dollar.
While the recently elected government has publicly stated it has no intention to devalue the Trinidad dollar, the Trinidad
government could in the future decide to devalue the currency to improve market liquidity, resulting in a devaluation in the U.S.
dollar value of these cash and investments balances. If, for example, a hypothetical 20% devaluation of the Trinidad dollar were
to occur, the value of our Trinidad dollar cash and investments position, measured in U.S. dollars, would decrease by
approximately $15.9 million, with a corresponding increase in Accumulated other comprehensive loss reflected on our
consolidated balance sheet. Separate from the Trinidad dollar denominated cash and investments balances described above, as of
August 31, 2020, we had a U.S. dollar denominated monetary asset position of approximately $4.8 million in Trinidad (net of
U.S. dollar denominated liabilities) that would produce a gain from a potential devaluation of Trinidad dollars. If, for example, a
hypothetical 20% devaluation of the Trinidad dollar occurred, the net effect on Other income (expense), net on our consolidated
statement of operations of revaluing these U.S. dollar denominated net monetary assets would be an approximate $1.0 million
gain. However, following a significant additional decline of U.S. dollar liquidity beginning in August 2020 and continuing into
fiscal year 2021, this net monetary asset position has shifted into a liability position in early 2021, subjecting us to potential future
losses in the case of a devaluation, which would be recorded in Other income (expense), net on our consolidated statement of
operations.
We are carefully monitoring the situation and taking steps to mitigate the risks. For example, as liquidity conditions
have tightened, we have methodically raised prices, initially on imported goods, and have sought to shift the purchase of goods
to local sources, where appropriate. Additionally, we are actively monitoring our ability to exchange Trinidad dollars for tradeable
currencies, in order to manage our exposure to any potential devaluation, and in early fiscal 2021 have begun to limit shipments
of goods from the U.S. to Trinidad in line with this ability. These actions may result in a decrease in our sales and/or profitability
in Trinidad.
5
Mission and Business Strategy
Our mission is to be a model for how to operate a profitable company that provides a good return to our investors, by
serving our members in emerging and developing markets, with safe, clean buildings and equipment, and by providing good jobs,
fair wages and benefits, quality merchandise and services at compelling prices that are made accessible to a broader segment of
the population, while treating our suppliers right, empowering them where we can, and conducting ourselves responsibly by local
norms, and respecting the environment and the laws of all the countries in which we operate. To do this, we make available a
wide range of high quality, curated merchandise sourced from around the world at good value. The annual membership fee
enables us to operate our business with lower margins than traditional retail stores. Through the use of technology and the
development of an omni-channel platform, we are pursuing opportunities to satisfy our members’ shopping expectations, create
additional efficiencies in the supply chain and better understand and serve our members’ needs to play greater role in their lives.
We strive to establish a relationship with our members that enhances their lives with quality goods and services and offers a
shopping experience that blends the excitement and appeal of our brick and mortar business with the convenience of online
shopping and services.
Growth
We measure our growth primarily by the amount of the period-over-period activity in our net merchandise sales, our
comparable club net merchandise sales, membership income and total revenues. Our investments are geared toward creating
greater efficiency, which enable us to offer lower prices, better services, enhanced convenience and exciting experiences for our
members, which we believe will support membership renewals and sustained growth for the Company. However, these
investments can impact near-term results, such as when we invest in technology and talent that are expected to yield long-term
benefits or when we incur fixed costs in advance of achieving full projected sales, negatively impacting near-term operating profit
and net income. When we open a new warehouse club in an existing market, which may reduce reported comparable net
merchandise sales due to the transfer of sales from existing warehouse clubs, we do so to enhance the member experience, grow
membership and support long-term sales growth and profitability.
Current and Future Management Actions
Logistics and distribution efficiencies are fundamental to delivering high quality merchandise at compelling prices to
our members. We continue to explore ways to improve efficiency, reduce costs, secure additional high quality sourcing
alternatives and ensure a reliable and exciting flow of merchandise to our warehouse clubs. As we continue to refine our logistics
and distribution infrastructure, we are exploring ways to improve our supply chain effectiveness through regional distribution
centers that maintain our merchandise closer to our members. For example, in fiscal 2020, we opened fresh produce distribution
centers in two of our markets that enable us to quickly and efficiently bring high quality and fresh produce from farm-to-table,
which also enhances quality, reduces waste and supports local farmers. We plan to search for additional space to expand this
concept throughout our markets.
Purchasing land and constructing warehouse clubs is generally our largest ongoing capital investment. Securing land for
warehouse club locations is challenging within our markets, because suitable sites at economically feasible prices are difficult to
find. We believe real estate ownership provides a number of advantages as compared to leasing, including lower operating
expenses, flexibility to expand or otherwise enhance our buildings, long-term control over the use of the property and the residual
value that the real estate may have in future years. While our preference is to own rather than lease real estate, we have entered
into real estate leases in certain cases and will likely do so in the future. We currently own undeveloped land in Guatemala City,
Guatemala, Bucaramanga, Colombia, and in Jamaica. We continue to evaluate the optimal timing to begin warehouse club
construction on these sites, given the general economic conditions, our financial position, and feasibility of these projects in light
of the uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the third and fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, we launched our Click & Go™ service, which enables our members to
place orders on our website and decide whether to pick them up curbside at our warehouse clubs or have them delivered. Our
curbside service was available in all 13 of our markets and with delivery was available in six as of August 31, 2020 and expanded
into further markets in early fiscal 2021. We plan to continue to make investments to scale and create efficiencies for this service
while also continuing to invest in other omni-channel capabilities that enable e-commerce, by integrating technology, talent,
supply chain and operations to enhance the membership shopping experience, drive efficiencies and fuel sales growth. We are
developing and implementing technologies that we believe will enhance customer service, provide greater insight to consumer
preferences, facilitate membership sign-ups and renewals, and maximize use of sales floor space in our brick and mortar clubs.
Our focus will be on launching these additional omni-channel capabilities in a methodical, phased manner.
6
Financial highlights for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020 included:
(cid:120) Total revenues increased 1.2% over the comparable prior year period.
(cid:120) Net merchandise sales increased 0.5% over the comparable prior year period. We ended the quarter with 46 warehouse
clubs compared to 43 warehouse clubs at the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. Foreign currency exchange rate
fluctuations impacted net merchandise sales negatively by 3.6% versus the same three-month period.
(cid:120) Comparable net merchandise sales (that is, sales in the 42 warehouse clubs that have been open for greater than 13 ½
calendar months) for the 13 weeks ended August 30, 2020 decreased 4.0%. Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations
impacted comparable net merchandise sales negatively by 3.6%.
(cid:120) Membership income for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 decreased 2.2% to $13.1 million primarily due to the decline
in the overall account base because of a decrease in in-club traffic from COVID-19.
(cid:120) Total gross margins (net merchandise sales less associated cost of goods sold) decreased 0.4% over the prior-year period,
and merchandise gross profits as a percent of net merchandise sales were 15.1%, a decrease of 10 basis points (0.1%)
from the same period in the prior year.
(cid:120) Operating income for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 was $29.0 million, a decrease of 9.3%, or $3.0 million, compared
to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019.
(cid:120) We recorded a $1.1 million net currency gain from currency transactions in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 compared
to a $454,000 net currency gain in the same period last year, primarily due to a favorable foreign currency exchange rate
fluctuation in Jamaica.
(cid:120) Our effective tax rate decreased in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 to 28.2% from 34.1% in the fourth quarter of fiscal
2019. The decrease in the effective tax rate is primarily related to recognition timing for the loss of benefit of foreign
tax credits, which are no longer recoverable as a result of U.S. Tax Reform.
(cid:120) Net income attributable to PriceSmart for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 was $20.1 million, or $0.65 per diluted share,
compared to $20.7 million, or $0.67 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019.
Financial highlights for fiscal year 2020 included:
(cid:120) Total revenues increased 3.3% over the prior year.
(cid:120) Net merchandise sales increased 3.2% over the prior year. We ended the year with 46 warehouse clubs compared to 43
warehouse clubs at the end of the fiscal 2019. Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations impacted net merchandise
sales negatively by 2.1%.
(cid:120) Comparable net merchandise sales (that is, sales in the 42 warehouse clubs that have been open for greater than 13 ½
(cid:120)
calendar months) for the 52 weeks ended August 30, 2020 decreased 1.5%. Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations
impacted comparable net merchandise sales negatively by 1.9%.
(cid:120) Membership income for the fiscal 2020 increased 4.5% to $54.5 million primarily due to new club member sign-ups in
Panama, Guatemala and Costa Rica. Our expansion of the Platinum Membership program contributed to the increase.
(cid:120) Total gross margins (net merchandise sales less associated cost of goods sold) increased 5.6% over the prior year, and
merchandise gross profits as a percent of net merchandise sales were 14.7%, an increase of 40 basis points (0.4%) from
the prior year.
(cid:120) Operating income for fiscal 2020 was $122.5 million, an increase of 6.3% or $7.3 million compared to fiscal 2019.
(cid:120) We recorded a $1.4 million net currency loss from currency transactions in the current year compared to a $1.5 million
net loss in the prior year.
(cid:120) The effective tax rate for fiscal 2020 was 32.5% as compared to the effective tax rate for fiscal 2019 of 33.8%. The
decrease in the effective tax rate is primarily related to the favorable impact from changes in income tax liabilities from
uncertain tax positions.
(cid:120) Net income attributable to PriceSmart for fiscal year 2020 was $78.1 million, or $2.55 per diluted share, compared to
$73.2 million, or $2.40 per diluted share, in the prior year.
Comparison of Fiscal Year 2020 to 2019
The following discussion and analysis compares the results of operations for each of the three fiscal years ended
August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the
accompanying notes included elsewhere in this report. For a comparison of the fiscal years ended August 31, 2019 and 2018,
please see Part II. “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition” in the
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2019 filed with the SEC on October 29, 2019.
Unless otherwise noted, all tables present U.S. dollar amounts in thousands. Certain percentages presented are calculated using
actual results prior to rounding. Our operations consist of four reportable segments: Central America, the Caribbean, Colombia
and the United States. The Company’s reportable segments are based on management’s organization of these locations into
operating segments by general geographic location, which are used by management and the Company's chief operating decision
maker in setting up management lines of responsibility, providing support services, and making operational decisions and
assessments of financial performance. Segment amounts are presented after converting to U.S. dollars and consolidating
7
eliminations. From time to time, we revise the measurement of each segment's operating income, including certain corporate
overhead allocations, and other measures as determined by the information regularly reviewed by our chief operating decision
maker. When we do so, the previous period amounts and balances are reclassified to conform to the current period's presentation.
Net Merchandise Sales
The following tables indicate the net merchandise club sales in the reportable segments in which we operate, and the
percentage growth in net merchandise sales by segment during fiscal years 2020 and 2019.
Years Ended
August 31, 2020
August 31, 2019
Amount
1,855,538
978,021
358,203
3,191,762
% of net
sales
58.1 % $
30.7
11.2
100.0 % $
Increase/
(decrease)
from
prior year
Change
Amount
65,595
58,626
(24,107)
100,114
3.7 % $
6.4
(6.3)
3.2 % $
1,789,943
919,395
382,310
3,091,648
% of net
sales
57.9 %
29.7
12.4
100.0 %
Central America
Caribbean
Colombia
Net merchandise sales
$
$
Comparison of 2020 and 2019
Overall, net merchandise sales grew by 3.2% for fiscal year 2020 compared to fiscal year 2019, resulting from a 9.5%
increase in average ticket offset by a 5.7% decrease in transactions. Transactions represent the number of visits our members
make to our warehouse clubs and average ticket represents the amount our members spend on each visit.
During the current fiscal year, net merchandise sales were positively impacted by increases in average ticket, which
were offset by decreases in transactions due to capacity restrictions and other government restrictions as a result of the COVID-
19 pandemic. In the second half of fiscal 2020, governments in our markets imposed restrictions of varying degrees on nearly all
businesses, including essential businesses such as ours. These governments have mandated various protocols resulting in
limitations on the number of people in our clubs, reduced hours of operation, restrictions on or closure of dining and other services
areas, and, in some cases, closure of our clubs intermittently or on certain days of the week. These, in combination with consumer
trepidation about the spread of COVID-19 and government restrictions limiting times when consumers can leave their homes,
have reduced traffic in our clubs and led to the significant decline in transactions for the twelve month period ended August 31,
2020. In addition, we had 46 clubs in operation as of August 31, 2020 compared to 43 clubs as of August 31, 2019.
Net merchandise sales in our Central America segment increased 3.7% for fiscal 2020 compared to fiscal year 2019.
These increases had a 210 basis point (2.1%) positive impact on total net merchandise sales growth. All markets within this
segment, with the exception of Honduras, showed increased net merchandise sales year-on-year. Honduras had the most
government restrictions with the longest duration during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to negative sales growth in the year
compared to the prior period. We added three new clubs to the segment when compared to the comparable prior period. We
opened our seventh club in Panama in October 2019, our fourth club in Guatemala in November 2019 and we opened our eighth
club in Costa Rica in June 2020. In addition to the new club in Costa Rica, the market also benefited from a significant foreign
currency exchange rate tailwind that contributed to increased U.S. dollar sales. Refer to Part II. “Item 7. Management Discussion
& Analysis – Currency Exchange Rate Fluctuations” for more information on the impact of currency movements on net
merchandise sales.
Net merchandise sales in our Caribbean segment grew 6.4% for fiscal 2020 when compared to fiscal 2019. This increase
had a 190 basis point (1.9%) positive impact on total net merchandise sales growth. Our Dominican Republic and Jamaica markets
led the way in this segment, with both having double digit year-over-year growth with 19.0% and 10.3% increases in net
merchandise sales, respectively. In the Dominican Republic, we launched our fifth club in June 2019, while Jamaica continued
its exceptional sales run with net merchandise sales growth of 10.3%. This is the second straight year for Jamaica having double-
digit sales growth. With the exception of our Aruba and USVI markets, all other markets within this segment showed increased
net merchandise sales year-on-year.
Net merchandise sales in our Colombia segment decreased 6.3% for fiscal 2020 when compared to fiscal 2019. This
decrease had an 80 basis point (0.8%) negative impact on total net merchandise sales growth. The declines during the period are
primarily due to significant unfavorable foreign currency devaluation and government restrictions in response to the coronavirus
outbreak.
8
The following table indicates the impact that currency exchange rates had on our net merchandise sales in dollars and
as a percentage of net merchandise sales for the year ended August 31, 2020.
Currency Exchange Rate Fluctuations for the
Twelve Months Ended
August 31, 2020
Amount
% change
Central America
Caribbean
Colombia
Net merchandise sales
$
$
12,293
(30,425)
(43,802)
(61,934)
0.7 %
(3.3)
(11.5)
(2.1) %
Overall, the effects of currency fluctuations within our markets had an approximately $61.9 million or 210 basis point
(2.1%) negative impact on net merchandise sales for the year ended August 31, 2020.
Currency fluctuations had a $12.3 million or 70 basis point (0.7%) positive impact on net merchandise sales in our
Central America segment for the year ended August 31, 2020. The currency fluctuations contributed approximately 40 basis
points (0.4%) of the total positive impact on total net merchandise sales. The Costa Rica Colón appreciated significantly against
the dollar as compared to a year ago and was a significant factor in the contribution to the favorability of currency exchange rate
fluctuations in this segment.
Currency fluctuations had a $30.4 million or 330 basis point (3.3%) negative impact on reported net merchandise sales
in our Caribbean segment for the year ended August 31, 2020. The currency fluctuations contributed approximately 100 basis
points (1.0%) of the total negative impact on total net merchandise sales. The Dominican Peso and Jamaican Dollar depreciated
significantly against the dollar as compared to a year ago and were the driving factors in the contribution to the negative currency
exchange rate fluctuations in this segment.
Currency fluctuations had a $43.8 million or 1,150 basis point (11.5%) negative impact on net merchandise sales in our
Colombia segment for the year ended August 31, 2020. The currency fluctuations contributed approximately 150 basis points
(1.5%) to the total negative impact on total net merchandise sales.
Net Merchandise Sales by Category
The following table indicates the approximate percentage of net sales accounted for by each major category of items
sold during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2020 and 2019.
Foods & Sundries
Fresh Foods
Hardlines
Softlines
Other Business
Comparison of 2020 to 2019
Years Ended August 31,
2019
2020
52 %
29
11
4
4
100 %
51 %
27
12
5
5
100 %
During the second half of fiscal 2020 our member shopping patterns changed significantly in reaction to the COVID-19
pandemic. Across our merchandise categories, sales grew significantly in Food & Sundries and Fresh Foods, while our non-food
categories of Hardlines and Softlines declined. The decline in other business is primarily due to restrictions in certain markets
that did not permit our food courts and ancillary services, such as optical, to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic. Refer to
Part II. “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data: Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 3 - Revenue
Recognition” for sales by category. In response to these changes, we have taken many actions, including accelerating purchases
of certain merchandise in high volume categories and slowing or canceling certain merchandise purchases in lower volume non-
food categories.
9
Comparable Merchandise Sales
We report comparable net merchandise sales on a “same week” basis with 13 weeks in each quarter beginning on a
Monday and ending on a Sunday. The periods are established at the beginning of the fiscal year to provide as close of a match as
possible to the calendar month and quarter that is used for financial reporting purposes. This approach equalizes the number of
weekend days and weekdays in each period for improved sales comparison, as we experience higher merchandise club sales on
the weekends. Each of the warehouse clubs used in the calculations was open for at least 13 ½ calendar months before its results
for the current period were compared with its results for the prior period. As a result, sales related to three of our four warehouse
clubs opened during calendar year 2019 and the one club opened during calendar year 2020, will not be used in the calculation
of comparable sales until they have been open for at least the 13 ½ months. Therefore, comparable net merchandise sales include
42 warehouse clubs for the fifty-two week period ended August 30, 2020.
The following tables indicate the comparable net merchandise sales in the reportable segments in which we operate and
the percentage changes in net merchandise sales by segment during the fifty-two week periods ended August 30, 2020 and
September 1, 2019.
Central America
Caribbean
Colombia
Consolidated comparable net merchandise sales
Fifty-Two Weeks Ended
August 30, 2020
% Increase/(decrease)
in comparable
net merchandise sales
September 1, 2019
% Increase/(decrease)
in comparable
net merchandise sales
(3.2) %
3.8
(6.4)
(1.5) %
(2.0) %
2.2
(0.3)
(0.6) %
Comparison of Fifty-Two Week Periods Ended August 30, 2020 and September 1, 2019
Comparable net merchandise sales for those warehouse clubs that were open for at least 13 ½ months for some or all of
the fifty-two week period ended August 30, 2020 decreased 1.5%.
Comparable net merchandise sales in our Central America segment decreased 3.2% for the fifty-two week period ended
August 30, 2020. This decrease contributed approximately 190 basis points (1.9%) of the decrease in total comparable
merchandise sales.
For the fifty-two weeks ended August 30, 2020, decreases in comparable net merchandise sales in Guatemala, Honduras
and Panama contributed approximately 310 basis points (3.1%) of the decrease, which was partially offset by a 120 basis point
(1.2%) increase in Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. The decreases in Guatemala, Honduras, and Panama are primarily
related to periodic club closures and other government-mandated restrictions in response to the coronavirus outbreak, which also
include travel restrictions, “shelter in place” advisories, curfews, and social distancing measures. Many of these government
policies and restrictions in response to the coronavirus outbreak have resulted in limiting access for our members and impacted
our club operations. These include temporary club closures, limits on the number of days during the week and hours per day our
clubs can be open, restrictions on segments of the population permitted to shop on particular days, and limits on the number of
people that can be in a club. We believe comparable net merchandise sales in the segment were also adversely affected by transfers
of sales from existing clubs included in the calculation of comparable net merchandise sales to newly opened clubs not included
in the calculation, with one in Panama and one in Guatemala. These decreases were partially offset by significant foreign currency
appreciation within our Costa Rica market as well as strong performance in our El Salvador and Nicaragua markets.
Comparable net merchandise sales in our Caribbean segment increased 3.8% for the fifty-two week period ended August
30, 2020. This increase contributed approximately 120 basis points (1.2%) of positive impact in total comparable merchandise
sales.
For the fifty-two week period ended August 30, 2020, all markets in our Caribbean segment, with the exception of the
U.S. Virgin Islands and Aruba, showed strong growth compared to the same period in the prior year. Investments we made in our
Jamaica market resulted in 10.2% growth in comparable net merchandise sales for the fifty-two week period ended August 30,
2020. The Dominican Republic also had strong comparable sales of 7.1% despite the transfer of sales to our new club in that
market. In our U.S. Virgin Islands market, comparable net merchandise sales declined when compared to the same period in the
prior year. Hurricanes Irma and Maria had a severe impact on the infrastructure of the islands in the fall of calendar year 2017.
From that time until the end the first quarter of fiscal 2020, the Company benefitted from the difficulty other retailers had in
becoming fully operational, but those same retailers have rebuilt, contributing to increased competition in that market.
10
Comparable net merchandise sales in our Colombia segment decreased 6.4% for the fifty-two week period ended August
30, 2020. This decrease contributed approximately 80 basis points (0.8%) of the decrease in total comparable merchandise sales.
These declines were largely due to the devaluation of the Colombian peso relative to the U.S. dollar and government restrictions
imposed in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
The following table illustrates the impact that changes in foreign currency exchange rates had on our comparable
merchandise sales in dollars and as a percentage of comparable merchandise sales for the fifty-two week period ended August
30, 2020.
Central America
Caribbean
Colombia
Consolidated comparable net merchandise sales
$
$
Fifty-Two Weeks Ended
August 30, 2020
Amount
% change
11,557
(27,950)
(42,951)
(59,344)
0.6 %
(3.1)
(11.3)
(1.9) %
Overall, the mix of currency fluctuations within our markets had an approximate $59.4 million, or 190 basis point
(1.9%), negative impact on comparable net merchandise for the fifty-two week period ended August 30, 2020.
Currency fluctuations within our Central America segment accounted for approximately 40 basis points (0.4%) of the
positive impact on total comparable merchandise sales for the fifty-two week period ended August 30, 2020. This is primarily
the result of significant appreciation in the Costa Rica Colón against the U.S. dollar during the current periods compared to the
same periods a year ago.
Currency fluctuations within our Caribbean segment accounted for approximately 90 basis points (0.9%) of negative
impact on total comparable merchandise for the fifty-two week period ended August 30, 2020. Our Dominican Republic and
Jamaica markets experienced currency devaluation when compared to the same period last year.
Currency fluctuations within our Colombia segment accounted for approximately 140 basis points (1.4%) of negative
impact on total comparable merchandise sales for the fifty-two week period ended August 30, 2020. This reflects the devaluation
of the Colombia peso when compared to the same period a year ago.
Membership Income
Membership income is recognized ratably over the one-year life of the membership.
Years Ended
August 31,
2020
August 31,
2019
Increase/
(decrease)
from
prior year
Membership
income % to
net merchandise
club sales
% Change
Amount
Membership income - Central America $
Membership income - Caribbean
Membership income - Colombia
Membership income - Total
$
32,825 $
14,814
6,862
54,501 $
Number of accounts - Central America
Number of accounts - Caribbean
Number of accounts - Colombia
Number of accounts - Total
828,958
426,383
302,979
1,558,320
1,320
1,144
(112)
2,352
(32,511)
(4,486)
(39,682)
(76,679)
4.2 %
8.4
(1.6)
4.5 %
(3.8) %
(1.0)
(11.6)
(4.7) %
1.8 % $
1.5
1.9
1.7 % $
Amount
31,505
13,670
6,974
52,149
861,469
430,869
342,661
1,634,999
Comparison of 2020 to 2019
The number of member accounts at the end of fiscal 2020 was 4.7% lower than the prior year period. Membership
income increased 4.5% compared to the comparable prior-year period.
11
The growth in membership income during fiscal 2020 in our Central America segment is primarily the result of the
opening of three new warehouse clubs – Metropark in Panama, San Cristobal in Guatemala, and Liberia in Costa Rica. The launch
of Platinum membership in two Central American markets in calendar year 2019 also contributed to the increase in membership
income for fiscal year 2020 compared to the prior year. Despite the new clubs in the segment, the membership base has declined
for two consecutive quarters due to the in-club traffic decline because of COVID-19, which will have a negative impact on
membership income in the segment in future reporting periods.
In our Caribbean market, membership income growth was primarily attributable to the opening of the new Bolivar
warehouse club in the Dominican Republic in June 2019. The launch of Platinum membership in three Caribbean markets in
calendar year 2019 also contributed to the increase in membership income for the twelve-month period.
Membership income in Colombia declined slightly in fiscal 2020 due to the decline in total Colombia membership
accounts because of restrictions on in-club traffic from COVID-19 when most members renew or sign-up.
We began offering our Platinum membership program in Colombia in June 2020 and we intend to expand our Platinum
membership program to the remaining two markets that do not currently offer platinum membership. The annual fee for a
Platinum membership in most markets is approximately $75. The Platinum membership program provides members with a 2%
rebate on most items, up to an annual maximum of $500. We record the 2% rebate as a reduction on net merchandise sales at the
time of the sales transaction.
Our trailing twelve-month renewal rate was 80.5% and 85.7% for the periods ended August 31, 2020 and August 31,
2019, respectively. We believe the renewal rate decline is driven by a significant decline of in-club traffic in some of our markets
due to governmental COVID-19 movement restrictions on their respective general populaces. Historically, membership renewals
have primarily been transacted in the club at the time of purchase of merchandise or services when a membership has expired.
Since COVID-19 and the notable increase of online traffic due to our new online catalogue and Click & Go™ services, sign-ups
and renewals completed online have been increasing.
Other Revenue
Other revenue primarily consists of non-merchandise revenue from freight and handling fees generated from our
marketplace and casillero operations, interest-generating portfolio from our co-branded credit cards, and rental income from
operating leases where the Company is the lessor.
Years Ended
August 31, 2020
Increase/(Decrease)
from
prior year
% Change
Amount
August 31, 2019
Amount
36,837
9,049
3,254
49,140
Non-merchandise revenue
Miscellaneous income
Rental income
Other revenue
Comparison of 2020 to 2019
$
$
38,271 $
7,546
2,734
48,551 $
1,434
(1,503)
(520)
(589)
3.9 % $
(16.6)
(16.0)
(1.2) % $
Other revenue for the year ended August 31, 2020 includes non-merchandise revenue generated by the marketplace and
casillero operations of a company we acquired in March 2018, primarily from freight and handlings charges for online orders
placed from customers in Latin America to retailers in the United States and delivered to locations throughout Latin America.
The $1.4 million increase in non-merchandise revenue compared to the prior year represents higher package volume in the
business we acquired in March 2018 during the current year. For the year ended August 31, 2020, the net decrease of $1.5 million
in Miscellaneous income was primarily due to $3.1 million of non-recurring income from credit card vendors in the prior year.
In the current year we had an increase of $0.9 million on our interest generating portfolio (“IGP”) from our co-branded credit
cards and an increase of $0.4 million from Platinum membership rebate compared to the prior year. For the year ended August 31,
2020, the net decrease of $0.5 million in rental income was due to tenants not continuing to lease our excess real estate and
concessions we granted to our lessees in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
12
Results of Operations
Results of Operations Consolidated
(Amounts in thousands, except percentages and number of warehouse clubs)
Results of Operations Consolidated
Net merchandise sales
Net merchandise sales
Total gross margin
Total gross margin percentage
Revenues
Total revenues
Percentage change from prior period
Comparable merchandise sales
Total comparable merchandise sales increase (decrease)
Total revenue margin
Total revenue margin
Total revenue margin percentage
Selling, general and administrative
Selling, general and administrative
Selling, general and administrative percentage of total revenues
Years Ended
August 31, 2020
August 31, 2019
$
$
$
$
$
3,191,762
467,820
$
$
14.7 %
3,091,648
442,983
14.3 %
3,329,188
$
3.3 %
3,223,918
1.8 %
(1.5) %
(0.6) %
554,410
$
16.7 %
528,227
16.4 %
431,942
$
13.0 %
413,060
12.8 %
Results of Operations Consolidated
Operating income- by segment
Central America
Caribbean
Colombia
United States
Reconciling items (1)
Operating income - Total
$
$
Warehouse clubs
Warehouse clubs at period end
Warehouse club sales square feet at period
end
August 31, 2020
% of Total
Revenue
August 31, 2019
% of Total
Revenue
Years Ended
3.8 % $
1.7
0.6
0.1
(2.5)
3.7 % $
125,351
57,217
18,071
3,873
(82,044)
122,468
46
2,270
3.8 %
1.6
0.5
0.1
(2.4)
3.6 %
122,629
50,724
14,909
3,805
(76,900)
115,167
43
2,158
(1) The reconciling items reflect the amount eliminated on consolidation of intersegment transactions.
The following table summarizes the selling, general and administrative expense for the periods disclosed.
August 31, 2020
% of Total
Revenue
August 31, 2019
% of Total
Revenue
Years Ended
Selling, general and administrative
detail:
Warehouse club and other operations
General and administrative
Pre-opening expenses
Loss on disposal of assets
Total Selling, general and administrative
$
$
323,178
106,776
1,545
443
431,942
9.7 % $
3.2
0.1
0.0
13.0 % $
307,823
101,432
2,726
1,079
413,060
9.5 %
3.2
0.1
0.0
12.8 %
13
Comparison of 2020 to 2019
Total gross margin is derived from our Revenue – Net merchandise sales less our Cost of goods sold – Net merchandise
sales and represents our sales and cost of sales generated from the business activities of our warehouse clubs. We express our
Total gross margin percentage as a percentage of our Net merchandise sales.
On a consolidated basis, total gross margin for fiscal 2020 was 14.7%, 40 basis points (0.4%) higher than fiscal 2019.
This improvement is attributable to more focused merchandising strategies and inventory management. Net merchandise margins
increased across all segments with the Central America segment contributing 20 basis points (0.2%), the Caribbean segment
contributing 10 basis points (0.1%), and the Colombia segment contributing 10 basis points (0.1%) to the overall increase.
Total revenue margin is derived from Total revenues, which includes our Net merchandise sales, Membership income,
Export sales, and Other revenue and income less our Cost of goods sold for net merchandise sales, Export sales, and Non-
merchandise revenues. We express our Total revenue margin as percentage of Total revenues.
Total revenue margin increased 30 basis points (0.3%) for the twelve months ended August 31, 2020 primarily due to
improved total gross margins of 40 basis points (0.4%). These total revenue margin improvements were offset by the non-
recurring reimbursement payment from one of our credit card vendors in the prior year, which resulted in a 10 basis point (0.1%)
decline in total revenue margins.
Selling, general and administrative expenses consist of warehouse club and other operations, general and administrative
expenses, pre-opening expenses, and loss on disposal of assets. In total, selling, general and administrative expenses increased
$18.4 million to 13.0% of total revenues for the twelve month period ended August 31, 2020 compared to 12.8% for the same
period during fiscal year 2019.
Warehouse club and other operations expense increased to 9.7% of total revenues compared to 9.5% for the twelve-
month period ended August 31, 2020. The increase is due to operating an additional three warehouse clubs compared to the prior
year period. These thee clubs along with two other new clubs that were opened late in fiscal 2019 have not reached sales maturity
as of August 31, 2020, thus increasing operational expenses by 20 basis points (0.2%) as a percentage of total revenues.
General and administrative expenses, as a percentage of total revenues, remained flat at 3.2% for the twelve-month
periods ended August 31, 2020 and August 31, 2019. The increase in general and administrative expenses of $5.3 million (net of
the non-recurring fiscal 2019 charges mentioned below) is primarily due to our investments to support our technology
development, talent acquisition, and employee development in fiscal 2020.
In the twelve months, ended August 31, 2019, two non-recurring transactions contributed to general and administrative
expenses. First was a $3.8 million charge for separation and other related termination benefits for our former Chief Executive
Officer and President who resigned in October 2018 by mutual agreement with the Board of Directors. The second was the final
$2.3 million of the amortization of post-combination compensation expense related to the Aeropost business that we acquired in
March 2018.
Pre-opening expense remained flat at (0.1%) of total revenues for fiscal 2020 and 2019. The decrease in overall expense
is attributable to fewer non-recurring costs associated with our current new club pipeline than we incurred to open our five new
clubs in the past 15 months.
Operating income for the twelve months ended August 31, 2020, increased to $123.0 million, (3.7% of total revenue)
compared to $115.2 million (3.6% of total revenue) for the same period last year. Higher total gross margins as a percent of total
revenue and margin dollars, partially offset by incrementally higher general and administrative expenses, were the primary factors
for the overall 10 basis point (0.1%) increase in operating income.
14
Interest Expense
Interest expense on loans
Interest expense related to hedging activity
Less: Capitalized interest
Net interest expense
Years Ended
August 31,
2020
August 31,
2019
Increase/
(decrease)
from prior
year
1,855 $
1,905
(74)
3,686 $
Amount
5,544
511
(2,116)
3,939
Amount
$
$
7,399 $
2,416
(2,190)
7,625 $
Net interest expense reflects borrowings by PriceSmart, Inc. and our wholly owned foreign subsidiaries to finance new
land acquisition and construction for new warehouse clubs, warehouse club expansions and distribution centers, the capital
requirements of warehouse club and other operations and ongoing working capital requirements.
Comparison of 2020 to 2019
Net interest expense increased $3.7 million for the year ended August 31. 2020. Interest expense related to loans
increased $1.9 million primarily due to higher average long-term loan balances to fund our capital projects and recent drawdowns
on short-term lines of credit as part of our COVID-19 related efforts to secure cash. Interest expense related to hedging activity
increased $1.9 million due to an increase in hedging activity as we seek to mitigate our foreign currency exposure risk on our
loan agreements entered into during fiscal 2020 to finance construction of future anticipated warehouse clubs.
Other Income (Expense), net
Other income (expense), net consists of currency gains or losses, as well as net benefit costs related to our defined benefit
plans and the one time settlement of a business combination escrow account.
Years Ended
August 31,
2020
Increase
from
prior year
Amount
August 31,
2019
Amount
Other expense, net
$
(834) $
773 $
(1,607)
Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the respective entity
(primarily U.S. dollars) are revalued to the functional currency using the exchange rate on the balance sheet date. These foreign
exchange transaction gains (losses) are recorded as currency gains or losses. Additionally, gains or losses from transactions
denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the respective entity also generate currency gains or losses.
Comparison of 2020 to 2019
For the twelve-month period ended August 31, 2020 the primary driver of Other income (expense), net included a $1.4
million loss associated with foreign currency transactions and the revaluation of monetary assets and liabilities in several of our
markets. The foreign currency gains and losses resulted from the revaluation of net U.S. dollar assets and liabilities in markets
where the local functional currency revalued or devalued against the U.S. dollar, and from exchange transactions, net of any
exchange reserve movements. There were also $169,000 of expenses recorded for our defined benefit plans. These net expenses
were partially offset by a $705,000 gain resulting from a settlement payment we received with respect to outstanding claims we
made related to the acquisition of the business that we purchased in March of 2018.
15
Provision for Income Taxes
The tables below summarize the effective tax rate for the periods reported:
Years Ended
August 31,
2020
August 31,
2019
Increase/
(decrease)
from
prior year
615 $
(411)
204 $
Amount
40,553
(2,993)
37,560
33.8 %
Amount
41,168
(3,404)
37,764
$
$
$
$
32.5 %
Current tax expense
Net deferred tax benefit
Provision for income taxes
Effective tax rate
Comparison of 2020 to 2019
For fiscal 2020, the effective tax rate was 32.5%. The decrease in the effective rate versus the prior year was primarily
attributable to the following factors:
1. The comparably unfavorable impact of 1.3% due to the prior year’s one-time reversal of valuation allowances on
net deferred tax assets in the Company’s Colombia subsidiary.
2. The comparably unfavorable impact of 1.3% resulting from valuation allowances on deferred tax assets from foreign
tax credits that, incidental to U.S. Tax Reform, are no longer deemed recoverable.
3. The comparably favorable impact of 1.2% resulting from changes in income tax liabilities from uncertain tax
position for which the applicable statutes of limitations have expired.
4. The comparably favorable impact of 1.1% resulting from the effect of the change in foreign currency value and
related adjustments.
5. The comparably favorable impact of 0.4% due to a greater portion of income falling into lower tax jurisdictions.
6. The comparably favorable impact of 0.7% resulting from nonrecurrence of non-deductible severance compensation
for our former Chief Executive Officer.
Other Comprehensive Loss
Other comprehensive loss for fiscal years 2020 and 2019 resulted primarily from foreign currency translation
adjustments related to the assets and liabilities and the translation of the statements of income related to revenue, costs and
expenses of our subsidiaries whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar. When the functional currency in our international
subsidiaries is the local currency and not U.S. dollars, the assets and liabilities of such subsidiaries are translated to U.S. dollars
at the exchange rate on the balance sheet date, and revenue, costs and expenses are translated at average rates of exchange in
effect during the period. The corresponding translation gains and losses are recorded as a component of accumulated other
comprehensive income or loss. These adjustments will not affect net income until the sale or liquidation of the underlying
investment. The reported other comprehensive income or loss reflects the unrealized increase or decrease in the value in U.S.
dollars of the net assets of the subsidiaries as of the date of the balance sheet, which will vary from period to period as exchange
rates fluctuate.
16
Other Comprehensive Loss
Years Ended
August 31,
2020
Decrease
from prior
year
% Change Amount
(9,358)
(40.5) % $
(23,123) $
August 31,
2019
Decrease
from prior
year
(11,966)
Amount
$
(32,481) $
% Change
(107.3) %
Other comprehensive loss
Comparison of 2020 to 2019
Our other comprehensive loss of approximately $32.5 million for fiscal 2020 resulted primarily from the comprehensive
loss of approximately $29.4 million from foreign currency translation adjustments related to assets and liabilities and the
translation of revenue, costs and expenses on the statements of income of our subsidiaries whose functional currency is not the
U.S. dollar. During fiscal 2020, the largest translation adjustments were related to the devaluation of the local currencies against
the U.S. dollar for our Colombia, Dominican Republic and Jamaica subsidiaries, partially offset by the translation adjustment for
the appreciation of the local currency against the U.S. dollar of our Costa Rica subsidiary. Additional losses of approximately
$3.1 million related to unrealized losses on changes in our derivative obligations.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Financial Position and Cash Flow
Our operations have historically supplied us with a significant source of liquidity. Our cash flows provided by operating
activities, supplemented with our long-term debt and short-term borrowings, have generally been sufficient to fund our operations
while allowing us to invest in activities that support the long-term growth of our operations and to pay dividends on our common
stock. We evaluate our funding requirements on a regular basis to cover any shortfall in our ability to generate sufficient cash
from operations to meet our capital requirements. We may consider funding alternatives to provide additional liquidity if
necessary. There is some uncertainty surrounding the continuing potential impact of the novel coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19)
on our results of operations and cash flows. As a result, we have taken steps to increase cash available on-hand, including, but
not limited to, drawing funds on our short-term facilities and lengthening vendor payment terms. Refer to Part II. “Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data: Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 11 - Debt” for additional
information regarding our drawdown on our short-term facilities and long-term borrowings.
Repatriation of cash and cash equivalents held by foreign subsidiaries may require us to accrue and pay taxes. We have
no plans at this time to repatriate cash through the payment of cash dividends by our foreign subsidiaries to our domestic
operations and, therefore, have not accrued taxes that would be due from repatriation.
The following table summarizes the cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash, held by our foreign subsidiaries
and domestically (in thousands).
Amounts held by foreign subsidiaries
Amounts held domestically
Total cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash
August 31,
2020
August 31,
2019
$
$
203,598 $
100,173
303,771 $
98,964
7,272
106,236
The following table summarizes the short-term investments held by our foreign subsidiaries and domestically (in
thousands).
Amounts held by foreign subsidiaries
Amounts held domestically
Total short-term investments
August 31,
2020
August 31,
2019
$
$
46,509 $
—
46,509 $
17,045
—
17,045
17
As of August 31, 2020, certificates of deposits with a maturity of over a year held by our foreign subsidiaries and
domestically were $1.5 million. There were no certificates of deposits with a maturity of over a year held by our foreign
subsidiaries or domestically as of August 31, 2019.
From time to time, we have experienced a lack of availability of U.S. dollars in certain markets (U.S. dollar illiquidity).
This impedes our ability to convert local currencies obtained through merchandise sales into U.S. dollars to settle the U.S. dollar
liabilities associated with our imported products. Since fiscal 2017, we have experienced this situation in Trinidad and have been
unable to source a sufficient level of tradeable currencies. We are working with our banks in Trinidad to source tradeable
currencies. We expect the illiquid market conditions in Trinidad to continue. Refer to Part II. “Item 7. Management’s Discussion
& Analysis – Factors Affecting Our Business” for our quantitative analysis and discussion.
The following table summarizes our significant sources and uses of cash and cash equivalents:
Net cash provided by operating activities
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
Effect of exchange rates
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Years Ended
August 31,
2020
August 31,
2019
$
$
259,268 $
(131,212)
75,563
(6,084)
197,535 $
170,332
(124,704)
(31,955)
(4,351)
9,322
Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $259.3 million and $170.3 million for the twelve months ended
August 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Our cash flow provided by operations is primarily derived from net merchandise sales
and membership fees. Cash flows used in operations generally consists of payments to our merchandise vendors, warehouse
operating costs (including payroll, employee benefits and utilities), as well as payments for income taxes. The $89.0 million
increase in net cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to a net increase of $78.9 million in operating assets and
liabilities and a net increase of $10.1 million from changes in non-cash reconciling items. The $78.9 million increase in operating
assets and liabilities is primarily due to net working capital improvements of $96.9 million, which resulted from a $32.0 million
decrease in merchandise inventories and a $64.9 million increase in accounts payable during the twelve-months ended August
31, 2020 compared to the prior year. The decrease in merchandise inventories is primarily the result of lower replenishment of
certain items within our non-food categories in response to changes in consumer preferences toward purchases of more essential
goods during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis in addition to more focused merchandising strategies and inventory management.
The accounts payable increase resulted primarily from temporary extensions of vendor terms negotiated as part of our response
to the COVID-19 pandemic. The $96.9 million increase in working capital was offset by a $18.0 million decrease year-over-year
in all other balance sheet changes. The balance sheet changes were primarily driven by increases in long-term assets and accounts
receivable of $11.7 million and $2.2 million, respectively. The increases in long term assets is driven by the net movements of
$5.5 million in long term tax receivables and $5.2 million in net long term derivative assets. In addition, there was a decrease of
$4.1 million in deferred membership income due to the decline in our membership base and our 12-month renewal rate. The
$10.1 million change in non-cash reconciling items was primarily due to the increase in net income and depreciation for the
twelve-month period ended August 31, 2020 compared to the prior year.
Net cash used in investing activities totaled $131.2 million and $124.7 million for the twelve months ended August 31,
2020 and 2019, respectively. Our cash used in investing activities is primarily for the construction of and improvements to our
warehouse clubs and management of our cash investments. The $6.5 million increase in cash used in investing activities is
primarily the result of a net $46.2 million increase in short-term and long-term certificate of deposit purchases and fewer
settlements compared to the same twelve-month period a year-ago. The increase in purchases and fewer settlements is the result
of additional Trinidad dollars we have on-hand and that we have invested into certificates of deposit to generate interest income
while we actively work to convert those Trinidad dollars into U.S. dollars as availability allows. Refer to Part II. “Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis – Factors Affecting Our Business” for additional information regarding the current U.S.
dollar illiquidity we are experiencing in that market. We also had a $39.7 million decrease in construction expenditures due to
fewer warehouse clubs currently being constructed compared to the same twelve-month period a year ago.
Net cash provided by financing activities totaled $75.6 million versus net cash used in financing activities of $32.0
million for the twelve months ended August 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Our cash flows provided by or used in financing
activities are used primarily to fund our working capital needs and our warehouse club expansions and investments. The $107.6
million increase in cash provided by financing activities is primarily the result of a net increase of proceeds from long-term
borrowings of $55.7 million compared to a year ago and a net $50.6 million increase in cash provided by additional short-term
borrowings, compared to the same twelve-month period a year ago. We have increased our short-term borrowings to increase
available cash on hand to meet current and any future potential operational cash needs as a result of COVID-19. We may pay
down these short-term borrowings in the future should we determine we have sufficient cash availability.
18
Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt
Our financing strategy is to ensure liquidity and access to capital markets while minimizing our borrowing costs. The
proceeds of these borrowings were or will be used for general corporate purposes, which may include, among other things,
funding for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, and repayment of existing debt. Refer to Part II. “Item 8. Financial
Statements and Supplementary Data: Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 11 - Debt.” for further discussion.
Contractual Obligations
Contractual obligations
Long-term debt and
interest(1)
Operating leases(2)
Warehouse club construction
commitments (3)
Total
$
$
Less than
1 Year
1 to 3
Years
Payments due in:
4 to 5
Years
After
5 Years
19,437 $
15,001
5,100
39,538 $
41,549 $
29,738
—
71,287 $
32,350 $
28,199
38,711 $
167,775
—
—
60,549 $
206,486 $
Total
132,047
240,713
5,100
377,860
(1) Long-term debt includes debt with both fixed and variable interest rates. We have used rates as of August 31, 2020 to calculate future
estimated payments related to the variable rate items. For the portion of the loans subject to interest rate swaps and cross-currency interest
rate swaps, we have used the fixed interest rate as set by the interest rate swaps.
(2) Operating lease obligations have been reduced by approximately $0.9 million to reflect the amounts net of expected sublease income.
Certain obligations under leasing arrangements are collateralized by the underlying asset being leased. Future minimum lease payments
include $0.6 million of lease payment obligations for the prior leased Miami distribution center. For the purposes of calculating the
minimum lease payments, a reduction is reflected for the actual sub-lease income the Company expects to receive during the remaining
lease term. This sub-lease income was also considered, for the purposes of calculating the exit obligation, which was immaterial as of
August 31, 2020.
(3) The amounts shown represent contractual obligations for construction services not yet rendered.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have had, or are reasonably likely to have, a
material current or future effect on its financial condition or consolidated financial statements.
Repurchase of Equity Securities and Reissuance of Treasury Shares
At the vesting dates for restricted stock awards to our employees, we repurchase a portion of the shares that have vested
at the prior day's closing price per share, with the funds used to pay the employees' minimum statutory tax withholding
requirements related to the vesting of restricted stock awards. We do not have a stock repurchase program.
Shares of common stock repurchased by us are recorded at cost as treasury stock and result in the reduction of
stockholders’ equity in our consolidated balance sheets. We may reissue these treasury shares.
The following table summarizes the shares repurchased during fiscal years 2020, 2019 and 2018:
Shares repurchased
Cost of repurchase of shares (in thousands)
August 31,
2020
Years Ended
August 31,
2019
August 31,
2018
56,503
3,651 $
75,462
4,604 $
37,414
3,183
$
We reissued 234,400 treasury shares as part of our stock-based compensation programs during fiscal 2020 and 63,000
treasury shares during fiscal 2019, but we did not reissue any treasury shares during fiscal 2018.
19
Dividends
Refer to Part II. “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data: Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements,
Note 6 - Stockholders’ Equity” for further discussion.
Derivatives
Refer to Part II. “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data: Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements,
Note 13 - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” for further discussion.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP in the United States. The preparation of our consolidated
financial statements requires that management make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of
revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Some of our accounting policies require management to make difficult and
subjective judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates of matters that are inherently uncertain. We evaluate our
accounting policies and significant estimates on an ongoing basis, including those related to business acquisitions, contingencies
and litigation, income taxes, value added taxes, and long-lived assets. We base our estimates on historical experience and on
other assumptions that management believes to be reasonable under the present circumstances. Using different estimates could
have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
We believe that the accounting policies described below involve a significant degree of judgment and complexity.
Accordingly, we believe these are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our consolidated financial
condition and results of operations. For further information, refer to Part II. “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary
Data: Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.”
Income Taxes
We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax
assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement
carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured
using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences and carry-forwards
are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in
income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is established when necessary to reduce deferred
tax assets to amounts expected to be realized. As of August 31, 2020, we evaluated our deferred tax assets and liabilities and
determined that a valuation allowance was necessary for certain deferred tax asset balances, primarily because of the existence
of significant negative objective evidence, such as the fact that certain subsidiaries are in a cumulative loss position for the past
three years, indicating that certain net operating loss carry-forward periods are not sufficient to realize the related deferred tax
assets. We also specifically considered whether foreign tax credit balances could be utilized in the foreseeable future in light of
current and future U.S. tax liabilities. We have historically applied foreign tax credits, generated from taxes withheld on certain
payments PriceSmart receives from our foreign subsidiaries, to reduce U.S. income tax liabilities. However, as an incidental
result of U.S. tax reform, following the reduction of the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, we expect foreign tax
credits generated to exceed U.S. income tax liability for the foreseeable future. Therefore, for the twelve-month period ended
August 31, 2020 and August 31, 2019, we have recorded valuation allowance of $8.5 million and $6.7 million against our foreign
tax credits.
We are required to file federal and state income tax returns in the United States and various other tax returns in foreign
jurisdictions. The preparation of these tax returns requires us to interpret the applicable tax laws and regulations in effect in such
jurisdictions, which could affect the amount of tax paid by us. We, in consultation with our tax advisors, base our tax returns on
interpretations that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. The tax returns, however, are subject to routine reviews
by the various taxing authorities in the jurisdictions in which we file our tax returns. As part of these reviews, a taxing authority
may disagree with respect to the interpretations we used to calculate our tax liability and therefore require us to pay additional
taxes.
We accrue an amount for our estimate of probable additional income tax liability. In certain cases, the impact of an
uncertain income tax position on the income tax return must be recognized at the largest amount that is more likely than not to
be sustained upon audit by the relevant tax authority. An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized if it has 50% or
less likelihood of being sustained. This requires significant judgment, the use of estimates, and the interpretation and application
of complex tax laws. When facts and circumstances change, we reassess these probabilities and record any changes in the
consolidated financial statements as appropriate. During fiscal 2020, we released $2.4 million of certain income tax contingency
20
accruals due to the expiration of the statute of limitations. There were no material changes in our uncertain income tax positions
for the period ended on August 31, 2019.
Tax Receivables
We pay Value Added Tax (“VAT”) or similar taxes, income taxes, and other taxes within the normal course of our
business in most of the countries in which we operate related to the procurement of merchandise and/or services we acquire
and/or on sales and taxable income. VAT is a form of indirect tax applied to the value added at each stage of production (primary,
manufacturing, wholesale and retail). This tax is similar to, but operates somewhat differently than, sales tax paid in the United
States. We generally collect VAT from our members upon sale of goods and services and pay VAT to our vendors upon purchase
of goods and services. Periodically, we submit VAT reports to governmental agencies and reconcile the VAT paid and VAT
received. The net overpaid VAT may be refunded or applied to subsequent returns, and the net underpaid VAT must be remitted
to the government. With respect to income taxes paid, if the estimated income taxes paid or withheld exceed the actual income
tax due this creates an income tax receivable. In most countries where we operate, the governments have implemented additional
collection procedures, such as requiring credit card processors to remit a portion of sales processed via credit and debit cards
directly to the government as advance payments of VAT and/or income tax. This collection mechanism generally leaves us with
net VAT and/or income tax receivables, forcing us to process significant refund claims on a recurring basis. These refund or
offset processes can take anywhere from several months to several years to complete.
In most countries where we operate, there are defined and structured processes to recover VAT receivables via refunds
or offsets. However, in one country without a clearly defined refund process, the Company is actively engaged with the local
government to recover VAT receivables totaling $7.0 million and $5.1 million as of August 31, 2020 and August 31, 2019,
respectively. In addition, in two other countries where the Company operates, there have been changes in the method of computing
minimum tax payments, under which the governments have sought to require the Company to pay taxes based on a percentage
of sales rather than taxable income. As a result, we have made and may continue to make income tax payments substantially in
excess of those we would expect to pay based on taxable income. The Company had income tax receivables of $10.4 million and
$7.8 million and deferred tax assets of $2.8 million and $2.7 million as of August 31, 2020 and August 31, 2019, respectively, in
these countries. While the rules related to refunds of income tax receivables in these countries are either unclear or complex, the
Company has not placed any type of allowance on the recoverability of these tax receivables or deferred tax assets, because the
Company believes that it is more likely than not that it will ultimately succeed in its refund requests. Similarly, we have not
placed any recoverability allowances on tax receivables that arise from payments we are required to make originating from tax
assessments that we are appealing, as we believe it is more likely than not that we will ultimately prevail in the related appeals.
Our policy for classification and presentation of VAT receivables, income tax receivables and other tax receivables is
as follows:
(cid:120)
Short-term VAT and Income tax receivables, recorded as Other current assets: This classification is used for
any countries where our subsidiary has generally demonstrated the ability to recover the VAT or income tax
receivable within one year. We also classify as short-term any approved refunds or credit notes to the extent
that we expect to receive the refund or use the credit notes within one year.
(cid:120) Long-term VAT and Income tax receivables, recorded as Other non-current assets: This classification is used
for amounts not approved for refund or credit in countries where our subsidiary has not demonstrated the ability
to obtain refunds within one year and/or for amounts which are subject to outstanding disputes. An allowance
is provided against VAT and income tax receivable balances in dispute when we do not expect to eventually
prevail in our recovery of such balances. We do not currently have any allowances provided against VAT and
income tax receivables.
Long-lived Assets
We periodically evaluate our long-lived assets for indicators of impairment. Indicators that an asset may be impaired
are:
(cid:120)
(cid:120)
(cid:120)
(cid:120)
the asset's inability to continue to generate income from operations and positive cash flow in future periods;
loss of legal ownership or title to the asset;
significant changes in its strategic business objectives and utilization of the asset(s); and
the impact of significant negative industry or economic trends.
Management's judgments are based on market and operational conditions at the time of the evaluation and can include
management's best estimate of future business activity, which in turn drives estimates of future cash flows from these assets.
These periodic evaluations could cause management to conclude that impairment factors exist, requiring an adjustment of these
assets to their then-current fair market value. Future business conditions and/or activity could differ materially from the
21
projections made by management causing the need for additional impairment charges. No impairment charges have been recorded
during fiscal 2020 related to the loss of legal ownership or title to assets; significant changes in the Company's strategic business
objectives or utilization of assets; or the impact of significant negative industry or economic trends. Loss on disposal of assets
recorded during the years reported resulted from improvements to operations and normal preventive maintenance.
Goodwill and Other Indefinite-Lived Intangibles
Goodwill and other indefinite-lived acquired intangible assets are not amortized, but are evaluated for impairment
annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the value of a certain asset may be impaired. Generally,
this evaluation begins with a qualitative assessment to determine whether a quantitative impairment test is necessary. If we
determine, after performing an assessment based on the qualitative factors, that the fair value of the reporting unit is more likely
than not less than the carrying amount, or that a fair value of the reporting unit substantially in excess of the carrying amount
cannot be assured, then a quantitative impairment test would be performed. The quantitative test for impairment requires
management to make judgments relating to future cash flows, growth rates and economic and market conditions. These
evaluations are based on determining the fair value of a reporting unit or asset using a valuation method such as discounted cash
flow or a relative, market-based approach. Historically, our reporting units and other indefinite-lived acquired intangible assets
have generated sufficient returns to recover the cost of goodwill and other indefinite-lived acquired intangible assets. Because of
the nature of the factors used in these tests, if different conditions occur in future periods, future operating results could be
materially impacted. For approximately $45.2 million of certain acquired indefinite-lived intangible assets, the fair value
approximated the carrying value; any deterioration in the fair value may result in an impairment charge.
Seasonality and Quarterly Fluctuations
Historically, our merchandising businesses have experienced holiday retail seasonality in their markets. In addition to
seasonal fluctuations, our operating results fluctuate quarter-to-quarter as a result of economic and political events in markets
that we serve, the timing of holidays, weather, the timing of shipments, product mix, and currency effects on the cost of U.S.-
sourced products which may make these products more or less expensive in local currencies and therefore more or less affordable.
Because of such fluctuations, the results of operations of any quarter are not indicative of the results that may be achieved for a
full fiscal year or any future quarter. In addition, there can be no assurance that our future results will be consistent with past
results or the projections of securities analysts.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity price risk.
These market risks arise in the normal course of business. We do not engage in speculative trading activities. To manage the risk
arising from these exposures, we utilize interest rate swaps, cross-currency interest rate swaps, non-deliverable foreign currency
forward contracts and loans denominated in foreign currencies. For a discussion of our accounting policies for derivative
instruments and further disclosures, refer to Part II. “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data: Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements, Note 13 - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.”
Each market risk sensitivity analysis presented below is based on hypothetical scenarios used to calibrate potential risk
and do not represent our view of future market changes. The effect of a change in a particular assumption is calculated without
adjusting any other assumption. In reality, however, a change in one factor could cause a change in another factor, which may
magnify or negate other sensitivities.
Interest Rate Risk
We are exposed to changes in interest rates as a result of our short-term borrowings and long-term debt borrowings. We
have mitigated a portion of our interest rate risk by managing the mix of fixed and variable rate debt and by entering into interest
rate swaps and cross-currency interest rate swaps to hedge interest rate risk. The notional amount, interest payment and maturity
dates of the swap match the terms of the associated debt.
22
The table below provides information about our financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates. For
debt obligations, the table represents the principal cash flows and related weighted-average interest rates by expected maturity
dates. For interest rate swaps, including cross-currency interest rate swaps, the table represents the contractual cash flows and
weighted-average interest rates by the contractual maturity date, unless otherwise noted. The notional amounts are used to
calculate contractual cash flows to be exchanged under the contracts. The weighted-average variable rates are based upon
prevailing market interest rates and the outstanding balances as of August 31, 2020.
Annual maturities of long-term debt and derivatives are as follow (in thousands):
Long-Term Debt:
2021
2022
Twelve Months Ended August 31,
(Amounts in thousands)
2024
2025
2023
Thereafter
Total
Long-term debt with fixed
interest rate
Weighted-average interest
rate
Long-term debt with variable
interest rate
Weighted-average interest
rate
Total long-term debt
$
$
$
3,967
$
2,106
$
2,593
$
2,592
$
2,592
$
11,192
$
25,042
(1)
5.00 %
7.00 %
7.00 %
7.00 %
7.00 %
7.00 %
6.90 %
15,470
$
14,681
$
22,169
$
5,871
$
21,295
$
27,519
$
107,005
6.10 %
$
19,437
6.10 %
$
16,787
6.10 %
$
24,762
5.60 %
$
8,463
5.60 %
$
23,887
3.70 %
$
38,711
5.80 %
132,047
(1)
Derivatives:
Interest Rate Swaps:
Variable to fixed interest
Weighted-average pay rate
Weighted-average receive
rate
Cross-Currency Interest
Rate Swaps:
Variable to fixed interest
Weighted-average pay rate
Weighted-average receive
rate
$
2,775
$
4.91 %
2,775
$
4.91 %
9,900
$
5.69 %
1,275
$
3.65 %
1,275
$
3.65 %
27,519
$
3.65 %
45,519
4.25 %
2.61 %
2.61 %
3.07 %
1.86 %
1.86 %
1.86 %
2.22 %
$
4,054
$
8.52 %
4,679
$
8.44 %
10,754
$
9.18 %
3,329
$
7.92 %
19,770
7.92 %
—
$
— %
42,586
8.35 %
2.89 %
2.86 %
3.08 %
2.70 %
2.70 %
— %
2.83 %
(1) The Company has disclosed the future annual maturities of long-term debt, for which it has entered into cross-currency interest rate swaps
by using the derivative obligation as of August 31, 2020 to estimate the future commitments. Therefore, the total annual commitments
reflects these obligations, including the effect of the cross-currency interest rate swaps on the total-long term debt as disclosed on the
consolidated balance sheet.
Foreign Currency Risk
We have foreign currency risks related to sales, operating expenses and financing transactions in currencies other than
the U.S. dollar. As of August 31, 2020, we had a total of 46 consolidated warehouse clubs operating in 12 foreign countries and
one U.S. territory, 36 of which operate under currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Approximately 48.2% of our net merchandise
sales are comprised of products we purchased in U.S. dollars and were sold in countries whose currencies were other than the
U.S. dollar. Approximately 77.5% of our net merchandise sales are in markets whose functional currency is other than the U.S.
dollar. We may enter into additional foreign countries in the future or open additional locations in existing countries, which may
increase the percentage of net merchandise sales denominated in foreign currencies.
Currency exchange rate changes either increase or decrease the cost of imported products that we purchase in U.S.
dollars and price in local currency. Price changes can impact the demand for those products in the market. Currency exchange
rates also affect the reported sales of the consolidated company when local currency-denominated sales are translated to U.S.
dollars. In addition, we revalue all U.S. dollar denominated assets and liabilities within those markets that do not use the U.S.
dollar as the functional currency. These assets and liabilities include, but are not limited to, excess cash permanently reinvested
offshore and the value of items shipped from the U.S. to our foreign markets. The gain or loss associated with this revaluation,
net of reserves, is recorded in other income (expense).
23
Foreign currencies in most of the countries where we operate have historically devalued against the U.S. dollar and are
expected to continue to devalue. The following tables summarize by country, for those countries with functional currencies other
than the U.S. dollar, the weakening of the countries' currency against the U.S. dollar (devaluation) or the strengthening of their
currencies (revaluation):
Country
Colombia
Costa Rica
Dominican Republic
Guatemala
Honduras
Jamaica
Nicaragua
Trinidad
Revaluation/(Devaluation)
Twelve Months Ended August 31,
2020
2019
% Change
% Change
(9.72) %
(4.27)
(13.96)
(0.64)
0.24
(8.46)
(3.33)
0.06 %
(13.21) %
0.84
(3.02)
(1.57)
(2.25)
(0.28)
(5.00)
0.01 %
We seek to manage foreign exchange risk by (1) adjusting prices on goods acquired in U.S. dollars on a periodic basis
to maintain our target margins after taking into account changes in exchange rates; (2) obtaining local currency loans from banks
within certain markets where it is economical to do so and where management believes the risk of devaluation and the level of
U.S. dollar denominated liabilities warrants this action; (3) reducing the time between the acquisition of product in U.S. dollars
and the settlement of that purchase in local currency; (4) maintaining a balance between assets held in local currency and in U.S.
dollars; and (5) by entering into cross-currency interest rate swaps and forward currency derivatives. We have local-currency-
denominated long-term loans in Costa Rica and Guatemala; we have cross-currency interest rate swaps in Colombia and
Honduras; and we have interest rate swaps in Panama and in the United States. Turbulence in the currency markets can have a
significant impact on the value of the foreign currencies within the countries in which we operate. We report the gains or losses
associated with the revaluation of these monetary assets and liabilities on our consolidated statements of income under the heading
“Other income (expense), net.” Future volatility and uncertainties regarding the currencies in the countries that we operate in
could have a material impact on our operations in future periods. However, there is no way to accurately forecast how currencies
may trade in the future and, as a result, we cannot accurately project the impact of the change in rates on our future demand for
imported products, reported sales, or financial results.
We are exposed to foreign exchange risks related to U.S. dollar-denominated and other foreign-denominated cash, cash
equivalents and restricted cash, to U.S. dollar-denominated intercompany debt balances and to other U.S. dollar-denominated
debt/asset balances (excluding U.S. dollar-denominated debt obligations for which we hedge a portion of the currency risk
inherent in the interest and principal payments), within entities whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar. As part of the
adoption of the new leasing standard, we recorded several monetary liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet that are exposed
to foreign exchange movements. These monetary liabilities arise from leases denominated in a currency that is not the functional
currency of the Company’s local subsidiary. The monetary liability for these leases as of August 31, 2020 was $35.5 million. Due
to the mix of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations during fiscal 2020, the impact to the consolidated statements of income
of revaluing this liability was immaterial.
The following table discloses the net effect on other expense, net for U.S. dollar-denominated and other foreign-
denominated accounts relative to a hypothetical simultaneous currency revaluation based on balances as of August 31, 2020 (in
thousands) including the new lease-related monetary liabilities described above:
Losses based on change in
U.S. dollar denominated
and other foreign
denominated cash, cash
equivalents and restricted
cash balances
Losses based on change
in U.S. dollar
denominated inter-
company balances
Gains based on change
in U.S. dollar
denominated other
asset/liability balances
(3,635) $
(7,271) $
(14,542) $
(318) $
(635) $
(1,270) $
3,573 $
7,146 $
14,293 $
Net Loss(1)
(380)
(760)
(1,519)
Overall weighted
negative currency
movement
5%
10%
20%
$
$
$
(1) Amounts are before consideration of income taxes.
24
Information about the financial impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations for the twelve months ended
August 31, 2020 is disclosed in Part II. “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis – Other Expense, net”.
From time to time, we have experienced a lack of availability of U.S. dollars in certain markets (U.S. dollar illiquidity).
This impedes our ability to convert local currencies obtained through merchandise sales into U.S. dollars to settle the U.S. dollar
liabilities associated with our imported products. Since fiscal 2017, we have experienced this situation in Trinidad and have been
unable to source a sufficient level of tradeable currencies. We are working with our banks in Trinidad to source tradeable
currencies. We expect the illiquid market conditions in Trinidad to continue. Refer to Part II. “Item 7. Management’s Discussion
& Analysis – Factors Affecting Our Business” for our quantitative analysis and discussion.
Examples of countries where we have significant U.S. dollar net asset positions subjecting us to exchange rate losses if
the local currency strengthens against the U.S. dollar are our Jamaica, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica subsidiaries with balances of
$24.4 million, $20.8 million and $20.2 million, respectively as of August 31, 2020. Examples of countries where we have
significant U.S. dollar net liability positions subjecting us to exchange rate losses if the local currency weakens against the U.S.
dollar are our Dominican Republic and Honduras subsidiaries with balances of $25.0 million and $24.8 million, respectively as
of August 31, 2020.
We are also exposed to foreign exchange risks related to local-currency-denominated cash and cash equivalents, to local-
currency-denominated debt obligations, to local-currency-denominated current assets and liabilities and to local-currency-
denominated long-term assets and liabilities within entities whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar. The following table
discloses the net effect on other comprehensive income (loss) for these local currency denominated accounts relative to
hypothetical simultaneous currency devaluation in all the countries listed in the table above, based on balances as of August 31,
2020:
Other comprehensive
loss on the decline in
local currency
denominated cash and
cash equivalents and
restricted cash (in
thousands)
Other
comprehensive gain
on the decline in
foreign currency
denominated debt
obligations (in
thousands)
Other comprehensive
loss on the decline in
all other foreign
currency denominated
current assets net of
current liabilities (in
thousands)
Other comprehensive
loss on the decline in
all other foreign
currency denominated
long-term assets net of
long-term liabilities (in
thousands)
$
$
$
4,627 $
9,253 $
18,506 $
(3,025) $
(6,050) $
(12,100) $
381 $
763 $
1,525 $
23,633
47,266
94,533
Overall weighted
negative currency
movement
5%
10%
20%
In addition, we are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations associated with our U.S. dollar-denominated
debt obligations that we hedge. We hedge a portion of the currency risk inherent in the interest and principal payments associated
with this debt through the use of cross-currency interest rate swaps. The terms of these swap agreements are commensurate with
the underlying debt obligations. The aggregate fair value of these swaps was in a net asset position of approximately $44,000 at
August 31, 2020 and approximately $2.0 million at August 31, 2019. A hypothetical 10% increase in the currency exchange
rates underlying these swaps from the market rates at August 31, 2020 would have resulted in a further increase in the value of
the swaps of approximately $1.6 million. Conversely, a hypothetical 10% decrease in the currency exchange rates underlying
these swaps from the market rates at August 31, 2020 would have resulted in a net decrease in the value of the swaps of
approximately of $3.1 million.
From time to time we use non-deliverable forward foreign exchange contracts primarily to address exposure to U.S.
dollar merchandise inventory expenditures made by our international subsidiaries whose functional currency is other than the
U.S. dollar. These contracts are treated for accounting purposes as fair value contracts and do not qualify for derivative hedge
accounting. The market risk related to foreign currency forward contracts would be measured by estimating the potential impact
of a 10% change in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to the local currency exchange rates. The net increase or decrease in the
fair value of these derivative instruments would be economically offset by the gains or losses on the underlying transactions.
Commodity Price Risk
The increasing price of oil and certain commodities could have a negative effect on our operating costs and sales. Higher
oil prices can negatively impact the economic growth of the countries in which we operate, thereby reducing the buying power
of our members. Higher oil prices can also increase our operating costs, particularly utilities and distribution expenses.
Inflationary pressures on various commodities also may impact consumer spending. We do not currently seek to hedge
commodity price risk.
25
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of PriceSmart, Inc.
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited PriceSmart, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of August 31, 2020, 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, PriceSmart, Inc. (the Company) maintained, in all material respects,
effective internal control over financial reporting as of August 31, 2020, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)
(PCOAB), the consolidated balance sheets of PriceSmart, Inc. as of August 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements
of income, comprehensive income, equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 2020 and the
related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a) and our report dated October 29, 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.
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
San Diego, California
October 29, 2020
26
PRICESMART, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term restricted cash
Short-term investments
Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $147 as of August 31, 2020 and
$144 as of August 31, 2019, respectively
Merchandise inventories
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (includes $0 and $2,736 as of August 31, 2020
and August 31, 2019, respectively, for the fair value of derivative instruments)
Total current assets
Long-term restricted cash
Property and equipment, net
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net
Goodwill
Other intangibles, net
Deferred tax assets
Other non-current assets (includes $872 and $0 as of August 31, 2020 and August 31, 2019,
respectively, for the fair value of derivative instruments)
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates
Total Assets
$
$
$
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Short-term borrowings
Accounts payable
Accrued salaries and benefits
Deferred income
Income taxes payable
Other accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Operating lease liabilities, current portion
Long-term debt, current portion
Total current liabilities
Deferred tax liability
Long-term portion of deferred rent
Long-term income taxes payable, net of current portion
Long-term operating lease liabilities
Long-term debt, net of current portion
Other long-term liabilities (includes $4,685 and $2,910 for the fair value of derivative
instruments and $6,155 and $5,421 for post-employment plans as of August 31, 2020 and
August 31, 2019, respectively)
Total Liabilities
27
August 31,
2020
2019
299,481 $
185
46,509
13,153
309,509
30,165
699,002
4,105
692,279
119,533
45,206
10,166
21,672
102,653
54
17,045
9,872
331,273
30,999
491,896
3,529
671,151
—
46,101
12,576
15,474
54,260
10,602
1,656,825 $
44,987
10,697
1,296,411
65,143 $
373,172
32,946
23,525
7,727
37,731
8,594
19,437
568,275
1,713
—
5,132
124,181
112,610
7,540
286,219
25,401
25,340
4,637
32,442
—
25,875
407,454
2,015
11,198
5,069
—
63,711
12,182
824,093
8,685
498,132
Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock $0.0001 par value, 45,000,000 shares authorized; 31,417,576 and
31,461,359 shares issued and 30,670,712 and 30,537,027 shares outstanding (net of
treasury shares) as of August 31, 2020 and August 31, 2019, respectively
Additional paid-in capital
Tax benefit from stock-based compensation
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Retained earnings
Less: treasury stock at cost, 746,864 shares as of August 31, 2020 and 924,332 shares as of
August 31, 2019
Total stockholders' equity attributable to PriceSmart, Inc. stockholders
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries
Total stockholders' equity
Total Liabilities and Equity
See accompanying notes.
3
442,969
11,486
(176,820)
582,487
3
443,084
11,486
(144,339)
525,804
(28,406)
831,719
1,013
832,732
1,656,825 $
(38,687)
797,351
928
798,279
1,296,411
$
28
PRICESMART, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
Revenues:
Net merchandise sales
Export sales
Membership income
Other revenue and income
Total revenues
Operating expenses:
Cost of goods sold:
Net merchandise sales
Export sales
Non-merchandise
Selling, general and administrative:
Warehouse club and other operations
General and administrative
Pre-opening expenses
Asset impairment
Loss on disposal of assets
Total operating expenses
Operating income
Other income (expense):
Interest income
Interest expense
Other income (expense), net
Total other expense
Income before provision for income taxes and
loss of unconsolidated affiliates
Provision for income taxes
Loss of unconsolidated affiliates
Net income
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
Net income attributable to PriceSmart, Inc.
Net income attributable to PriceSmart, Inc. per share available for
distribution:
Basic
Diluted
Shares used in per share computations:
Basic
Diluted
Dividends per share
Years Ended August 31,
2019
2020
2018
$
3,191,762 $
34,374
54,501
48,551
3,329,188
3,091,648 $
30,981
52,149
49,140
3,223,918
3,053,754
40,581
50,821
21,546
3,166,702
2,723,942
32,676
18,160
323,178
106,776
1,545
—
443
3,206,720
122,468
2,031
(7,625)
(834)
(6,428)
116,040
(37,764)
(95)
78,181
(72)
78,109 $
2,648,665
29,524
17,502
307,823
101,432
2,726
—
1,079
3,108,751
115,167
1,489
(3,939)
(1,607)
(4,057)
111,110
(37,560)
(61)
73,489
(298)
73,191 $
2.55 $
2.55 $
2.40 $
2.40 $
$
$
$
30,259
30,259
30,195
30,195
$
0.70 $
0.70 $
2,610,111
38,740
7,669
291,488
88,461
913
1,929
1,339
3,040,650
126,052
1,415
(5,071)
192
(3,464)
122,588
(48,177)
(8)
74,403
(75)
74,328
2.44
2.44
30,115
30,115
0.70
See accompanying notes.
29
PRICESMART, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
Net income
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
Net income attributable to PriceSmart, Inc.
Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments (1)
Defined benefit pension plan:
Net loss arising during period
Amortization of prior service cost and actuarial gains included in
net periodic pensions cost
Total defined benefit pension plan
Derivative instruments: (2)
Unrealized losses on change in derivative
obligations
Unrealized gains/(losses) on change in
fair value of interest rate swaps
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive
income (loss) to other expense, net for settlement of derivatives
Total derivative instruments
Other comprehensive loss
Comprehensive income
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest
Comprehensive income attributable to PriceSmart, Inc. stockholders
$
Years Ended August 31,
2019
2020
2018
$
$
78,181 $
(72)
78,109 $
73,489 $
(298)
73,191 $
74,403
(75)
74,328
(29,413)
(19,717)
(12,890)
(79)
93
14
(112)
74
(38)
(87)
41
(46)
(490)
(267)
(97)
(5,313)
(3,102)
1,882
2,721
(3,082)
(32,481)
45,628
114
45,514 $
1
(3,368)
(23,123)
50,068
21
50,047 $
(6)
1,779
(11,157)
63,171
(1)
63,172
(1) Translation adjustments arising in translating the financial statements of a foreign entity have no effect on the income taxes of that foreign
entity. They may, however, affect: (a) the amount, measured in the parent entity's reporting currency, of withholding taxes assessed on
dividends paid to the parent entity and (b) the amount of taxes assessed on the parent entity by the government of its country. The Company
has determined that the reinvestment of earnings of its foreign subsidiaries are indefinite because of the long-term nature of the Company's
foreign investment plans. Therefore, deferred taxes are not provided for on translation adjustments related to non-remitted earnings of the
Company's foreign subsidiaries.
(2) Refer to Part II. “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data: Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 13 -
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.”
See accompanying notes.
30
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,
PRICESMART, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
$
Operating Activities:
Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
activities:
Depreciation and amortization
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Asset impairment and closure costs
Loss on sale of property and equipment
Deferred income taxes
Equity in losses of unconsolidated affiliates
Stock-based compensation
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables, prepaid expenses and other current assets, non-current assets,
accrued salaries and benefits, deferred membership income and other accruals
Merchandise inventories
Accounts payable
Net cash provided by operating activities
Investing Activities:
Business acquisition, net of cash acquired
Additions to property and equipment
Purchases of short-term investments
Proceeds from settlements of short-term investments
Purchases of long-term investments
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment
Net cash used in investing activities
Financing Activities:
Proceeds from long-term bank borrowings
Repayment of long-term bank borrowings
Proceeds from short-term bank borrowings
Repayment of short-term bank borrowings
Cash dividend payments
Purchase of treasury stock for tax withholding on stock compensation
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
Other financing activities
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period
$
Years Ended August 31,
2020
2019
2018
78,181 $
73,489 $
74,403
61,225
3
—
443
(3,405)
95
13,817
54,958
47
—
1,079
(4,401)
61
15,061
52,640
(369)
1,929
1,339
6,962
8
10,218
(3,040)
21,764
90,185
259,268
14,961
(10,248)
25,325
170,332
(1,108)
(10,079)
(16,489)
119,454
—
(100,320)
(49,629)
20,182
(1,485)
40
(131,212)
—
(140,061)
(15,244)
30,527
—
74
(124,704)
(23,895)
(98,109)
(77,997)
45,693
(100)
629
(153,779)
57,882
(15,164)
271,014
(212,919)
(21,527)
(3,651)
—
(72)
75,563
(6,084)
197,535
106,236
303,771 $
—
(12,939)
18,403
(10,863)
(21,654)
(4,604)
—
(298)
(31,955)
(4,351)
9,322
96,914
106,236 $
28,500
(32,088)
81,851
(81,851)
(21,240)
(3,183)
269
(75)
(27,817)
(6,656)
(68,798)
165,712
96,914
Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing activities:
Capital expenditures accrued, but not yet paid
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest, net of amounts capitalized
Income taxes
$
10,563 $
6,637 $
1,481
$
$
6,877 $
50,814 $
3,504 $
48,312 $
4,955
52,151
32
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within the statement
of financial position that sum to the total of the same amounts shown in the statement of cash flows:
2020
299,481 $
185
4,105 $
$
$
Years Ended August 31,
2019
102,653 $
2018
93,460
405
3,049
54
3,529 $
$
303,771 $
106,236 $
96,914
Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term restricted cash
Long-term restricted cash
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the consolidated
statements of cash flows
See accompanying notes.
33
PRICESMART, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 – COMPANY OVERVIEW AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
PriceSmart, Inc.’s (“PriceSmart,” the “Company,” or "we") business consists primarily of international membership
shopping warehouse clubs similar to, but smaller in size than, warehouse clubs in the United States. As of August 31, 2020, the
Company had 46 warehouse clubs in operation in 12 countries and one U.S. territory (eight in Costa Rica; seven each in Colombia
and Panama; five in the Dominican Republic, four in Trinidad and Guatemala; three in Honduras; two each in El Salvador and
Nicaragua; and one each in Aruba, Barbados, Jamaica and the United States Virgin Islands), of which the Company owns 100%
of the corresponding legal entities (refer to Part II. “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data: Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements, Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies”). In June 2020, the Company opened its 46th
warehouse club and eighth club in Costa Rica, located in the city of Liberia, in the Guanacaste region. The Company also expects
to open its third warehouse club in the greater metropolitan area of Bogota, its eighth in Colombia, in December 2020.
PriceSmart continues to invest in technology to increase efficiencies and to enhance the member experience by enabling
omni-channel capabilities, including e-commerce online shopping and services. As of August 31, 2020, we offered the Click &
Go™ curbside pickup service in all 13 of our markets. Early in our fourth fiscal quarter, we also added delivery to our Click &
Go™ service, which was available in six of our 13 markets as of August 31, 2020 and expanded into further markets in early
fiscal 2021. These services provide an alternative and convenient way for our members to shop, while reducing physical contact.
PriceSmart also operates a package forwarding (casillero) and marketplace business under the “Aeropost” banner in 38 countries
in Latin America and the Caribbean, many of which overlap with markets where it operates warehouse clubs.
Basis of Presentation – The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions
to Form 10-K for annual financial reporting pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
(“SEC”) and U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for annual financial information. The consolidated financial
statements include the accounts of PriceSmart, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its subsidiaries. Inter-company transactions
between the Company and its subsidiaries have been eliminated in consolidation. The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
has severely impacted the economies of the U.S. and the countries where the Company operates. The Company has assessed the
impact that COVID-19 has had on our estimates, assumptions and accounting policies and made additional disclosures, if and as
necessary.
NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Principles of Consolidation – The consolidated financial statements of the Company included herein include the assets,
liabilities and results of operations of the Company’s wholly owned subsidiaries, subsidiaries in which it has a controlling interest,
and the Company’s joint ventures for which the Company has determined that it is the primary beneficiary. The Company’s net
income excludes income attributable to noncontrolling interests. The Company reports noncontrolling interests in consolidated
entities as a component of equity separate from the Company’s equity. The consolidated financial statements also include the
Company's investment in, and the Company's share of the income (loss) of, joint ventures recorded under the equity method. All
significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The consolidated financial statements
have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC and reflect all adjustments (consisting of
normal recurring adjustments) that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to fairly present the financial position, results
of operations and cash flows for the periods presented.
The Company determines whether any of the joint ventures in which it has made investments is a Variable Interest Entity
(“VIE”) at the start of each new venture and if a reconsideration event has occurred. At this time, the Company also considers
whether it must consolidate a VIE and/or disclose information about its involvement in a VIE. A reporting entity must consolidate
a VIE if that reporting entity has a variable interest (or combination of variable interests) and is determined to be the primary
beneficiary. If the Company determines that it is not the primary beneficiary of the VIE, then the Company records its investment
in, and the Company's share of the income (loss) of, joint ventures recorded under the equity method. Due to the nature of the
joint ventures that the Company participates in and the continued commitments for additional financing, the Company determined
these joint ventures are VIEs.
F-34
PRICESMART, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
In the case of the Company's ownership interest in real estate development joint ventures, both parties to each joint
venture share all rights, obligations and the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's
economic performance. As a result, the Company has determined that it is not the primary beneficiary of the VIEs and, therefore,
has accounted for these entities under the equity method. Under the equity method, the Company's investments in unconsolidated
affiliates are initially recorded as an investment in the stock of an investee at cost and are adjusted for the carrying amount of the
investment to recognize the investor's share of the earnings or losses of the investee after the date of the initial investment. The
Company's ownership interest in real estate development joint ventures the Company has recorded under the equity method as of
August 31, 2020 are listed below:
Real Estate Development Joint Ventures
GolfPark Plaza, S.A.
Price Plaza Alajuela PPA, S.A.
Countries
Panama
Costa Rica
Ownership
50.0 %
50.0 %
Basis of
Presentation
Equity(1)
Equity(1)
(1)
Joint venture interests are recorded as investment in unconsolidated affiliates on the consolidated balance sheets.
The Company has determined that for its ownership interest in store-front joint ventures within its marketplace and
casillero business, the Company has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance
of these VIEs. Therefore, the Company has determined that it is the primary beneficiary of these VIEs and has consolidated these
entities within its consolidated financial statements. The Company's ownership interest in store-front joint ventures for which the
Company has consolidated their financial statements as of August 31, 2020 are listed below:
Marketplace and Casillero Store-front Joint Ventures
Guatemala
Tortola
Trinidad
Countries
Guatemala
British Virgin Islands
Trinidad
Ownership
Basis of
Presentation
60.0 % Consolidated
50.0 % Consolidated
50.0 % Consolidated
Use of Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to
make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying
notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents – The Company considers as cash and cash equivalents all cash on deposit, highly liquid
investments with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase and proceeds due from credit and debit card transactions
in the process of settlement.
Restricted Cash – The changes in restricted cash are disclosed within the consolidated statement of cash flows based
on the nature of the restriction. The following table summarizes the restricted cash reported by the Company (in thousands):
Short-term restricted cash
Long-term restricted cash (1)
Total restricted cash
August 31,
2020
August 31,
2019
$
$
185
4,105
4,290
$
$
54
3,529
3,583
(1) Long-term restricted cash consists mainly of cash deposits held within banking institutions in compliance with federal regulatory
requirements in Costa Rica and Panama.
Short-Term Investments – The Company considers as short-term investments certificates of deposit and similar time-
based deposits with financial institutions with maturities over three months and up to one year.
Long-Term Investments – The Company considers as long-term investments certificates of deposit and similar time-
based deposits with financial institutions with maturities over one year.
Goodwill and Other Intangibles, net – Goodwill and other intangibles totaled $55.4 million as of August 31, 2020 and
$58.7 million as of August 31, 2019. The Company reviews reported goodwill and other intangibles at the cash-generating unit
level for impairment. The Company tests goodwill for impairment at least annually or when events or changes in circumstances
indicate that it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired. The Company's intangible assets consist of the Aeropost trade
F-35
PRICESMART, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
name and developed technology, which are amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of 25 and 5 years, respectively.
Amortization expense is included in general and administrative expenses on the accompanying consolidated statements of
income.
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the year ended August 31, 2020 are as follows (in thousands):
Goodwill at August 31, 2019
Foreign currency exchange rate changes
Goodwill at August 31, 2020
Other intangibles at August 31, 2019
Amortization
Net other intangibles at August 31, 2020
Total goodwill and other intangibles, net at August 31, 2020
$
$
$
$
$
Amount
Amount
46,101
(895)
45,206
12,576
(2,410)
10,166
55,372
The table below shows our estimated amortization of intangibles for fiscal years 2021 through 2025 and thereafter (in
thousands):
Twelve Months Ended August 31,
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Thereafter
Total
Amount
2,404
2,404
1,373
205
204
3,576
10,166
$
$
Tax Receivables – The Company pays Value Added Tax (“VAT”) or similar taxes, income taxes, and other taxes within
the normal course of business in most of the countries in which it operates related to the procurement of merchandise and/or
services the Company acquires and/or on sales and taxable income. VAT is a form of indirect tax applied to the value added at
each stage of production (primary, manufacturing, wholesale and retail). This tax is similar to, but operates somewhat differently
than, sales tax paid in the United States. The Company generally collects VAT from its members upon sale of goods and services
and pays VAT to its vendors upon purchase of goods and services. Periodically, the Company submits VAT reports to
governmental agencies and reconciles the VAT paid and VAT received. The net overpaid VAT may be refunded or applied to
subsequent returns, and the net underpaid VAT must be remitted to the government. With respect to income taxes paid, if the
estimated income taxes paid or withheld exceed the actual income tax due this creates an income tax receivable. In most countries
where the Company operates, the governments have implemented additional collection procedures, such as requiring credit card
processors to remit a portion of sales processed via credit and debit cards directly to the government as advance payments of
VAT and/or income tax. This collection mechanism generally leaves the Company with net VAT and/or income tax receivables,
forcing the Company to process significant refund claims on a recurring basis. These refund or offset processes can take anywhere
from several months to several years to complete.
In most countries where the Company operates, there are defined and structured processes to recover VAT receivables
via refunds or offsets. However, in one country without a clearly defined refund process, the Company is actively engaged with
the local government to recover VAT receivables totaling $7.0 million and $5.1 million as of August 31, 2020 and August 31,
2019, respectively. In two other countries, there have been changes in the method of computing minimum tax payments, under
which the governments have sought to require the Company to pay taxes based on a percentage of sales rather than taxable
income. As a result, the Company has made and may continue to make income tax payments substantially in excess of those it
would expect to pay based on taxable income. The Company had income tax receivables of $10.4 million and $7.8 million and
deferred tax assets of $2.8 million and $2.7 million as of August 31, 2020 and August 31, 2019, respectively, in these countries.
While the rules related to refunds of income tax receivables in these countries are either unclear or complex, the Company has
not placed any type of allowance on the recoverability of these tax receivables or deferred tax assets, because the Company
believes that it is more likely than not that it will ultimately succeed in its refund requests. Similarly, we have not placed any
F-36
PRICESMART, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
recoverability allowances on tax receivables that arise from payments we are required to make originating from tax assessments
that we are appealing, as we believe it is more likely than not that we will ultimately prevail in the related appeals.
The Company’s policy for classification and presentation of VAT receivables, income tax receivables and other tax
receivables is as follows:
(cid:120)
Short-term VAT and Income tax receivables, recorded as Prepaid expenses and other current assets: This
classification is used for any countries where the Company’s subsidiary has generally demonstrated the ability to
recover the VAT or income tax receivable within one year. The Company also classifies as short-term any approved
refunds or credit notes to the extent that the Company expects to receive the refund or use the credit notes within
one year.
(cid:120) Long-term VAT and Income tax receivables, recorded as Other non-current assets: This classification is used for
amounts not approved for refund or credit in countries where the Company’s subsidiary has not demonstrated the
ability to obtain refunds within one year and/or for amounts which are subject to outstanding disputes. An allowance
is provided against VAT and income tax receivable balances in dispute when the Company does not expect to
eventually prevail in its recovery. The Company does not currently have any allowances provided against VAT and
income tax receivables.
The following table summarizes the VAT receivables reported by the Company (in thousands):
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Other non-current assets
Total amount of VAT receivables reported
August 31,
2020
August 31,
2019
$
$
1,749 $
25,851
27,600 $
1,639
22,691
24,330
The following table summarizes the income tax receivables reported by the Company (in thousands):
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Other non-current assets
Total amount of income tax receivables reported
August 31,
2020
August 31,
2019
$
$
10,944 $
20,116
31,060 $
9,009
16,381
25,390
Lease Accounting – The Company’s leases are operating leases for warehouse clubs and non-warehouse club facilities
such as corporate headquarters, regional offices, and regional distribution centers. The Company does not have finance leases.
The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease and classifies it as either a finance or operating lease at lease inception.
Operating leases are included in Operating lease right-of-use assets, net; Operating lease liabilities, current portion; and Long-
term operating lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
Operating lease liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of the future minimum lease
payments over the lease term. The Company’s leases generally do not have a readily determinable implicit rate; therefore, the
Company uses a collateralized incremental borrowing rate at the commencement date in determining the present value of future
payments. The incremental borrowing rate is based on a yield curve derived from publicly traded bond offerings for companies
with credit characteristics that approximate the Company's market risk profile. In addition, we adjust the incremental borrowing
rate for jurisdictional risk derived from quoted interest rates from financial institutions to reflect the cost of borrowing in the
Company’s local markets. The Company’s lease terms may include options to purchase, extend or terminate the lease, which are
recognized when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. The Company does not combine lease and
non-lease components.
The Company measures Right-of-use (“ROU”) assets based on the corresponding lease liabilities, adjusted for any initial
direct costs and prepaid lease payments made to the lessor before or at the commencement date (net of lease incentives). The
lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Variable lease payments are
not included in the calculation of the ROU asset and the related lease liability and are recognized as this lease expense is incurred.
The Company’s variable lease payments generally relate to amounts the Company pays for additional contingent rent based on a
contractually stipulated percentage of sales.
F-37
PRICESMART, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
In April 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued a Staff Question-and-Answer (“Q&A”) to
clarify whether lease concessions related to the effects of COVID-19 require the application of the lease modification guidance
under the new lease standard, which the Company adopted on September 1, 2019. The Company has elected to apply the
temporary practical expedient and not treat changes to certain leases due to the effects of COVID-19 as modifications. The
Company has recorded accruals for rent payment deferrals.
Merchandise Inventories – Merchandise inventories, which include merchandise for resale, are valued at the lower of
cost (average cost) or net realizable value. The Company provides for estimated inventory losses and obsolescence between
physical inventory counts on the basis of a percentage of sales. The provision is adjusted periodically to reflect the trend of actual
physical inventory count results, with physical inventories occurring primarily in the second and fourth fiscal quarters. In addition,
the Company may be required to take markdowns below the carrying cost of certain inventory to expedite the sale of such
merchandise.
Stock Based Compensation – The Company utilizes three types of equity awards: restricted stock awards (“RSAs”),
restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and performance-based restricted stock units (“PSUs”). Compensation related to RSAs, RSUs
and PSUs is based on the fair market value at the time of grant. The Company recognizes the compensation cost related to RSAs
and RSUs over the requisite service period as determined by the grant, amortized ratably or on a straight-line basis over the life
of the grant. The Company also recognizes compensation cost for PSUs over the performance period of each tranche, adjusting
this cost based on the probability that performance metrics will be achieved. If the Company determines that an award is unlikely
to vest, any previously recorded expense is then reversed.
The Company accounts for actual forfeitures as they occur. The Company records the tax savings resulting from tax
deductions in excess of expense for stock-based compensation and the tax deficiency resulting from stock-based compensation
in excess of the related tax deduction as income tax expense or benefit. In addition, the Company reflects the tax savings
(deficiency) resulting from the taxation of stock-based compensation as an operating cash flow in its consolidated statement of
cash flows.
RSAs are outstanding shares of common stock and have the same cash dividend and voting rights as other shares of
common stock. Shares of common stock subject to RSUs are not issued nor outstanding until vested, and RSUs do not have the
same dividend and voting rights as common stock. However, all outstanding RSUs have accompanying dividend equivalents,
requiring payment to the employees and directors with unvested RSUs of amounts equal to the dividend they would have received
had the shares of common stock underlying the RSUs been actually issued and outstanding. Payments of dividend equivalents to
employees are recorded as compensation expense.
PSUs, similar to RSUs, are awarded with dividend equivalents, provided that such amounts become payable only if the
performance metric is achieved. At the time the Compensation Committee confirms the performance metric has been achieved,
the accrued dividend equivalents are paid on the PSUs.
Treasury Stock – Shares of common stock repurchased by the Company are recorded at cost as treasury stock and result
in the reduction of stockholders’ equity in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The Company may reissue these treasury
shares as part of its stock-based compensation programs. When treasury shares are reissued, the Company uses the first in/first
out (“FIFO”) cost method for determining cost of the reissued shares. If the issuance price is higher than the cost, the excess of
the issuance price over the cost is credited to additional paid-in capital (“APIC”). If the issuance price is lower than the cost, the
difference is first charged against any credit balance in APIC from treasury stock and the balance is charged to retained earnings.
During the twelve months ended August 31, 2020, the Company reissued approximately 234,400 treasury shares.
Fair Value Measurements – The Company measures the fair value for all financial and nonfinancial assets and
liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the consolidated financial statements on a recurring or nonrecurring
basis. The fair value of an asset is the price at which the asset could be sold in an orderly transaction between unrelated,
knowledgeable and willing parties able to engage in the transaction. A liability’s fair value is defined as the amount that would
be paid to transfer the liability to a new obligor in a transaction between such parties, not the amount that would be paid to settle
the liability with the creditor.
The Company has established a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring and
revaluing fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2,
defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined
as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions. The
Company was not required to revalue any assets or liabilities utilizing Level 1 or Level 3 inputs at the balance sheet dates. The
Company's Level 2 assets and liabilities revalued at the balance sheet dates, on a recurring basis, consisted of cash flow hedges
F-38
PRICESMART, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(interest rate swaps and cross-currency interest rate swaps) and forward foreign exchange contracts. In addition, the Company
utilizes Level 2 inputs in determining the fair value of long-term debt. The Company did not make any significant transfers in
and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value tiers during the periods reported on herein.
Non-financial assets and liabilities are revalued and recognized at fair value subsequent to initial recognition when there
is evidence of impairment. For the periods reported, no impairment of such non-financial assets was recorded.
The disclosure of fair value of certain financial assets and liabilities recorded at cost is as follows:
Cash and cash equivalents: The carrying value approximates fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments.
Short-term restricted cash: The carrying value approximates fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments.
Short-term investments: Short-term investments consists of certificates of deposit and similar time-based deposits with
financial institutions with maturity dates over three months and up to twelve months. The carrying value approximates
fair value due to the maturity of the underlying certificates of deposit within the normal operating cycle of the Company.
Long-term investments: Long-term investments consists of certificates of deposit and similar time-based deposits with
financial institutions with maturity dates over one year. The carrying value approximates fair value due to the maturity
of the underlying certificates of deposit within the normal operating cycle of the Company.
Long-term restricted cash: Long-term restricted cash primarily consists of auto renewable 3-12 month certificates of
deposit, which are held as collateral against our long-term debt. The carrying value approximates fair value due to the
maturity of the underlying certificates of deposit within the normal operating cycle of the Company.
Accounts receivable: The carrying value approximates fair value due to the short maturity of these accounts.
Short-term VAT and Income tax receivables: The carrying value approximates fair value due to the short maturity of
these accounts.
Long-term VAT and income tax receivables: The fair value of long-term receivables would normally be measured using
a discounted cash flow analysis based on the current market interest rates for similar types of financial instruments, with
an estimate of the time these receivables are expected to be outstanding. The Company is not able to provide an estimate
as to the time these receivables owed to the Company by various government agencies are expected to be outstanding;
therefore, the Company has not presented a fair value on the long-term VAT and income tax receivables.
Short-term debt: The carrying value approximates fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments.
Long-term debt: The fair value of debt is generally measured using a discounted cash flow analysis based on current
market interest rates for similar types of financial instruments. These inputs are not quoted prices in active markets but
they are either directly or indirectly observable; therefore, they are classified as Level 2 inputs. The carrying value and
fair value of the Company’s debt as of August 31, 2020 and August 31, 2019 is as follows (in thousands):
August 31, 2020
August 31, 2019
Carrying
Value
Fair
Value(1)
Carrying
Value
Fair
Value
Long-term debt, including current portion
$
132,047 $
124,085 $
89,586 $
84,833
(1) The Company has disclosed the fair value of long-term debt, including debt for which it has entered into cross-currency interest rate swaps,
using the derivative obligation as of August 31, 2020 to estimate the fair value of long-term debt, which includes the effects that the cross-
currency interest rate swaps have had on the fair value of long-term debt.
Derivatives Instruments and Hedging Activities – The Company uses derivative financial instruments for hedging
and non-trading purposes to manage its exposure to changes in interest and currency exchange rates. In using derivative financial
instruments for the purpose of hedging the Company’s exposure to interest and currency exchange rate risks, the contractual
terms of a hedged instrument closely mirror those of the hedged item, providing a high degree of risk reduction and correlation.
Contracts that are effective at meeting the risk reduction and correlation criteria (effective hedge) are recorded using hedge
accounting. If a derivative financial instrument is an effective hedge, changes in the fair value of the instrument will be reported
in accumulated other comprehensive loss until the hedged item completes its contractual term. Instruments that do not meet the
F-39
PRICESMART, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
criteria for hedge accounting, or contracts for which the Company has not elected hedge accounting, are valued at fair value with
unrealized gains or losses reported in earnings during the period of the change. The Company did not change valuation techniques
utilized in the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities presented on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets from
previous practice during the reporting period. The Company seeks to manage counterparty risk associated with these contracts
by limiting transactions to counterparties with which the Company has an established banking relationship. There can be no
assurance, however, that this practice effectively mitigates counterparty risk.
Cash Flow Instruments. The Company is a party to receive floating interest rate, pay fixed-rate interest rate swaps to
hedge the interest rate risk of certain U.S. dollar denominated debt within its international subsidiaries. The swaps are designated
as cash flow hedges of interest expense risk. These instruments are considered effective hedges and are recorded using hedge
accounting. The Company is also a party to receive variable interest rate, pay fixed interest rate cross-currency interest rate swaps
to hedge the interest rate and currency exposure associated with the expected payments of principal and interest of U.S.
denominated debt within its international subsidiaries whose functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar. The swaps are
designated as cash flow hedges of the currency risk and interest-rate risk related to payments on the U.S. denominated debt.
These instruments are also considered to be effective hedges and are recorded using hedge accounting. Under cash flow hedging,
the entire gain or loss of the derivative, calculated as the net present value of the future cash flows, is reported on the consolidated
balance sheets in accumulated other comprehensive loss. Amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss are
released to earnings in the same period that the hedged transaction impacts consolidated earnings. Refer to Part II. “Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data: Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 13 - Derivative Instruments
and Hedging Activities” for information on the fair value of interest rate swaps and cross-currency interest rate swaps as of
August 31, 2020 and August 31, 2019.
Fair Value Instruments. The Company is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations in the normal course
of business. This includes exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations on U.S. dollar denominated liabilities within
the Company’s international subsidiaries whose functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar. The Company manages these
fluctuations, in part, through the use of non-deliverable forward foreign-exchange contracts that are intended to offset changes in
cash flows attributable to currency exchange movements. The contracts are intended primarily to economically address exposure
to U.S. dollar merchandise inventory expenditures made by the Company’s international subsidiaries whose functional currency
is other than the U.S. dollar. Currently, these contracts are treated for accounting purposes as fair value instruments and do not
qualify for derivative hedge accounting, and as such the Company does not apply derivative hedge accounting to record these
transactions. As a result, these contracts are valued at fair value with unrealized gains or losses reported in earnings during the
period of the change. The Company seeks to mitigate foreign currency exchange-rate risk with the use of these contracts and does
not intend to engage in speculative transactions. These contracts do not contain any credit-risk-related contingent features and
are limited to less than one year in duration.
Other Instruments. Other derivatives not designated as hedging instruments consist primarily of written call options in
which the Company receives a premium that it uses to reduce the costs associated with its hedging activities. For derivative
instruments not designated as hedging instruments, the Company recognizes changes in fair value of the derivative instrument,
as well as the offsetting change in the fair value of the hedged item, in Other expense, net in the consolidated statements of income
in the period of change.
Revenue Recognition – The accounting policies and other disclosures such as the disclosure of disaggregated revenues
are described in Part II. “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data: Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements,
Note 3 – Revenue Recognition.”
Insurance Reimbursements – Receipts from insurance reimbursements up to the amount of the losses recognized are
considered recoveries. These recoveries are accounted for when they are probable of receipt. Insurance recoveries are not
recognized prior to the recognition of the related cost. Anticipated proceeds in excess of the amount of loss recognized are
considered gains and are subject to gain contingency guidance. Anticipated proceeds in excess of a loss recognized in the financial
statements are not recognized until all contingencies related to the insurance claim are resolved.
Cost of Goods Sold – The Company includes the cost of merchandise, food service and bakery raw materials in cost of
goods sold, net merchandise sales. The Company also includes in cost of goods sold, net merchandise sales the external and
internal distribution and handling costs for supplying merchandise, raw materials and supplies to the warehouse clubs, and, when
applicable, costs of shipping to members. External costs include inbound freight, duties, drayage, fees, insurance, and non-
recoverable value-added tax related to inventory shrink, spoilage and damage. Internal costs include payroll and related costs,
utilities, consumable supplies, repair and maintenance, rent expense and building and equipment depreciation at the Company's
distribution facilities and payroll and other direct costs for in-club demonstrations.
F-40
PRICESMART, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
For export sales, the Company includes the cost of merchandise and external and internal distribution and handling costs
for supplying merchandise in cost of goods sold, exports.
For the marketplace and casillero operations, the Company includes the costs of external and internal shipping, handling
and other direct costs incurred to provide delivery, insurance and customs processing services in cost of goods sold, non-
merchandise.
Payments from Vendors – Vendor consideration consists primarily of volume rebates, time-limited product
promotions, cooperative marketing efforts, digital advertising, slotting fees, demonstration reimbursements and prompt payment
discounts. Volume rebates that are not threshold based are incorporated into the unit cost of merchandise reducing the inventory
cost and cost of goods sold. Volume rebates that are threshold based are recorded as a reduction to cost of goods sold when the
Company achieves established purchase levels that are confirmed by the vendor in writing or upon receipt of funds. On a quarterly
basis, the Company calculates the amount of rebates recorded in cost of goods sold that relates to inventory on hand and this
amount is reclassified as a reduction to inventory, if significant. Cooperative marketing efforts and digital advertising are related
to consideration received by the Company from vendors for non-distinct online advertising services on the Company’s website
and social media platforms. Slotting fees are related to consideration received by the Company from vendors for preferential "end
cap" placement of the vendor's products within the warehouse club. Demonstration reimbursements are related to consideration
received by the Company from vendors for the in-club promotion of the vendors' products. The Company records the reduction
in cost of goods sold on a transactional basis for these programs. Prompt payment discounts are taken in substantially all cases
and therefore are applied directly to reduce the acquisition cost of the related inventory, with the resulting effect recorded to cost
of goods sold when the inventory is sold.
Selling, General and Administrative – Selling, general and administrative costs are comprised primarily of expenses
associated with operating warehouse clubs and package forwarding operations. These costs include payroll and related costs,
utilities, consumable supplies, repair and maintenance, rent expense, building and equipment depreciation, bank, credit card
processing fees, and amortization of intangibles. Also included in selling, general and administrative expenses are the payroll and
related costs for the Company’s U.S. and regional management and purchasing centers.
Pre-Opening Costs – The Company expenses pre-opening costs (the costs of start-up activities, including organization
costs and rent) for new warehouse clubs as incurred.
Contingencies and Litigation – The Company records and reserves for loss contingencies if (a) information available
prior to issuance of the consolidated financial statements indicates that it is probable that an asset had been impaired or a liability
had been incurred at the date of the consolidated financial statements and (b) the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. If
one or both criteria for accrual are not met, but there is at least a reasonable possibility that a material loss will occur, the Company
does not record and reserve for a loss contingency but describes the contingency within a note and provides detail, when possible,
of the estimated potential loss or range of loss. If an estimate cannot be made, a statement to that effect is made.
Foreign Currency Translation – The assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign operations are translated to U.S.
dollars when the functional currency in the Company’s international subsidiaries is the local currency and not U.S. dollars. Assets
and liabilities of these foreign subsidiaries are translated to U.S. dollars at the exchange rate on the balance sheet date, and
revenue, costs and expenses are translated at average rates of exchange in effect during the period. The corresponding translation
gains and losses are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss. These adjustments will affect
net income upon the sale or liquidation of the underlying investment.
The following table discloses the net effect of translation into the reporting currency on other comprehensive income
(loss) for these local currency denominated accounts for the years ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018:
Effect on other comprehensive loss due to foreign currency
restatement
$
(29,413) $
(19,717) $
(12,890)
2020
Years Ended August 31,
2019
2018
F-41
PRICESMART, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the respective entity
(primarily U.S. dollars) are revalued to the functional currency using the exchange rate on the balance sheet date. These foreign
exchange transaction gains (losses), including transactions recorded involving these monetary assets and liabilities, are recorded
as Other income (expense) in the consolidated statements of income.
2020
Years Ended August 31,
2019
2018
Currency gain (loss)
$
(1,370) $
(1,476) $
192
Income Taxes – The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Under the asset and
liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributed to differences between
the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and
liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary
differences and carry-forwards are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change
in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is established when
necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to amounts expected to be realized.
The Company is required to file federal and state income tax returns in the United States and various other tax returns
in foreign jurisdictions. The preparation of these tax returns requires the Company to interpret the applicable tax laws and
regulations in effect in such jurisdictions, which could affect the amount of tax paid by the Company. The Company, in
consultation with its tax advisors, bases its tax returns on interpretations that are believed to be reasonable under the
circumstances. The tax returns, however, are subject to routine reviews by the various federal, state and foreign taxing authorities
in the jurisdictions in which the Company files its returns. As part of these reviews, a taxing authority may disagree with respect
to the interpretations the Company used to calculate its tax liability and therefore require the Company to pay additional taxes.
The Company accrues an amount for its estimate of probable additional income tax liability. In certain cases, the impact
of an uncertain income tax position on the income tax return must be recognized at the largest amount that is more-likely-than-
not to be sustained upon audit by the relevant tax authority. An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized if it has a
50% or less likelihood of being sustained. This requires significant judgment, the use of estimates, and the interpretation and
application of complex tax laws. When facts and circumstances change, the Company reassesses these probabilities and records
any changes in the consolidated financial statements as appropriate.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements – Not Yet Adopted
FASB ASC 848 ASU 2020-04—Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on
Financial Reporting
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial
Reporting. ASU No. 2020-04 provides optional expedients and exceptions for a limited period of time to ease the potential burden
in accounting for contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform. The guidance was
effective upon issuance and may be applied prospectively to contract modifications made and hedging relationships entered into
or evaluated on or before December 31, 2022. The Company will evaluate the impact adoption of this guidance may have on the
Company’s consolidated financial statements.
FASB ASC 740 ASU 2019-12—Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. ASU No. 2019-
12 removes certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and also clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve
consistent application. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted.
The Company expects to adopt ASU No. 2019-12 on September 1, 2021, the first quarter of fiscal year 2022. The Company will
evaluate the impact adoption of this guidance may have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
FASB ASC 810 ASU 2018-15 – Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s
Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That is a Service Contract
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software
(Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s accounting for implementation costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement that is a service
contract. ASU No. 2018-15 aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that
is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use
F-42
PRICESMART, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license). As such, the amendment in this ASU requires
an entity (customer) in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract to follow the guidance in subtopic 350-40 in order to
determine which implementation costs to capitalize as an asset and which costs to expense.
Additionally, the amendments in this ASU require the entity to expense the capitalized implementation costs of a hosting
arrangement that is a service contract over the term of the hosting arrangement. The amendments in this ASU are effective for
annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted.
The Company will adopt ASU No. 2018-15 on September 1, 2020, the first quarter of fiscal year 2021. The Company does not
expect this guidance to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
FASB ASC 715 ASU 2018-14 – Compensation—Retirement Benefits—Defined Benefit Plans—General (Subtopic 715-20):
Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, Compensation - Retirement benefits (Topic 715-20). The standard
amends ASC 715 to add, remove and clarify disclosure requirements related to defined benefit pension and other post-retirement
plans. This ASU is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020 and must be applied on a retrospective basis. The
Company expects to adopt ASU No. 2018-14 on September 1, 2021, the first quarter of fiscal 2022. The Company will evaluate
the impact adoption of this guidance may have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
FASB ASC 820 ASU 2018-13 – Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure
Requirements for Fair Value Measurement
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820). The standard eliminates such
disclosures as the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. ASU No. 2018-13
adds new disclosure requirements for Level 3 measurements. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods
beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. The Company will adopt ASU No. 2018-13 on September 1,
2020, the first quarter of fiscal year 2021. The Company does not expect this guidance to have a material impact on the Company’s
consolidated financial statements.
FASB ASC 350 ASU 2017-04 – Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the
Test for Goodwill Impairment. This ASU simplifies the manner in which an entity is required to test goodwill for impairment by
eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Under the amendments in this ASU, an entity should (1) perform its annual
or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, and (2) recognize
an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, with the understanding
that the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.
Additionally, ASU No. 2017-04 requires any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform Step 2
of the goodwill impairment test. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15,
2019. Early adoption is permitted. The Company will adopt ASU No. 2017-04 prospectively on September 1, 2020, the first
quarter of fiscal year 2021. The Company does not expect this guidance to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated
financial statements.
FASB ASC 326 ASU 2016-13 – Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial
Instruments
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (Topic 326),
which amends the FASB’s guidance on the impairment of financial instruments. In April 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-
04, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and
Topic 825, Financial Instruments to clarify and address certain items related to the amendments in ASU 2016-13. These
amendments require the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical
experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning
after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company will
adopt the amendments on September 1, 2020, the first quarter of fiscal year 2021. The Company does not expect this guidance
to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements given the materiality and nature of the financial
assets currently held.
F-43
PRICESMART, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted
FASB ASC 815 ASU 2018-16 – Derivatives and Hedging — Inclusion of the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR)
Overnight Index Swap (OIS) Rate as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes
In October 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No.
2018-16, Derivatives and Hedging—Inclusion of the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Overnight Index Swap (OIS)
Rate as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes, which expands the list of United States benchmark interest
rates permitted in the application of hedge accounting. The amendments in this ASU allow use of the Overnight Index Swap
(OIS) rate based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting
purposes under Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging. The Company adopted ASU 2018-16 in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020.
Adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
FASB ASC 718 ASU 2018-07 - Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718) — Improvements to Nonemployee Share-
Based Payment Accounting
In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-07, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to
Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which expands the scope to include share-based payment transactions for
acquiring goods and services from non-employees. The amendments in this ASU apply to all share-based payment transactions
in which a grantor acquires goods or services to be used or consumed in the grantor’s own operations by issuing share-based
payment awards. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim
periods within those annual periods. The Company adopted ASU 2018-07 in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020. Adoption of
this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
FASB ASC 842 ASU 2016-02 -Leases (Topic 842): Amendments to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification
In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance codified in ASC 842, Leases, which amends a number of aspects of lease
accounting, including requiring lessees to recognize operating leases with a term greater than one year on their balance sheet as
a right-of-use asset and corresponding lease liability, measured at the present value of the lease payments.
The Company adopted ASU 2016-02 using the modified retrospective transition method in the first quarter of fiscal
2020. In accordance with ASC 842, the Company did not restate comparative periods in transition to ASC 842 and instead
reported comparative periods under ASC 840. Adoption of the standard resulted in the initial recognition of $120.6 million of
operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and $132.1 million of short-term and long-term operating lease liabilities as of
September 1, 2019. The difference between the assets and liabilities primarily represents the deferred rent recorded as of August
31, 2019, which was eliminated upon adoption. No cumulative-effect adjustments were recorded to retained earnings, and there
was no material impact to the Company’s interim consolidated statements of income, consolidated statements of comprehensive
income, or consolidated statements of cash flows. However, several of the Company’s leases are denominated in a currency that
is not the functional currency of the Company’s local subsidiary. The resulting monetary liability is revalued to the functional
currency at each balance sheet date, with the resulting gain or loss being recorded in Other income (expense). The monetary lease
liability subject to revaluation as of August 31, 2020 was $35.5 million. Due to the mix of foreign currency exchange rate
fluctuations during fiscal 2020, the impact to the consolidated statements of income of revaluing this liability was immaterial.
The Company elected the transition package of practical expedients permitted within the new standard which, among
other things, allowed it to carry-forward the historical lease classification. The Company also elected the practical expedient to
carry forward the accounting treatment for land easements and the practical expedient allowing the Company not to apply the
recognition requirements of ASC 842 to short-term leases. However, the Company did not elect to combine lease and non-lease
components. Refer to Part II. “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data: Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements,
Note 12 - Leases for further discussion on the Company's leases” for further discussion on the Company’s leases.
There were no other new accounting standards that had a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial
statements during the twelve month period ended August 31, 2020, and there were no other new accounting standards or
pronouncements that were issued but not yet effective as of August 31, 2020 that the Company expects to have a material impact
on its consolidated financial statements.
F-44
PRICESMART, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
NOTE 3 – REVENUE RECOGNITION
Revenue Recognition - In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic
606). This ASU is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the
transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those
goods or services. The Company adopted the ASU on September 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective approach. The
Company’s updated accounting policies and related disclosures are set forth below, including the disclosure for disaggregated
revenue. The impact of adopting the ASU was not material to the consolidated financial statements.
The Company uses the five-step model to recognize revenue:
Identify the contract with the customer;
Identity the performance obligation(s);
(cid:120)
(cid:120)
(cid:120) Determine the transaction price;
(cid:120) Allocate the transaction price to each performance obligation if multiple obligations exist; and
(cid:120) Recognize the revenue as the performance obligations are satisfied.
Performance Obligations
The Company identifies each distinct performance obligation to transfer goods (or bundle of goods) or services. The
Company recognizes revenue when (or as) it satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control of the goods or services
to the customer.
Merchandise Sales. The Company recognizes merchandise sales revenue, net of sales taxes, on transactions where the
Company has determined that it is the principal in the sale of merchandise. These transactions may include shipping commitments
and/or shipping revenue if the transaction involves delivery to the customer, and revenue is recognized when the Company’s
performance obligations have been completed (that is when delivery of the items have been made to the destination point).
Non-merchandise Sales. The Company recognizes non-merchandise revenue, net of sales taxes, on transactions where
the Company has determined that it is the agent in the transaction. These transactions primarily consist of contracts the Company
enters into with its customers to provide delivery, insurance and customs processing services for products its customers purchase
online in the United States either directly from other vendors utilizing the vendor’s website or through the Company’s marketplace
site. Revenue is recognized when the Company’s performance obligations have been completed (that is when delivery of the
items have been made to the destination point) and is recorded in “non-merchandise revenue” on the consolidated statements of
income. Prepayment for orders for which the Company has not fulfilled its performance obligation are recorded as deferred
income. Additionally, the Company records revenue at the net amounts retained, i.e., the amount paid by the customer less
amounts remitted to the respective merchandise vendors, as the Company is acting as an agent and is not the principal in the sale
of those goods being purchased from the vendors by the Company’s customers.
Membership Fee Revenue. Membership income represents annual membership fees paid by the Company’s warehouse
club members, which are recognized ratably over the 12-month term of the membership. In fiscal 2020, our membership policy
changed to allow for members to cancel their membership in the first 60 days, they will receive a full refund. After the 60 day
period, members may receive a refund of the prorated share of their remaining membership fee if they so request. The Company
has significant experience with membership refund patterns and expects membership refunds will not be material. Therefore, no
refund reserve was required for the periods presented. Membership fee revenue is included in membership income in the
Company's consolidated statements of income. The deferred membership fee is included in deferred income in the Company's
consolidated balance sheets.
Platinum Points Reward Programs. The Company currently offers Platinum memberships in eleven of its thirteen
countries. The annual fee for a Platinum membership is approximately $75. The Platinum membership provides members with a
2% rebate on most items, up to an annual maximum of $500. The rebate is issued annually to Platinum members on March 1 and
expires August 31. Platinum members can apply this rebate to future purchases at the warehouse club during the redemption
period. The Company records this 2% rebate as a reduction of revenue at the time of the sales transaction. Accordingly, the
Company has reduced warehouse sales and has accrued a liability within other accrued expenses and other current liabilities,
platinum rewards. The Company has determined that breakage revenue is 5% of the awards issued; therefore, it records 95% of
the Platinum membership liability at the time of sale. Annually, the Company reviews for expired unused rebates outstanding,
and the expired unused rebates are recognized as “Other revenue and income” on the consolidated statements of income.
F-45
PRICESMART, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
Co-branded Credit Card Points Reward Programs. Most of the Company’s subsidiaries have points reward programs
related to co-branded credit cards. These points reward programs provide incremental points that can be used at a future time to
acquire merchandise within the Company’s warehouse clubs. This results in two performance obligations, the first performance
obligation being the initial sale of the merchandise or services purchased with the co-branded credit card and the second
performance obligation being the future use of the points rewards to purchase merchandise or services. As a result, upon the
initial sale, the Company allocates the transaction price to each performance obligation with the amount allocated to the future
use points rewards recorded as a contract liability within other accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the consolidated
balance sheet. The portion of the selling price allocated to the reward points is recognized as Net merchandise sales when the
points are used or when the points expire. The Company reviews on an annual basis expired points rewards outstanding, and the
expired rewards are recognized as Net merchandise sales on the consolidated statements of income within markets where the co-
branded credit card agreement allows for such treatment.
Gift Cards. Members’ purchases of gift cards to be utilized at the Company's warehouse clubs are not recognized as
sales until the card is redeemed and the customer purchases merchandise using the gift card. The outstanding gift cards are
reflected as other accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. These gift cards generally have
a one-year stated expiration date from the date of issuance and are generally redeemed prior to expiration. However, the absence
of a large volume of transactions for gift cards impairs the Company's ability to make a reasonable estimate of the redemption
levels for gift certificates; therefore, the Company assumes a 100% redemption rate prior to expiration of the gift certificate. The
Company periodically reviews unredeemed outstanding gift certificates, and the gift certificates that have expired are recognized
as “Other revenue and income” on the consolidated statements of income.
Co-branded Credit Card Revenue Sharing Agreements. As part of the co-branded credit card agreements that the
Company has entered into with financial institutions within its markets, the Company often enters into revenue sharing
agreements. As part of these agreements, in some countries, the Company receives a portion of the interest income generated
from the average outstanding balances on the co-branded credit cards from these financial institutions (“interest generating
portfolio” or “IGP”). The Company recognizes its portion of interest received as revenue during the period it is earned. The
Company has determined that this revenue should be recognized as “Other revenue and income” on the consolidated statements
of income.
Determining the Transaction Price
The transaction price is the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive under the arrangement. The
Company is required to estimate variable consideration (if any) and to factor that estimate into the determination of the transaction
price. The Company may offer sales incentives to customers, including discounts. For retail transactions, the Company has
significant experience with returns and refund patterns and relied on this experience in its determination that expected returns are
not material; therefore, returns are not factored when determining the transaction price.
Discounts given to customers are usually in the form of coupons and instant markdowns and are recognized as redeemed
and recorded in contra revenue accounts, as they are part of the transaction price of the merchandise sale. Manufacturer coupons
that are available for redemption at all retailers are not recorded as a reduction to the sale price of merchandise. Manufacturer
coupons or discounts that are specific to the Company are recorded as a reduction to the cost of sales.
Agent Relationships
The Company evaluates the criteria outlined in ASC 606-10-55, Principal versus Agent Considerations, in determining
whether it is appropriate in these arrangements to record the gross amount of merchandise sales and related costs, or the net
amount earned as commissions. When the Company is considered the principal in a transaction, revenue is recorded gross;
otherwise, revenue is recorded on a net basis. The Company's Non-merchandise Sales revenues are recorded on a net basis.
Significant Judgments
For arrangements that contain multiple performance obligations, the Company allocates the transaction price to each
performance obligation on a relative standalone selling price basis.
Incremental costs to obtain contracts are not material to the Company.
F-46
PRICESMART, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
Policy Elections
In addition to those previously disclosed, the Company has made the following accounting policy elections and practical
expedients:
(cid:120) Taxes - The Company excludes from the transaction price any taxes collected from customers that are remitted to taxing
authorities.
(cid:120) Shipping and Handling Charges - Charges that are incurred after the customer obtains control of goods are deemed costs
required to complete our performance obligation. Therefore, the Company considers the act of shipping after the
customer obtains control of goods to not be a separate performance obligation. These shipping and handling costs are
classified as “Costs of goods sold” in the consolidated statements of income because they are incurred to fulfill a revenue
obligation.
(cid:120) Time Value of Money - The Company's payment terms are less than one year from the transfer of goods. Therefore, the
Company does not adjust promised amounts of consideration for the effects of the time value of money.
Contract Performance Liabilities
Contract performance liabilities as a result of transactions with customers primarily consist of deferred membership
income, other deferred income, deferred gift card revenue, Platinum points programs, and liabilities related to co-branded credit
card points rewards programs which are included in deferred income and other accrued expenses and other current liabilities in
the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The following table provides these contract balances from transactions with
customers as of the dates listed (in thousands):
Deferred membership income
Other contract performance liabilities
Disaggregated Revenues
Contract Liabilities
August 31,
2020
August 31,
2019
$
$
23,051 $
5,190 $
24,901
4,048
In the following table, net merchandise sales are disaggregated by merchandise category (in thousands):
Foods & Sundries
Fresh Foods
Hardlines
Softlines
Other Business
Net Merchandise Sales
August 31,
2020
1,656,682 $
912,325
345,051
147,085
130,619
3,191,762 $
Years Ended
August 31,
2019
1,563,162 $
847,496
358,276
167,149
155,565
3,091,648 $
$
$
August 31,
2018
1,548,237
821,412
366,487
164,115
153,503
3,053,754
F-47
PRICESMART, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
NOTE 4 – PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment are stated at historical cost. The historical cost of acquiring an asset includes the costs incurred
to bring it to the condition and location necessary for its intended use. Depreciation is computed on the straight-line basis over
the estimated useful lives of the assets. The useful life of fixtures and equipment ranges from 3 to 15 years and that of certain
components of building improvements and buildings from 10 to 25 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter
of the life of the improvement or the expected term of the lease. In some locations, leasehold improvements are amortized over
a period longer than the initial lease term where management believes it is reasonably certain that the renewal option in the
underlying lease will be exercised because an economic penalty may be incurred if the option is not exercised. The sale or
purchase of property and equipment is recognized upon legal transfer of property.
Property and equipment consist of the following (in thousands):
Land
Building and improvements
Fixtures and equipment
Construction in progress
Total property and equipment, historical cost
Less: accumulated depreciation
Property and equipment, net
Depreciation and amortization expense (in thousands):
August 31,
2020
215,433 $
498,964
287,073
44,362
1,045,832
(353,553)
692,279 $
August 31,
2019
207,167
464,025
258,543
49,555
979,290
(308,139)
671,151
$
$
Depreciation expense, Property and equipment
Amortization expense, Intangible assets
Total depreciation and amortization expense
Years Ended August 31,
2019
2020
2018
$
$
58,815 $
2,410
61,225 $
52,554 $
2,404
54,958 $
51,520
1,120
52,640
The Company capitalizes interest on expenditures for qualifying assets over a period that covers the duration of the
activities required to get the asset ready for its intended use, provided that expenditures for the asset have been made and interest
cost is being incurred. Interest capitalization continues as long as those activities and the incurrence of interest cost continue. The
amount capitalized in an accounting period is determined by applying the Company’s consolidated capitalization rate (average
interest rate) to the average amount of accumulated expenditures for the qualifying asset, for each country, during the period. The
capitalization rates are based on the interest rates applicable to borrowings outstanding during the period.
Total interest capitalized (in thousands):
Total interest capitalized
Total interest capitalized (in thousands):
Interest capitalized
Balance as of
August 31,
2020
August 31,
2019
$
12,493 $
11,581
Years Ended August 31,
2019
2020
2018
$
2,190 $
2,116 $
1,134
F-48
PRICESMART, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
A summary of asset disposal activity for fiscal years 2020, 2019 and 2018 is as follows (in thousands):
Fiscal Year 2020
Fiscal Year 2019
Fiscal Year 2018
Historical
Cost
Accumulated
Depreciation
Receivables
and Proceeds
from Disposal
Loss
recognized
$
$
$
5,115 $
10,740 $
10,465 $
4,640 $
9,587 $
8,388 $
32 $
74 $
738 $
(443)
(1,079)
(1,339)
The Company also recorded within accounts payable, other accrued expenses, and other long-term liabilities
approximately $2.2 million, $7.3 million, and $1.0 million, respectively, as of August 31, 2020 and $322,000, $6.3 million and
$0, respectively, as of August 31, 2019 of liabilities related to the acquisition and/or construction of property and equipment.
NOTE 5 – EARNINGS PER SHARE
The Company presents basic net income per share using the two-class method. The two-class method is an earnings
allocation formula that treats a participating security as having rights to earnings that otherwise would have been available to
common stockholders and that determines basic net income per share for each class of common stock and participating security
according to dividends declared (or accumulated) and participation rights in undistributed earnings that would have been available
to common stockholders. A participating security is defined as a security that may participate in undistributed earnings with
common stock. The Company’s capital structure includes securities that participate with common stock on a one-for-one basis
for distribution of dividends. These are the restricted stock awards and restricted stock units issued pursuant to the 2013 Equity
Incentive Award Plan. The Company does not include performance stock units as participating securities until they vest. The
Company determines the diluted net income per share by using the more dilutive of the two class-method or the treasury stock
method and by including the basic weighted average of outstanding performance stock units in the calculation of diluted net
income per share under the two-class method and including all potential common shares assumed issued in the calculation of
diluted net income per share under the treasury stock method.
The following table sets forth the computation of net income per share attributable to PriceSmart for the twelve months
ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
Net income attributable to PriceSmart, Inc.
Less: Allocation of income to unvested stockholders
Net income attributable to PriceSmart, Inc. per share available for
distribution
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
Add dilutive effect of equity award (two-class method)
Diluted average shares outstanding
Basic net income per share
Diluted net income per share
$
$
$
$
NOTE 6 – STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Dividends
Years Ended August 31,
2019
2018
2020
78,109 $
(842)
73,191 $
(721)
74,328
(897)
77,267 $
30,259
—
30,259
2.55 $
2.55 $
72,470 $
30,195
—
30,195
2.40 $
2.40 $
73,431
30,115
—
30,115
2.44
2.44
The following table summarizes the dividends declared and paid during fiscal years 2020, 2019 and 2018.
Declared
2/6/2020
1/30/2019
1/24/2018
First Payment
Record
Date
Date
Paid
Amount
Second Payment
Date
Paid
Record
Date
0.70 2/15/2020 2/28/2020 $
0.70 2/15/2019 2/28/2019 $
0.70 2/14/2018 2/28/2018 $
0.35 8/15/2020 8/31/2020 $
0.35 8/15/2019 8/30/2019 $
0.35 8/15/2018 8/31/2018 $
Amount
$
$
$
Amount
0.35
0.35
0.35
F-49
PRICESMART, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
The Company anticipates the ongoing payment of semi-annual dividends in subsequent periods, although the actual
declaration of future dividends, the amount of such dividends, and the establishment of record and payment dates is subject to
final determination by the Board of Directors at its discretion after its review of the Company’s financial performance and
anticipated capital requirements, taking into account the uncertainty surrounding the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic
on our results of operations and cash flows.
Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The following table discloses the changes in each component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (in thousands):
Attributable to
PriceSmart
Noncontrolling
Interests
Total
Beginning balance, August 31, 2017
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Defined benefit pension plans (1)
Derivative Instruments (2)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss)
Ending balance, August 31, 2018
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Defined benefit pension plans (1)
Derivative Instruments (2)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss)
Ending balance, August 31, 2019
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Defined benefit pension plans (1)
Derivative Instruments (2)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss)
Ending balance, August 31, 2020
$
$
$
$
(110,059) $
(12,890)
(87)
1,785
35
(121,216) $
(19,717)
(112)
(3,369)
75
(144,339) $
(29,413)
(79)
(5,803)
2,814
(176,820) $
— $
(1)
—
—
—
(1) $
21
—
—
—
20 $
114
—
—
—
134 $
(110,059)
(12,891)
(87)
1,785
35
(121,217)
(19,696)
(112)
(3,369)
75
(144,319)
(29,299)
(79)
(5,803)
2,814
(176,686)
(1) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to the minimum pension liability are included in
warehouse club and other operations in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income.
(2) Refer to Part II. “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data: Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 13 - Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities.”
Retained Earnings Not Available for Distribution
The following table summarizes retained earnings designated as legal reserves of various subsidiaries which cannot be
distributed as dividends to PriceSmart, Inc. according to applicable statutory regulations (in thousands):
Retained earnings not available for distribution
NOTE 7 – POST EMPLOYMENT PLANS
Defined Contribution Plans
August 31,
2020
August 31,
2019
$
8,726 $
7,843
PriceSmart offers a defined contribution 401(k) retirement plan to its U.S. employees, including warehouse club
employees in the U.S. Virgin Islands, which auto-enrolls employees in the plan immediately on the first day of employment. The
Company makes nondiscretionary contributions to the 401(k) plan with a 4% “Company Contribution” based on the employee’s
salary regardless of the employee’s own contributions to the plan up to the IRS maximum allowed. The Company also makes
nondiscretionary contributions to the 401(k) plan to the non-officer employees that defer up to 2% of their salary. Employer
contributions to the 401(k) plan for the Company's U.S. employees were $2.2 million, $2.1 million and $2.0 million during fiscal
years 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
F-50
PRICESMART, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
PriceSmart also offers defined contribution retirement plans in many of its subsidiaries. The Company makes
nondiscretionary contributions to these plans based on the employee’s salary, regardless of the employee’s own contributions to
the plan, up to the maximum allowed. The expenses associated with the plans for the Company’s non-U.S. employees were
$3.1 million, $3.0 million and $2.9 million during fiscal years 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.
Defined Benefit Plans
The Company's subsidiaries located in three countries have unfunded post-employment benefit plans (defined benefit
plans) in which the subsidiary is required to pay a specified benefit upon retirement, voluntary departure or death of the employee.
The amount of the benefit is predetermined by a formula based on the employee's earnings history, tenure of service and age.
Because the obligation to provide benefits arises as employees render the services necessary to earn the benefits pursuant to the
terms of the plan, the Company recognizes the cost of providing the benefits over the projected employee service periods. These
payments are only due if an employee reaches certain thresholds, such as tenure and/or age. Therefore, these plans are treated as
defined benefit plans. For these defined benefit plans, the Company has engaged actuaries to assist with estimating the current
costs associated with these future benefits. The liabilities for these unfunded plans are recorded as non-current liabilities.
The following table summarizes the amount of the funding obligation and the line items in which it is recorded on the
consolidated balance sheets as of August 31, 2020 and 2019 and consolidated statements of income for the fiscal years ended
August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands):
Other Long-Term
Liability
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Loss
August 31,
2020
2019
Operating Expenses
Year Ended August 31,
2019
2020
2018
Start of period
Service cost
Interest cost
Prior service cost
(amortization)
Actuarial gains/(losses)
Totals
$
$
2020
(1,579) $
(95)
(101)
2019
(1,290) $
(70)
(80)
—
(30)
(1,805) $
—
(139)
(1,579) $
772 $
—
—
(55)
30
747 $
$
719
—
—
(55)
108
772 (1) $
— $
177
101
55
38
371 $
— $
187
80
55
19
341 $
—
117
64
52
13
246
(1) The Company has recorded a deferred tax asset of $236,000 and $246,000 as of August 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, relating to the
unrealized expense on defined benefit plans. The Company also recorded accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, for $(512,000)
and $(526,000) as of August 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
The valuation assumptions used to calculate the liability for the defined benefit plans differ based on the country
where the plan applies. These assumptions are summarized as follows:
Valuation Assumptions:
Discount rate
Future salary escalation
Percentage of employees assumed to withdraw from Company without a benefit
(“turnover”)
Percentage of employees assumed to withdraw from Company with a benefit
(“disability”)
Year Ended August 31,
2020
3.5% to 10.7%
3.0% to 4.1%
2019
3.5% to 10.7%
3.0% to 4.1%
11.1% to 15.0%
10.5% to 17.5%
0.5% to 4.9%
0.5% to 2.6%
For the fiscal year ending August 31, 2021, the Company expects to recognize, as components of net periodic benefit
cost, the following amounts currently recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (in thousands):
Prior service cost
Actuarial gain/loss
$
$
55
99
154
F-51
PRICESMART, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
Other Post-Employment Benefit Plans
Some of the Company’s subsidiaries are parties to funded and unfunded post-employment benefit plans based on
services that the employees have rendered. These plans require the Company to pay a specified benefit on retirement, voluntary
departure or death of the employee, or monthly payments to an external fund manager. The amount of these payments is
predetermined by a formula based on the employee's earnings history and tenure of service. Because the obligation to provide
benefits arises as employees render the services necessary to earn the benefits pursuant to the terms of the plan, the cost associated
with providing the benefits is recognized as the employee provides those services. The employees' rights to receive payment on
these plans are not dependent on their reaching certain thresholds like age or tenure. Therefore, these plans are not treated as
defined benefit plans. For these post-employment benefit plans, the Company has accrued liabilities that are recorded as accrued
salaries and benefits and other long-term liabilities. The following table summarizes the amounts recorded on the balance sheet
and amounts expensed on the consolidated statements of income (in thousands):
Accrued Salaries
and Benefits
Other Long-Term
Liability
Restricted Cash
Held (1)
Operating Expenses
2020
2019
2020
Years Ended August 31,
2020
2019
2019
2020
2019
2018
Other Post
Employment Plans
$
438 $
471 $
3,813 $
3,404 $
3,688 $
3,153 $
1,250 $
1,259 $
1,187
(1) With some locations, local statutes require the applicable Company subsidiary to deposit cash in its own name with designated fund
managers. The funds earn interest which the Company recognizes as interest income.
NOTE 8 – STOCK BASED COMPENSATION
Stock Based Compensation – The Company utilizes three types of equity awards: restricted stock awards (“RSAs”),
restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and performance based restricted stock units (“PSUs”). Refer “Item 8. Financial Statements and
Supplementary Data: Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. “
The Company adopted the 2013 Equity Incentive Award Plan (the "2013 Plan") for the benefit of its eligible employees,
consultants and non-employee directors on January 22, 2013. The 2013 Plan provides for awards covering up to (1) 600,000
shares of common stock plus (2) the number of shares that remained available for issuance as of January 22, 2013 under three
equity participation plans previously maintained by the Company. The number of shares reserved for issuance under the 2013
Plan increases during the term of the plan by the number of shares relating to awards outstanding under the 2013 Plan or any of
the prior plans that expire, or are forfeited, terminated, canceled or repurchased, or are settled in cash in lieu of shares. However,
in no event will more than an aggregate of 713,235 shares of the Company’s common stock be issued under the 2013 Plan. The
following table summarizes the shares authorized and shares available for future grants:
Shares authorized for issuance as of August 31, 2020
(including shares originally authorized for issuance under prior plans)
1,057,126
August 31,
2020
297,366
August 31,
2019
464,424
2013 Plan
Shares available to grant
The following table summarizes the components of the stock-based compensation expense for the twelve-month periods
ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands), which are included in general and administrative expense and warehouse
club and other operations in the consolidated statements of income:
Restricted stock awards
Restricted stock units
Performance-based restricted stock units
Stock-based compensation expense
Years Ended August 31,
2019
2018
2020
$
$
8,747 $
3,011
2,059
13,817 $
11,477 $
2,820
764
15,061 $
7,476
2,742
—
10,218
F-52
PRICESMART, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
In October 2018, the Company’s then Chief Executive Officer (“former C.E.O.”), resigned by mutual agreement
things
with the Board of Directors. In connection with his departure,
approximately $3.3 million of non-cash charges related to the acceleration of certain equity restricted stock awards.
the Company recorded among other
The following tables summarize other information related to stock-based compensation:
Remaining unrecognized compensation cost (in thousands)
Weighted average period of time over which this cost will be recognized
(years)
August 31,
2020
Balance as of
August 31,
2019
August 31,
2018
$
21,720 $
21,116 $
29,473
2
3
3
August 31,
Years Ended
August 31,
August 31,
2020
2019
2018
Excess tax benefit (deficiency) on stock-based compensation (in
thousands)
$
(936) $
(1,829) $
530 (1)
(1) Beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company began recording the tax savings resulting from tax deductions in excess of
expense for stock-based compensation and the tax deficiencies resulting from stock-based compensation in excess of the related tax
deduction as income tax expense or benefit, based on the adoption of ASU 2016-09.
The restricted stock awards and units vest from a one year to ten year period and the unvested portion of the award is
forfeited if the employee or non-employee director leaves the Company before the vesting period is completed. Restricted stock
awards, restricted stock units, and performance-based restricted stock units activity for the twelve-months ended August 31, 2020,
2019 and 2018 was as follows:
Grants outstanding at beginning of period
Granted
Forfeited
Vested
Grants outstanding at end of period
August 31,
2020
362,826
266,759
(43,198)
(170,518)
415,869
Years Ended
August 31,
2019
385,417
193,489
(16,127)
(199,953)
362,826
August 31,
2018
404,368
132,031
(23,119)
(127,863)
385,417
The following table summarizes the weighted average per share grant date fair value for restricted stock awards,
restricted stock units, and performance based restricted stock units for fiscal years 2020, 2019 and 2018:
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
RSAs, RSUs, and PSUs granted
RSAs, RSUs, and PSUs vested
RSAs, RSUs, and PSUs forfeited
August 31,
2020
Years Ended
August 31,
2019
August 31,
2018
$
$
$
64.57 $
72.82 $
76.81 $
65.11 $
79.28 $
75.02 $
84.83
79.36
73.27
The following table summarizes the total fair market value of restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, and
performance based restricted stock units vested for the period (in thousands):
F-53
PRICESMART, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
August 31,
2020
Years Ended
August 31,
2019
August 31,
2018
Total fair market value of RSAs, RSUs, and PSUs vested (in thousands) $
10,914 $
12,302 $
10,886
At the vesting dates for restricted stock awards to employees, the Company repurchases a portion of the shares that have
vested at the prior day's closing price per share, with the funds used to pay the employees' minimum statutory tax withholding
requirements related to the vesting of restricted stock awards. The Company expects to continue this practice going forward. The
Company does not have a stock repurchase program.
Shares of common stock repurchased by the Company are recorded at cost as treasury stock and result in the reduction
of stockholders’ equity in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The Company may reissue these treasury shares.
The following table summarizes the shares repurchased during fiscal years 2020, 2019 and 2018:
Shares repurchased
Cost of repurchase of shares (in thousands)
August 31,
2020
Years Ended
August 31,
2019
56,503
75,462
$
3,651 $
4,604 $
August 31,
2018
37,414
3,183
The Company reissues treasury shares as part of its stock-based compensation programs. The following table
summarizes the treasury shares reissued during the period:
Reissued treasury shares
NOTE 9 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Legal Proceedings
August 31,
2020
234,370
Years Ended
August 31,
2019
August 31,
2018
63,130
—
From time to time, the Company and its subsidiaries are subject to legal proceedings, claims and litigation arising in the
ordinary course of business related to the Company’s operations and property ownership. The Company evaluates such matters
on a case by case basis, and vigorously contests any such legal proceedings or claims which the Company believes are without
merit. The Company believes that the final disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on its financial
position, results of operations or liquidity. It is possible, however, that the Company's results of operations for a particular quarter
or fiscal year could be impacted by changes in circumstances relating to such matters.
The Company establishes an accrual for legal proceedings if and when those matters reach a stage where they present
loss contingencies that are both probable and reasonably estimable. In such cases, there may be a possible exposure to loss in
excess of any amounts accrued. The Company monitors those matters for developments that would affect the likelihood of a loss
and the accrued amount, if any, thereof, and adjusts the amount as appropriate. If the loss contingency at issue is not both probable
and reasonably estimable, the Company does not establish an accrual, but will continue to monitor the matter for developments
that will make the loss contingency both probable and reasonably estimable. If it is at least a reasonable possibility that a material
loss will occur, the Company will provide disclosure regarding the contingency.
On May 22, 2019, a class action complaint was filed against PriceSmart, Inc., as well as certain former and current
officers in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. On October 7, 2019, the Court granted Public
Employees Retirement Association of New Mexico’s (PERA’s) Motion for Appointment as Lead Plaintiff. On January 3, 2020,
PERA filed a consolidated class action complaint, which alleges violations of Section 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder. The Company believes the case lacks merit and intends to vigorously defend
itself against any obligations or liability to the plaintiffs. During the third quarter of fiscal 2020, the Company filed a Motion to
Dismiss the Plaintiff’s Consolidated Amended Complaint and the Plaintiff filed an Opposition to the Motion to Dismiss. During
the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, the Company filed a Reply to the Opposition. The Court has taken the matter under advisement.
F-54
PRICESMART, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
Taxes
The Company is required to file federal and state tax returns in the United States and various other tax returns in foreign
jurisdictions. The preparation of these tax returns requires the Company to interpret the applicable tax laws and regulations in
effect in such jurisdictions, which could affect the amount of tax paid by the Company. The Company, in consultation with its
tax advisors, bases its tax returns on interpretations that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The tax returns,
however, are subject to routine reviews by the various taxing authorities in the jurisdictions in which the Company files its returns.
As part of these reviews, a taxing authority may disagree with respect to the interpretations the Company used to calculate its tax
liability and therefore require the Company to pay additional taxes.
The Company accrues an amount for its estimate of probable additional income tax liability. In certain cases, the impact
of an uncertain income tax position on the income tax return must be recognized at the largest amount that is more-likely-than-
not to be sustained upon audit by the relevant tax authority. An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized if it has a
50% or less likelihood of being sustained (refer to Part II. “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data: Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 10 - Income Taxes for additional information”).
In evaluating the exposure associated with various non-income tax filing positions, the Company accrues for probable
and estimable exposures for non-income tax related tax contingencies. As of August 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company has
recorded within other accrued expenses a total of $2.5 million and $3.2 million, respectively, for various non-income tax related
tax contingencies.
While the Company believes the recorded liabilities are adequate, there are inherent limitations in projecting the outcome
of litigation, in estimating probable additional income tax liability taking into account uncertain tax positions and in evaluating
the probable additional tax associated with various non-income tax filing positions. As such, the Company is unable to make a
reasonable estimate of the sensitivity to change of estimates affecting its recorded liabilities. As additional information becomes
available, the Company assesses the potential liability and revises its estimates as appropriate.
Other Commitments
The Company is committed under non-cancelable operating leases for the rental of facilities and land (refer to Part II.
“Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data: Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 12 - Leases).
The Company is committed to non-cancelable construction service obligations for various warehouse club developments
and expansions. As of August 31, 2020 and August 31, 2019, the Company had approximately $5.1 million and $14.9 million,
respectively, in contractual obligations for construction services not yet rendered.
From time to time, the Company has entered into general land purchase and land purchase option agreements. The
Company’s land purchase agreements are typically subject to various conditions, including, but not limited to, the ability to obtain
necessary governmental permits or approvals. A deposit under an agreement is typically returned to the Company if all permits
or approvals are not obtained. Generally, the Company has the right to cancel any of its agreements to purchase land without
cause by forfeiture of some or all of the deposits it has made pursuant to the agreement. As of August 31, 2020, the Company did
not have any pending land purchase option agreements.
Refer to Part II. “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data: Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements,
Note 15 - Unconsolidated Affiliates” for a description of additional capital contributions that may be required in connection with
joint ventures to develop commercial centers adjacent to PriceSmart warehouse clubs in Panama and Costa Rica.
F-55
PRICESMART, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
NOTE 10 – INCOME TAXES
Income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes and loss of unconsolidated affiliates includes the
following components (in thousands):
United States
Foreign
Income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes
and loss of unconsolidated affiliates
Years Ended August 31,
2019
2020
$
24,771 $
91,269
25,167 $
85,943
2018
19,723
102,865
$
116,040 $
111,110 $
122,588
Significant components of the income tax provision are as follows (in thousands):
Current:
U.S. tax expense
Foreign tax expense
Total
Deferred:
U.S. tax expense (benefit)
U.S. valuation allowance change
Foreign tax expense (benefit)
Foreign valuation allowance change
Total
Provision for income taxes
Years Ended August 31,
2019
2020
2018
$
$
$
$
$
10,046 $
31,122
41,168 $
(5,945) $
5,570
(3,157)
128
(3,404) $
37,764 $
10,878 $
29,675
40,553 $
(5,978) $
6,171
966
(4,152)
(2,993) $
37,560 $
10,827
30,389
41,216
8,223
2
3,516
(4,780)
6,961
48,177
The reconciliation of income tax computed at the Federal statutory tax rate to the provision for income taxes is as follows
(in percentages):
Federal tax provision at statutory rates
State taxes, net of federal benefit
Differences in foreign tax rates
Permanent items and other adjustments
(Decrease)/increase in valuation allowance
Provision for income taxes
Years Ended August 31,
2019
2020
2018
21.0 %
0.1
9.7
(4.4)
6.1
32.5 %
21.0 %
0.3
10.6
(2.1)
4.0
33.8 %
25.7 %
0.2
3.9
10.8
(1.3)
39.3 %
F-56
PRICESMART, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets as of August 31, 2020 and 2019 are shown below (in
thousands):
Deferred tax assets:
U.S. net operating loss carryforward
Foreign tax credits
Deferred compensation
U.S. timing differences
Foreign net operating losses
Foreign timing differences:
Accrued expenses and other timing differences
Depreciation and amortization
Deferred income
Gross deferred tax assets
U.S. deferred tax liabilities (depreciation and other timing differences)
Foreign deferred tax liabilities netted against deferred tax assets
U.S. valuation allowance
Foreign valuation allowance
Net deferred tax assets
August 31,
2020
2019
$
4,416 $
12,691
1,357
3,742
4,811
6,808
9,043
5,241
48,109
(4,679)
(4,311)
(12,746)
(4,701)
21,672 $
$
3,763
7,170
927
2,598
4,481
5,581
8,819
4,504
37,843
(5,286)
(5,360)
(7,177)
(4,546)
15,474
For fiscal 2020, the effective tax rate was 32.5%. The decrease in the effective rate versus the prior year was primarily
attributable to the following factors:
1. The comparably unfavorable impact of 1.3% resulting from nonrecurrence of the reversal of valuation allowances on
net deferred tax assets in the Company’s Colombia subsidiary.
2. The comparably unfavorable impact of 1.3% resulting from valuation allowances on deferred tax assets from foreign
tax credits that, incidental to U.S. Tax Reform, are no longer deemed recoverable.
3. The comparably favorable impact of 1.2% resulting from changes in income tax liabilities from uncertain tax position.
4. The comparably favorable impact of 1.1% resulting from the effect of the change in foreign currency value and related
adjustments.
5. The comparably favorable impact of 0.4% due to a greater portion of income falling into lower tax jurisdiction.
6. The comparably favorable impact of 0.7% resulting from nonrecurrence of severance compensation of one of our
officers.
For fiscal 2020, management concluded that a valuation allowance continues to be necessary for certain U.S. and foreign
deferred tax assets, primarily because of the existence of negative objective evidence, such as the fact that certain subsidiaries
are in a cumulative loss position for the past three years, and the determination that certain net operating loss carryforward periods
are not sufficient to realize the related deferred tax assets. The Company factored into its analysis the inherent risk of forecasting
revenue and expenses over an extended period of time and also considered the potential risks associated with its business. The
Company had net foreign deferred tax assets of $16.9 million and $13.5 million as of August 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
The Company had U.S. federal and state tax NOLs at August 31, 2020 of approximately $16.8 million and $16.4 million,
respectively. Substantially all of the federal and state NOLs expire during periods ranging from 2020 through 2036 unless
previously utilized. In calculating the tax provision and assessing the likelihood that the Company will be able to utilize the
deferred tax assets, the Company considered and weighed all of the evidence, both positive and negative, and both objective and
subjective. The Company factored in the inherent risk of forecasting revenue and expenses over an extended period of time and
considered the potential risks associated with its business. Using the Company's U.S. income from continuing operations and
projections of future taxable income in the U.S., the Company was able to determine that there was sufficient positive evidence
to support the conclusion that it was more likely than not that the Company would be able to realize substantially all of its federal
U.S. NOLs by generating sufficient taxable income during the carry-forward period. Further, based on current projections and
using current apportionment factors, the Company maintains a partial valuation allowance on its Florida state NOLs
F-57
PRICESMART, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
($16.4 million in gross) originating from its acquisition of its Aeropost, Inc. subsidiary, as the Company expects that $11.1 million
of this NOL will expire before being utilized.
The Company has determined that due to a deemed change of ownership (as defined in Section 382 of the Internal
Revenue Code) in October 2004, for PriceSmart, Inc., and March 2018 for Aeropost, Inc., there will be annual limitations in the
amount of U.S. taxable income that may be offset by NOLs of approximately $6.1 million, through 2022. The Company expects
substantially all recoverable NOLs will be recovered by 2023.
The Company does not provide for income taxes which would be payable if undistributed earnings of its foreign
subsidiaries were remitted to the U.S. because the Company considers these earnings to be permanently reinvested as management
has no plans to repatriate undistributed earnings and profits of foreign affiliates. As of August 31, 2020 and 2019, the
undistributed earnings of these foreign subsidiaries are approximately $177.5 million and $108.9 million, respectively.
The Company accrues for the estimated additional amount of taxes for uncertain income tax positions if the likelihood
of sustaining the tax position does not meet the more-likely-than-not-standard for recognition of tax benefits. These positions are
recorded as unrecognized tax benefits.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):
Years Ended August 31,
2019
2018
2020
Balance at beginning of fiscal year
Gross increase - tax positions in prior period
Gross decrease - tax positions in prior period
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
Expiration of the statute of limitations for the assessment of taxes
Balance at end of fiscal year
$
$
6,490 $
464
—
186
(2,567)
4,573 $
7,005
530
—
94
(1,139)
6,490
$
$
7,694
1,600 (1)
(2,526) (2)
258
(21)
7,005
(1) Aeropost related unrecognized tax benefits, with corresponding increase to Goodwill, due to prior year acquisition.
(2) Beneficial impact of US tax rate change, with corresponding detrimental rate change offset in deferred tax assets.
As of August 31, 2020, the liability for income taxes associated with unrecognized tax benefits was $4.6 million and
can be reduced by $1.5 million of tax benefits recorded as deferred tax assets and liabilities. The total $4.6 million unrecognized
tax benefit includes $400,000 of associated timing adjustments. The net amount of $4.2 million would, if recognized, favorably
affect the Company's financial statements and favorably affect the Company's effective income tax rate.
The Company recognizes interest and/or penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. As of
August 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had accrued an additional $2.0 million for the payment of interest and penalties related
to the above mentioned unrecognized tax benefits.
The Company expects changes in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits in the next 12 months as the result of a lapse
in various statutes of limitations. The lapse of statutes of limitations in the twelve-month period ending August 31, 2020 could
result in a total income tax benefit amounting up to $800,000.
The Company has various appeals pending before tax courts in its subsidiaries' jurisdictions. Any possible settlement
could increase or decrease earnings but is not expected to be significant. Audit outcomes and the timing of audit settlements are
subject to significant uncertainty.
In two other countries where the Company operates, minimum income tax rules require the Company to pay taxes based
on a percentage of sales rather than income. As a result, the Company is making income tax payments substantially in excess of
those it would expect to pay based on taxable income. The Company had income tax receivables of $10.4 million and $7.8 million
and deferred tax assets of $2.8 million and $2.7 million as of Aug 31, 2020 and August 31, 2019, respectively, in these countries.
While the rules related to refunds of income tax receivables in these countries are either unclear or complex, the Company has
not placed any type of allowance on the recoverability of these tax receivables or deferred tax assets, because the Company
believes that it is more likely than not that it will ultimately succeed in its refund requests.
F-58
PRICESMART, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign
jurisdictions. The Company is generally no longer subject to income tax examinations by tax authorities in its major jurisdictions
except for the fiscal years subject to audit as set forth in the table below:
Tax Jurisdiction
U.S. federal
California (U.S.) (state return)
Florida (U.S.) (state return)
Aruba
Barbados
Costa Rica
Colombia
Dominican Republic
El Salvador
Guatemala
Honduras
Jamaica
Mexico
Nicaragua
Panama
Trinidad
U.S. Virgin Islands
Spain
Chile
*Aeropost only
Fiscal Years Subject to Audit
2005 to 2007, 2011* to 2016*, 2017 to the present
2005 and 2016 to the present
2011* to 2016*, 2017 to the present
2015 to the present
2014 to the present
2011 to 2012, 2015 to the present
2015 to the present
2011 to 2012 and 2016 to the present
2017 to the present
2009, 2012 to 2013, 2016 the present
2015 to the present
2014 to the present
2015 to the present
2016 to the present
2016*, 2017 to the present
2014 to the present
2001 to the present
2017 to the present
2017* to the present
Generally for U.S. federal and U.S. Virgin Islands tax reporting purposes, the statute of limitations is three years from
the date of filing of the income tax return. If and to the extent the tax year resulted in a taxable loss, the statute is extended to
three years from the filing date of the income tax return in which the carryforward tax loss was used to offset taxable income in
the carryforward year. Given the historical losses in these jurisdictions and the Section 382 change in control limitations on the
use of the tax loss carryforwards, there is uncertainty and significant variation as to when a tax year is no longer subject to audit.
NOTE 11 – DEBT
Short-term borrowings consist of unsecured lines of credit. The following table summarizes the balances of total
facilities, facilities used and facilities available (in thousands):
August 31, 2020
August 31, 2019
Facilities Used
Total Amount
Short-term
Letters of
of Facilities Borrowings
Credit
Facilities
Available
Weighted average
interest rate
$
$
81,210 $
69,000 $
65,143 $
7,540 $
388 $
486 $
15,679
60,974
3.7 %
6.1 %
As of August 31, 2020 and August 31, 2019, the Company had approximately $40.0 million of short-term facilities in
the U.S. that require compliance with certain quarterly financial covenants. As of August 31, 2020 and August 31, 2019, the
Company was in compliance with respect to these covenants. Each of the facilities expires annually except for the U.S. facility,
which expires bi-annually. The facilities are normally renewed.
F-59
PRICESMART, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
The following table provides the changes in long-term debt for the twelve months ended August 31, 2020:
(Amounts in thousands)
Balances as of August 31, 2018
Regularly scheduled loan payments
Reclassifications of long-term debt
Translation adjustments on foreign currency debt of subsidiaries
whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar (3)
Balances as of August 31, 2019
Proceeds from long-term debt incurred during the period:
Colombia subsidiary
Guatemala subsidiary
Trinidad subsidiary
Regularly scheduled loan payments
Refinances of short-term debt
Reclassifications of long-term debt due in the next 12 months
Translation adjustments on foreign currency debt of subsidiaries
whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar (3)
Balances as of August 31, 2020
Current
portion of
long-term debt
Long-term
debt (net of
current portion)
$
14,855 $
(4,467)
15,394
87,720 $
(8,472)
(15,394)
93
25,875
—
—
6,062
(5,393)
(11,046)
3,875
(143)
63,711
25,000
20,820
6,000
(9,771)
11,046
(3,875)
Total
102,575
(12,939)
—
(1)
(50)
89,586
(2)
25,000
20,820
12,062
(15,164)
—
—
$
64
19,437 $
(321)
112,610 $
(257)
132,047
(4)
(1) The carrying amount on non-cash assets assigned as collateral for these loans was $125.9 million. No cash assets were
assigned as collateral for these loans.
(2) The carrying amount on non-cash assets assigned as collateral for these loans was $111.3 million. No cash assets were
assigned as collateral for these loans.
(3) These foreign currency translation adjustments are recorded within other comprehensive loss.
(4) The carrying amount on non-cash assets assigned as collateral for these loans was $158.6 million. No cash assets were
assigned as collateral for these loans.
The following table provides a summary of the long-term loans entered into by the Company:
Loans entered into by the Company's subsidiaries for which the subsidiary has entered into
a cross-currency interest rate swap with non-cash assets and/or cash or cash equivalents
assigned as collateral and with/without established debt covenants
Loans entered into by the Company's subsidiaries for which the subsidiary has entered into
an interest rate swap with non-cash assets and/or cash or cash equivalents assigned as
collateral and with/without established debt covenants
Unswapped loans entered into by the Company's subsidiaries with non-cash assets and/or
cash or cash equivalents assigned as collateral and with/without established debt covenants
Total long-term debt
Less: current portion
Long-term debt, net of current portion
$
$
August 31,
2020
August 31,
2019
42,585 $
24,224
45,519
53,544
43,943
132,047
19,437
112,610 $
11,818
89,586
25,875
63,711
As of August 31, 2020, the Company had approximately $107.4 million of long-term loans in several foreign
subsidiaries that require these subsidiaries to comply with certain annual or quarterly financial covenants, which include debt
service and leverage ratios. As of August 31, 2020, the Company was in compliance with all covenants or amended covenants.
As of August 31, 2019, the Company had approximately $83.1 million of long-term loans in several foreign subsidiaries
that require these subsidiaries to comply with certain annual or quarterly financial covenants, which include debt service and
leverage ratios. As of August 31, 2019, the Company was in compliance with all covenants or amended covenants.
F-60
PRICESMART, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
Annual maturities of long-term debt are as follows (in thousands):
Twelve Months Ended August 31,
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Thereafter
Total
NOTE 12 – LEASES
Amount
19,437
16,787
24,762
8,463
23,887
38,711
132,047
$
$
The Company adopted ASC 842 as of September 1, 2019, using the modified retrospective method and applying
transitional relief allowing entities to initially apply the requirements at the adoption date by recognizing a cumulative-effect
adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. Consequently, results and disclosures for the
reporting periods beginning September 1, 2019 are reported and presented under ASC 842, while prior period amounts and
disclosures are not adjusted and continue to be reported and presented under ASC 840.
As part of the adoption, the Company elected the following practical expedients:
(cid:120) A package of practical expedients allowing the Company to: a) carry forward its historical lease classification;
b) avoid reassessing whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases; and c) avoid reassessing
initial direct costs for any existing lease.
(cid:120) A practical expedient related to land easements, allowing the Company to carry forward the accounting
treatment for land easements on existing agreements and eliminating the need to reassess existing lease
contracts to determine if land easements are separate leases under ASC 842.
(cid:120) A practical expedient allowing the Company not to apply the recognition requirements of ASC 842 to short-
term leases (12 months or less).
The Company did not elect the following practical expedients:
(cid:120) A practical expedient that would allow the Company to use hindsight in determining the lease term and to
assess impairment of the entity’s right-of use (“ROU”) assets because election of this expedient could make
adoption more complex given the requirement to reevaluate the lease term.
(cid:120) A practical expedient allowing the Company to not separate lease components from nonlease components (e.g.,
common area maintenance costs) because the Company does not combine lease and nonlease components for
any of its real estate leases.
In accordance with ASC 842, the Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception or modification of a
contract and classifies each lease as either operating or finance lease at commencement. The Company only reassesses lease
classification subsequent to commencement upon a change to the expected lease term or the contract being modified. As of
August 31, 2020, the Company only has operating leases for its clubs, distribution centers, office space, and land. Operating
leases, net of accumulated amortization, are included in operating lease ROU assets, and current and non-current operating lease
liabilities, on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Lease expense for operating leases is included in selling, general and
administrative expense on the Company’s consolidated statements of income. Leases with an initial term of twelve months or
less are not recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.
The Company is generally obligated for the cost of property taxes, insurance, and maintenance relating to its leases,
which are often variable lease payments. Such costs are included in selling, general and administrative expense on the interim
unaudited consolidated statements of income.
Certain of the Company's lease agreements provide for lease payments based on future sales volumes at the leased
location, or include rental payments adjusted periodically for inflation or based on an index, which are not measurable at the
inception of the lease. The Company expenses such variable amounts in the period incurred, which is the period in which it
F-61
PRICESMART, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
becomes probable that the specified target that triggers the variable lease payments will be achieved. The Company's lease
agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.
ROU assets represent the right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and lease liabilities represent the obligation
to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at the commencement
date based on the present value of lease payments over the reasonably certain lease term. The operating lease terms may include
options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option or if an economic
penalty may be incurred if the option is not exercised. The initial lease term of the Company’s operating leases range from two
to 30 years.
Where the Company's leases do not provide an implicit rate, a collateralized incremental borrowing rate ("IBR") is used
to determine the present value of lease payments. The IBR is based on a yield curve derived by publicly traded bond offerings
for companies with similar credit characteristics that approximate the Company's market risk profile. In addition, we adjust the
IBR for jurisdictional risk derived from quoted interest rates from financial institutions to reflect the cost of borrowing in the
Company’s local markets.
Adoption of the standard resulted in the initial recognition of $120.6 million of operating lease ROU assets and $132.1
million of short-term and long-term operating lease liabilities as of September 1, 2019. The difference between the newly recorded
assets and liabilities is $11.5 million, which was recorded against our deferred rent balance of $11.2 million as of August 31,
2019. The difference of $0.3 million was expensed in the first quarter of fiscal 2020. No cumulative-effect adjustments were
recorded to retained earnings, and there was no material impact to the Company’s consolidated statements of income,
consolidated statements of comprehensive income, or consolidated statements of cash flows.
The following table is a summary of the Company’s components of total lease costs for fiscal year 2020 (in thousands):
Operating lease cost
Short-term lease cost
Variable lease cost
Sublease income
Total lease costs
Year Ended August 31,
2020
$
$
17,305
236
3,679
(1,061)
20,159
The weighted average remaining lease term and weighted average discount rate for operating leases as of August 31,
2020 were as follows:
Weighted average remaining lease term in years
Weighted average discount rate percentage
Operating leases
18.2
6.4%
Supplemental cash flow information related to leases under which the Company is the lessee was as follows (amounts
in thousands):
Operating cash flows paid for operating leases
Year Ended August 31,
2020
$
15,392
F-62
PRICESMART, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
The Company is committed under non-cancelable operating leases for the rental of facilities and land. Future minimum
lease commitments for facilities under these leases with an initial term in excess of one year are as follows (in thousands):
Leased
Years Ended August 31,
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Thereafter
Total future lease payments
Less: imputed interest
Total operating lease liabilities
Locations(1)
$
15,001
15,040
14,698
14,205
13,994
167,775
240,713
(107,938)
132,775 (2)
$
(1) Operating lease obligations have been reduced by approximately $0.9 million to reflect expected sub-lease income. Certain obligations
under leasing arrangements are collateralized by the underlying asset being leased.
(2) Future minimum lease payments include $0.6 million of lease payment obligations for the prior leased Miami distribution center. For the
purposes of calculating the minimum lease payments, a reduction is reflected for the actual sub-lease income the Company expects to
receive during the remaining lease term. This sub-lease income was also considered, for the purposes of calculating the exit obligation,
which was immaterial as of August 31, 2020.
Upon adoption of ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), the Company's aggregate annual lease obligations includes leases
with reasonably assured renewals. The aggregate minimum annual lease rentals as of August 31, 2019 for the remaining
contractual term of non-cancelable leases under ASC 840 were as follows:
Years Ended August 31,
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Thereafter
Total
$
Leased
Locations(1)
14,049
13,272
13,033
13,065
12,558
180,913
246,890 (2)
(1) Operating lease obligations have been reduced by approximately $2.3 million to reflect expected sub-lease income. Certain obligations
under leasing arrangements are collateralized by the underlying asset being leased.
(2) Future minimum lease payments include $1.6 million of lease payment obligations for the prior leased Miami distribution center. For the
purposes of calculating the minimum lease payments, a reduction is reflected for the actual sub-lease income the Company expects to
receive during the remaining lease term. This sub-lease income was also considered, for the purposes of calculating the exit obligation,
which was immaterial as of August 31, 2019.
NOTE 13 – DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
The Company is exposed to interest rate risk relating to its ongoing business operations. To manage interest rate
exposure, the Company enters into hedge transactions (interest rate swaps) using derivative financial instruments. The objective
of entering into interest rate swaps is to eliminate the variability of cash flows in the LIBOR interest payments associated with
variable-rate loans over the life of the loans. As changes in interest rates impact the future cash flow of interest payments, the
hedges provide a synthetic offset to interest rate movements.
In addition, the Company is exposed to foreign currency and interest rate cash flow exposure related to non-functional
currency long-term debt of three of its wholly owned subsidiaries. To manage this foreign currency and interest rate cash flow
exposure, the Company’s subsidiaries entered into cross-currency interest rate swaps that convert their U.S. dollar denominated
floating interest payments to functional currency fixed interest payments during the life of the hedging instrument. As changes
in foreign exchange and interest rates impact the future cash flow of interest payments, the hedges are intended to offset changes
in cash flows attributable to interest rate and foreign exchange movements.
F-63
PRICESMART, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
These derivative instruments (cash flow hedging instruments) are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, with the
entire gain or loss on the derivative reported as a component of other comprehensive loss. Amounts are deferred in other
comprehensive loss and reclassified into earnings in the same income statement line item that is used to present earnings effect
of the hedged item when the hedged item affects earnings.
The Company is exposed to foreign-currency exchange-rate fluctuations in the normal course of business, including
foreign-currency exchange-rate fluctuations on U.S. dollar denominated liabilities within its international subsidiaries whose
functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar. The Company manages these fluctuations, in part, through the use of non-
deliverable forward foreign-exchange contracts (NDFs) that are intended to offset changes in cash flow attributable to currency
exchange movements. These contracts are intended primarily to economically address exposure to U.S. dollar merchandise
inventory expenditures made by the Company’s international subsidiaries whose functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar.
Currently, these contracts do not qualify for derivative hedge accounting. The Company seeks to mitigate foreign-currency
exchange-rate risk with the use of these contracts and does not intend to engage in speculative transactions. These contracts do
not contain any credit-risk-related contingent features.
The Company uses other derivatives not designated as hedging instruments that consist primarily of written call options
in which the Company receives a premium from the holder. This premium lowers the cost of the Company’s hedging activities.
The Company recognizes changes in fair value of the derivative instrument, as well as the offsetting change in the fair value of
the hedged item, in Other expense, net in the consolidated statements of income in the period of change.
Cash Flow Hedges
As of August 31, 2020, all of the Company’s interest rate swap and cross-currency interest rate swap derivative financial
instruments are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges. The Company formally documents the hedging relationships for its
derivative instruments that qualify for hedge accounting.
The following table summarizes agreements for which the Company has cash flow hedge accounting transactions as of
August 31, 2020:
Date
Entered
into
Derivative
Financial
Counter-
party
3-Dec-19
Citibank, N.A.
Derivative
Financial
Instruments
Cross currency
$
Subsidiary
Colombia
Initial
US$
Notional
Amount
Bank
US$
loan
Held
with
7,875,000 Citibank,
("Citi")
interest rate swap
N.A.
Floating Leg
(swap
counter-
party)
Variable rate
3-month Libor
plus 2.45%
Colombia
27-Nov-19
Citibank, N.A.
("Citi")
Cross currency
$
25,000,000
interest rate swap
Citibank,
N.A.
Variable rate
3-month Libor
plus 2.45%
Colombia
24-Sep-19
Citibank, N.A.
("Citi")
Cross currency
interest rate swap
$
12,500,000
PriceSmart,
Inc.
Variable rate
3-month Libor
plus 2.50%
Panama
25-Jun-18 Bank of Nova
Interest rate swap $
14,625,000 Bank of
Variable rate
Honduras
26-Feb-18
Scotia
("Scotiabank")
Citibank, N.A.
("Citi")
Cross currency
$
13,500,000
interest rate swap
Nova Scotia
Citibank,
N.A.
3-month Libor
plus 3.0%
Variable rate
3-month Libor
plus 3.00%
PriceSmart, Inc
7-Nov-16
MUFG Union
Bank, N.A.
("Union Bank")
Interest rate swap
$
35,700,000
Union Bank
Variable rate
1-month Libor
plus 1.7%
F-64
Fixed Rate
for PSMT
Subsidiary
Settlement
Dates
7.87 % 3rd day of each
7.93 %
December, March,
June, and September,
beginning on
March 3, 2020
27th day of each
November, February,
May and August
beginning February
27, 2020
24th day of each
December, March,
June and September
beginning December
24, 2019
5.99 % 23rd day of each
7.09 %
Effective
Period of swap
December 3, 2019 -
December 3, 2024
November 27, 2019 -
November 27, 2024
September 24, 2019 -
September 26, 2022
9.75 %
3.65 %
month beginning on
July 23, 2018
29th day of May,
August, November
and February
beginning May 29,
2018
1st day of each month
beginning on April 1,
2017
June 25, 2018 -
March 23, 2023
February 26, 2018 -
February 24, 2024
March 1, 2017 -
March 1, 2027
PRICESMART, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
For the twelve-month periods ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 the Company included the gain or loss on the
hedged items (that is, variable-rate borrowings) in the same line item—interest expense—as the offsetting gain or loss on the
related interest rate swaps as follows (in thousands):
Income Statement Classification
Interest expense for the year ended August 31, 2020
Interest expense for the year ended August 31, 2019
Interest expense for the year ended August 31, 2018
Interest
expense on
borrowings(1)
Cost of
swaps (2)
$
$
$
4,045 $
4,732 $
4,100 $
2,416 $
511 $
981 $
Total
6,461
5,243
5,081
(1) This amount is representative of the interest expense recognized on the underlying hedged transactions.
(2) This amount is representative of the interest expense recognized on the interest rate swaps and cross currency swaps designated as cash
flow hedging instruments.
The total notional balance of the Company’s pay-fixed/receive-variable interest rate swaps and cross-currency interest
rate swaps was as follows (in thousands):
Floating Rate Payer (Swap Counterparty)
Union Bank
Citibank N.A.
Scotiabank
Total
Notional Amount as of
August 31,
2020
August 31,
2019
$
$
33,894 $
55,086
11,625
100,605 $
35,169
24,225
14,992
74,386
Derivatives listed on the table below were designated as cash flow hedging instruments. The table summarizes the effect
of the fair value of interest rate swap and cross-currency interest rate swap derivative instruments that qualify for derivative hedge
accounting and its associated tax effect on accumulated other comprehensive (income)/loss (in thousands):
Derivatives designated as cash
flow hedging instruments
Cross-currency interest rate swaps
Cross-currency interest rate swaps
Interest rate swaps
Cross-currency interest rate swaps
Net fair value of derivatives
designated as hedging instruments
Fair Value Instruments
Balance Sheet
Classification
Other current
assets
Other non-current
assets
Other long-term
liabilities
Other long-term
liabilities
August 31, 2020
Net Tax
Effect
Fair
Value
Net
OCI
August 31, 2019
Net Tax
Effect
Fair
Value
Net
OCI
$
— $
— $
— $
2,736 $
(903) $
1,833
872
(265)
607
—
—
—
(3,857)
898
(2,959)
(2,178)
517
(1,661)
(828)
248
(580)
(732)
220
(512)
$ (3,813) $
881 $ (2,932) $
(174) $
(166) $
(340)
From time to time the Company enters into non-deliverable forward foreign-exchange contracts. These contracts are
treated for accounting purposes as fair value contracts and do not qualify for derivative hedge accounting. The use of non-
deliverable forward foreign-exchange contracts is intended to offset changes in cash flow attributable to currency exchange
movements. These contracts are intended primarily to economically hedge exposure to U.S. dollar merchandise inventory
expenditures made by the Company’s international subsidiaries whose functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar. As of
August 31, 2020, the Company did not have any material non-deliverable forward foreign-exchange contracts.
F-65
PRICESMART, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
Other Instruments
Other derivatives not designated as hedging instruments consist primarily of written call options in which the Company
receives a premium that it uses to reduce the costs associated with its hedging activities. As of August 31, 2020, the Company
has settled its outstanding call options and does not have any other contracts not designated as hedging instruments.
For the twelve-month periods ended August 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company included in its consolidated statements of
income the loss of its other non-designated derivative contracts as follows (in thousands):
Income Statement Classification
Other expense, net
NOTE 14 – RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS
2020
Years Ended August 31,
2019
2018
$
(912) $
— $
—
Relationship with Francisco Velasco: Francisco Velasco is the Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Secretary
and Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer for the Company. As part of his employment agreement dated July 2016, the Company
purchased his home in Chicago, IL, in July 2016 based on its appraised value for approximately $625,000. The Company sold
the property in July 2018 for $485,000, net of commissions and expenses.
Relationships with Edgar Zurcher: Mr. Zurcher is also a director of a company that owns 40% of Payless ShoeSource
Holdings, Ltd., which rents retail space from the Company. The Company recorded approximately $1.5 million, $1.6 million and
$1.3 million in rental income for this space during the fiscal years ended 2020, 2019 and 2018. Additionally, Mr. Zurcher is a
director of Molinos de Costa Rica S.A. The Company paid approximately $1.1 million, $741,000 and $754,000 for products
purchased from this entity during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Also, Mr. Zurcher was
formerly a director of Roma Prince S.A. PriceSmart purchased products from this entity for approximately $1.1 million,
$1.0 million and $1.1 million for the years ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Relationships with Price Family Charitable Organizations: During the years ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018,
the Company sold approximately $525,000, $527,000 and $457,000, respectively, of supplies to Price Philanthropies Foundation.
Robert Price, Chairman of the Company's Board of Directors, is the Chairman of the Board and President of the Price
Philanthropies Foundation. Sherry S. Bahrambeygui, a director and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, serves as Vice
President and Vice Chairman of the Board of the Price Philanthropies Foundation. Jeffrey R. Fisher, a director of the Company,
serves as the Chief Financial Officer and as a director of the Board of the Price Philanthropies Foundation.
Relationships with Mitchell G. Lynn: Mr. Lynn has been a director of the Company since November 2011. Mr. Lynn is
a founder and a limited partner of CRI 2000, LP, dba Combined Resources International ("CRI") and Lightspeed Outdoors, LP
(“LSO”). CRI designs and imports consumer products for wholesale distribution, primarily through warehouse clubs. LSO
designs and imports recreational products for wholesale distribution and online retailing. The Company purchased immaterial
amounts of merchandise from CRI and LSO during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2020 and 2019. The Company purchased
$305,000 of merchandise from these entities during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2018.
Relationship with Golf Park Plaza, S.A.: Golf Park Plaza, S.A. is a real estate joint venture located in Panama entered
into by the Company in 2008 (see Note 15 - Unconsolidated Affiliate). On December 12, 2013, the Company entered into a lease
agreement for approximately 17,976 square feet (1,670 square meters) of land with Golf Park Plaza, S.A. upon which the
Company constructed its central offices in Panama. The lease term is for 15 years with three options to renew for five years each
at the Company's discretion. The Company recognized $105,700 in rent expense for each of the fiscal years ended August 31,
2020, 2019 and 2018.
F-66
PRICESMART, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
NOTE 15 – UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES
The Company determines whether any of the joint ventures in which it has made investments is a Variable Interest Entity
(“VIE”) at the start of each new venture and if a reconsideration event has occurred. At this time, the Company also considers
whether it must consolidate a VIE and/or disclose information about its involvement in a VIE. A reporting entity must consolidate
a VIE if that reporting entity has the power to direct the VIE’s activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic
performance and has the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially
be significant to the VIE. The reporting entity that consolidates a VIE is called the primary beneficiary of that VIE.
In 2008, the Company entered into real estate joint ventures to jointly own and operate separate commercial retail centers
adjacent to warehouse clubs in Panama (GolfPark Plaza, S.A.) and Costa Rica (Price Plaza Alajuela PPA, S.A.). Due to the initial
nature of the joint ventures and the continued commitments for additional financing, the Company determined these joint ventures
are VIEs. Since all rights, obligations and the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's
economic performance is shared equally by both parties within each joint venture, the Company has determined that it is not the
primary beneficiary of the VIEs and, therefore, has accounted for these entities under the equity method. Under the equity method,
the Company's investments in unconsolidated affiliates are initially recorded as an investment in the stock of an investee at cost
and are adjusted for the carrying amount of the investment to recognize the investor's share of the earnings or losses of the investee
after the date of the initial investment.
On December 12, 2013, the Company entered into a lease agreement for approximately 17,976 square feet (1,670 square
meters) of land with Golf Park Plaza, S.A. upon which the Company constructed its central offices in Panama. Construction of
the offices was completed in October 2014. The lease term is for 15 years with three options to renew for five years each at the
Company's discretion. The Company recognized $105,700 in rent expense for each of the fiscal years ended August 31, 2020,
2019 and 2018.
The table below summarizes the Company’s interest in these VIEs and the Company’s maximum exposure to loss as a
result of its involvement with these VIEs as of August 31, 2020 (in thousands):
%
Ownership
Initial
Investment
Additional
Investments
Net Income
Inception to
Date
Company’s
Variable
Interest
in Entity
Commitment
to Future
Additional
Investments(1)
Company's
Maximum
Exposure
to Loss in
Entity(2)
50 % $
4,616 $
2,402 $
72 $
7,090 $
99 $
7,189
50 %
$
2,193
6,809 $
1,236
3,638 $
83
155 $
3,512
10,602 $
785
884 $
4,297
11,486
Entity
GolfPark Plaza, S.A.
Price Plaza Alajuela PPA,
S.A.
Total
(1) The parties intend to seek alternate financing for the project, which could reduce the amount of investments each party would be required
to provide. The parties may mutually agree on changes to the project, which could increase or decrease the amount of contributions each
party is required to provide.
(2) The maximum exposure is determined by adding the Company’s variable interest in the entity and any explicit or implicit arrangements
that could require the Company to provide additional financial support.
The summarized financial information of the unconsolidated affiliates is as follows (in thousands):
Current assets
Noncurrent assets
Current liabilities
Noncurrent liabilities
August 31,
2020
August 31,
2019
$
1,398 $
10,686
138
$
8 $
1,344
10,949
156
8
Years Ended August 31,
2020
2019
2018
PriceSmart's share of net loss of unconsolidated affiliates
$
(95) $
(61) $
(8)
F-67
PRICESMART, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
NOTE 16 – SEGMENTS
The Company and its subsidiaries are principally engaged in the international operation of membership shopping in 46
warehouse clubs located in 12 countries and one U.S. territory that are located in Central America, the Caribbean and Colombia.
In addition, the Company operates distribution centers and corporate offices in the United States. The Company has aggregated
its warehouse clubs, distribution centers and corporate offices into reportable segments. The Company’s reportable segments are
based on management’s organization of these locations into operating segments by general geographic location, used by
management and the Company's chief operating decision maker in setting up management lines of responsibility, providing
support services, and making operational decisions and assessments of financial performance. Segment amounts are presented
after converting to U.S. dollars and consolidating eliminations. Certain revenues, operating costs and inter-company charges
included in the United States segment are not allocated to the segments within this presentation, as it is impractical to do so, and
they appear as reconciling items to reflect the amount eliminated on consolidation of intersegment transactions. From time to
time, the Company revises the measurement of each segment's operating income and net income, including certain corporate
overhead allocations, and other measures as determined by the information regularly reviewed by the Company's chief operating
decision maker. When the Company does so, the previous period amounts and balances are reclassified to conform to the current
period's presentation.
F-68
PRICESMART, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
The following tables summarize by segment certain revenues, operating costs and balance sheet items (in thousands):
Year Ended August 31, 2020
Revenue from external customers
Intersegment revenues
Depreciation, Property and equipment
Amortization, Intangibles
Operating income (loss)
Interest income from external sources
Interest income from intersegment sources
Interest expense from external sources
Interest expense from intersegment sources
Provision for income taxes
Net income (loss) attributable to PriceSmart, Inc.
Long-lived assets (other than deferred tax assets)(3)
Intangibles, net
Goodwill
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates
Total assets
Capital expenditures, net
Year Ended August 31, 2019
Revenue from external customers
Intersegment revenues
Depreciation, Property and equipment
Amortization, Intangibles
Operating income (loss)
Interest income from external sources
Interest income from intersegment sources
Interest expense from external sources
Interest expense from intersegment sources
Provision for income taxes
Net income (loss) attributable to PriceSmart, Inc.
Long-lived assets (other than deferred tax assets)
Intangibles, net
Goodwill
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates
Total assets
Capital expenditures, net
Year Ended August 31, 2018
Revenue from external customers
Intersegment revenues
Depreciation, Property and equipment
Amortization, Intangibles
Operating income (loss)
Interest income from external sources
Interest income from intersegment sources
Interest expense from external sources
Interest expense from intersegment sources
Provision for income taxes
Net income (loss) attributable to PriceSmart, Inc.
Long-lived assets (other than deferred tax assets)
Intangibles, net
Goodwill
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates
Total assets
Capital expenditures, net
United
States
Operations
Central
American
Operations
Caribbean
Operations(1)
Colombia
Operations
Reconciling
Items(2)
Total
$
$
$
73,703 $
1,148,004
6,888
2,410
3,873
7
2,065
1,890
39
10,106
(7,578)
81,008
10,166
10,696
—
272,190
6,072
68,335 $
1,205,986
5,334
2,404
3,805
74
1,408
1,377
60
11,280
(8,518)
65,278
12,576
11,315
—
161,583
8,439
57,445 $
1,184,530
7,373
1,120
2,016
25
747
1,465
16
19,977
(19,811)
67,650
14,980
11,230
—
164,008
2,252
1,895,857 $
16,524
29,312
—
125,351
612
2,566
3,425
1,547
20,001
103,697
475,744
—
24,418
10,602
741,523
48,150
1,831,761 $
11,185
24,684
—
122,629
499
1,877
2,368
1,505
19,429
100,614
383,665
—
24,593
10,697
614,579
85,962
1,839,810 $
—
23,391
—
130,849
487
1,245
3,210
1,042
20,767
107,401
320,612
—
24,903
10,758
550,874
50,982
993,657 $
4,909
15,441
—
57,217
749
431
310
2,258
6,416
50,553
177,166
—
10,092
—
395,244
14,460
933,886 $
4,507
14,052
—
50,724
568
724
(401)
2,132
6,615
44,168
165,584
—
10,193
—
340,216
28,434
879,423 $
4,472
11,596
—
48,383
767
730
(353)
1,576
5,624
44,178
150,516
—
10,196
—
318,837
39,379
365,971 $
2,723
7,174
—
18,071
663
—
2,000
561
1,241
13,554
146,862
—
—
—
247,868
35,565
389,936 $
1,498
8,484
—
14,909
348
—
595
8
236
14,124
115,838
—
—
—
180,033
22,832
390,024 $
993
9,160
—
12,086
136
—
750
3
1,809
9,917
118,284
—
—
—
182,673
3,237
— $
(1,172,160)
—
—
(82,044)
—
(5,062)
—
(4,405)
—
(82,117)
—
—
—
—
—
—
— $
(1,223,176)
—
—
(76,900)
—
(4,009)
—
(3,705)
—
(77,197)
—
—
—
—
—
—
— $
(1,189,995)
—
—
(67,282)
—
(2,722)
—
(2,637)
—
(67,357)
—
—
—
—
—
—
3,329,188
—
58,815
2,410
122,468
2,031
—
7,625
—
37,764
78,109
880,780
10,166
45,206
10,602
1,656,825
104,247
3,223,918
—
52,554
2,404
115,167
1,489
—
3,939
—
37,560
73,191
730,365
12,576
46,101
10,697
1,296,411
145,667
3,166,702
—
51,520
1,120
126,052
1,415
—
5,072
—
48,177
74,328
657,062
14,980
46,329
10,758
1,216,392
95,850
(1) Management considers its club in the U.S. Virgin Islands to be part of its Caribbean operations.
(2) The reconciling items reflect the amount eliminated on consolidation of intersegment transactions.
(3) Effective September 1, 2019, we adopted the requirements of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)" (ASC
842) using the modified retrospective approach, under which financial results reported in prior periods were not restated. As a result, the
Long-lived assets (other than deferred tax assets) as of August 31, 2020 is not comparable with that as of August 31, 2019 and August 31,
2018.
F-69
PRICESMART, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
NOTE 17 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
The Company has evaluated all events subsequent to the balance sheet date of August 31, 2020 through the date of
issuance of these consolidated financial statements and has determined that there are no subsequent events that require disclosure.
NOTE 18 – QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
Summarized quarterly financial information for fiscal years 2020, 2019 and 2018 is as follows (in thousands, except per
share data):
Fiscal Year 2020
Total revenues
Total cost of goods sold
Net income attributable to PriceSmart, Inc.
Basic net income per share
Diluted net income per share
Fiscal Year 2019
Total revenues
Total cost of goods sold
Net income attributable to PriceSmart, Inc.
Basic net income per share
Diluted net income per share
Fiscal Year 2018
Total revenues
Total cost of goods sold
Net income attributable to PriceSmart, Inc.
Basic net income per share
Diluted net income per share
Three Months Ended,
Year Ended,
Nov 30, 2019 Feb 29, 2020 May 31, 2020 Aug 31, 2020 Aug 31, 2020
3,329,188
$
2,774,778
$
78,109
$
2.55
$
2.55
$
811,941 $
674,946 $
19,728 $
0.64 $
0.64 $
810,581 $
670,902 $
20,076 $
0.65 $
0.65 $
906,735 $
756,174 $
25,600 $
0.85 $
0.85 $
799,931 $
672,756 $
12,705 $
0.41 $
0.41 $
Three Months Ended,
Year Ended,
Nov 30, 2018 Feb 28, 2019 May 31, 2019 Aug 31, 2019 Aug 31, 2019
3,223,918
$
2,695,691
$
73,191
$
2.40
$
2.40
$
779,637 $
653,180 $
14,612 $
0.48 $
0.48 $
801,300 $
663,766 $
20,673 $
0.67 $
0.67 $
854,425 $
716,858 $
23,810 $
0.79 $
0.79 $
788,556 $
661,887 $
14,096 $
0.46 $
0.46 $
Three Months Ended,
Year Ended,
Nov 30, 2017 Feb 28, 2018 May 31, 2018 Aug 31, 2018 Aug 31, 2018
3,166,702
$
2,656,520
$
74,328
$
2.44
$
2.44
$
839,563 $
708,040 $
14,148 (1) $
0.47 $
0.47 $
782,201 $
652,694 $
18,694 $
0.61 $
0.61 $
777,866 $
650,801 $
18,996 $
0.62 $
0.62 $
767,072 $
644,985 $
22,490 $
0.74 $
0.74 $
(1)
In the second quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company recorded its provisional tax estimate of $13.4 million as a result of the U.S. Tax Reform
Transition Tax. The Company finalized its calculation of this Transition Tax in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, reducing it to approximately
$12.5 million.
F-70
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The Company's common stock has been quoted and traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol
“PSMT” since September 2, 1997. As of October 19, 2020, there were approximately 20,354 holders of record of the common
stock.
2020 FISCAL QUARTERS
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
2019 FISCAL QUARTERS
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
Dates
Stock Price
From
To
High
Low
9/1/2019 11/30/2019 $
12/1/2019
3/1/2020
6/1/2020
2/29/2020
5/31/2020
8/31/2020 $
77.11 $
74.70
65.09
67.26 $
9/1/2018 11/30/2018 $
12/1/2018
3/1/2019
6/1/2019
2/28/2019
5/31/2019
8/31/2019 $
88.05 $
67.45
64.69
62.37 $
58.25
55.69
42.94
54.57
64.81
55.78
48.60
48.69
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
There were no sales of unregistered securities during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2020.
71
The graph below matches PriceSmart, Inc.'s cumulative 5-Year total shareholder return on common stock with the
cumulative total returns of the NASDAQ Composite index and the NASDAQ Retail Trade index. The graph tracks the
performance of a $100 investment in our common stock and in each index (with the reinvestment of all dividends) from 8/31/2015
to 8/31/2020.
COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL
RETURN*
Among PriceSmart, Inc., the NASDAQ Composite Index
and the NASDAQ Retail Trade Index
$450
$400
$350
$300
$250
$200
$150
$100
$50
$0
8/15
8/16
8/17
8/18
8/19
8/20
PriceSmart, Inc.
NASDAQ Composite
NASDAQ Retail Trade
*$100 invested on 8/31/15 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends.
Fiscal year ending August 31.
8/15
8/16
8/17
8/18
8/19
8/20
PriceSmart, Inc.
NASDAQ Composite
NASDAQ Retail Trade
100.00
100.00
100.00
99.15
110.53
123.46
97.24
137.86
143.72
104.84
175.70
240.12
73.82
174.44
222.61
81.21
260.50
392.98
The stock price performance included in this graph is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.
72
Dividends
Declared
2/6/2020
1/30/2019
1/24/2018
First Payment
Record
Date
Date
Paid
Amount
Second Payment
Date
Paid
Record
Date
0.70 2/15/2020 2/28/2020 $
0.70 2/15/2019 2/28/2019 $
0.70 2/14/2018 2/28/2018 $
0.35 8/15/2020 8/31/2020 $
0.35 8/15/2019 8/30/2019 $
0.35 8/15/2018 8/31/2018 $
Amount
$
$
$
Amount
0.35
0.35
0.35
The Company anticipates the ongoing payment of semi-annual dividends in subsequent periods, although the actual
declaration of future dividends, the amount of such dividends, and the establishment of record and payment dates is subject to
final determination by the Board of Directors at its discretion after its review of the Company’s financial performance and
anticipated capital requirements, taking into account all relevant factors, including, but not limited to, the uncertainty surrounding
the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our results of operations and cash flows.
Repurchase of Equity Securities
Upon vesting of restricted stock awarded by the Company to employees, the Company repurchases shares and withholds
the amount of the repurchase payment to cover employees’ tax withholding obligations. As set forth in the table below, during
fiscal year 2020, the Company repurchased a total of 56,503 shares in the indicated months. These were the only repurchases of
equity securities made by the Company during fiscal 2020. The Company does not have a stock repurchase program.
Period
September 1, 2019 - September 30, 2019
October 1, 2019 - October 31, 2019
November 1, 2019 - November 30, 2019
December 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019
January 1, 2020 - January 31, 2020
February 1, 2020 - February 29, 2020
March 1, 2020 - March 31, 2020
April 1, 2020 - April 30, 2020
May 1, 2020 - May 31, 2020
June 1, 2020 - June 30, 2019
July 1, 2019 - July 31, 2020
August 1, 2020 - August 31, 2020
Total
(a)
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
(b)
Average
Price Paid
Per Share
(c)
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs
(d)
Maximum Number
of Shares That May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the
Plans or Programs
515 $
4,746
1,357
—
14,468
—
3,914
296
—
—
3,672
27,535
56,503 $
72.83
68.90
71.45
—
63.59
—
48.17
53.70
—
—
67.16
66.09
64.64
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
73
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Corporate Offices
9740 Scranton Road
San Diego, CA 92121
(858) 404-8800
Stock Exchange Listing
NASDAQ Global Select Market
Stock Symbol: PSMT
Annual Meeting
Thursday, February 4, 2021 at 10:00 AM
PriceSmart, Inc. Corporate Headquarters
9740 Scranton Road
San Diego, CA 92121
Transfer Agent
Computershare Inc.
462 South 4th Street, Suite 1600
Louisville, KY, 40202
Telephone: (888) 867-6003
TDD for Hearing Impaired: (800) 490-1493
Outside U.S.: (201) 680-6578
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Ernst & Young U.S. LLP
4365 Executive Drive, Suite 1600
San Diego, CA 92121
PriceSmart's annual reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 10-K and any quarterly reports on Form 10-Q,
as amended, will be provided free of charge upon written request to Investor Relations, PriceSmart, Inc., 9740 Scranton Road.,
San Diego, CA 92121. Internet users can access PriceSmart's web site at http://www.pricesmart.com.
74
DIRECTORS & OFFICERS OF PRICESMART, INC.
As of December 18, 2020
Chairman
Vice Chairman
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director Nominee
Director Nominee
Chief Executive Officer
Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
Executive Vice President — General Counsel, Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer
and Corporate Secretary
Executive Vice President — Chief Merchandising Officer
Executive Vice President — Digital Experience and Chief Technology Officer
Executive Vice President — Real Estate
Executive Vice President — Logistics and Distribution
Executive Vice President — Environmental Responsibility, Construction &
Facilities
Executive Vice President — Operations
Executive Vice President — Information Technology
Executive Vice President — Local/Regional Merchandising
Robert E. Price
Mitch Lynn
Sherry S. Bahrambeygui
Jeffrey Fisher
Gordon Hanson
Beatriz Infante
Leon Janks
Gary Malino
Edgar Zurcher
Patricia Márquez
David Snyder
Sherry S. Bahrambeygui
Michael L. McCleary
William J. Naylon
Francisco Velasco
Ana Luisa Bianchi
Juan Ignacio Biehl
Rodrigo Calvo
Frank Diaz
Brud E. Drachman
John D. Hildebrandt
Laura Santana
Jesus Von Chong
Catherine D. Alvarez-Smith
Eduardo Franceschi
Carlos Herrera
Paul Kovaleski
Dhanraj Mahabir
Nicolas Maslowski
Alberto Morales
Atul Patel
Rafael Rodriguez
Chris Souhrada
Melissa Twohey
Pedro Vera
Benjamin M. Woods
Senior Vice President — Operational Controlling
Senior Vice President — Regional Operations
Senior Vice President — Omnichannel Initiatives
Senior Vice President — Food Service, Bakery and Optical
Senior Vice President — Regional Operations
Senior Vice President — Member Experience
Senior Vice President — Human Resources
Senior Vice President — Treasurer
Senior Vice President — Distribution
Senior Vice President — Business Development
Senior Vice President — Merchandising – Corporate Foods
Senior Vice President — Regional Operations
Senior Vice President — Merchandising – Non-Foods
Alma Adajar-Aban
Briana Anderson
Alexa Bodden
George Burkle
Guadalupe Cefalu
Maynor Chavez
Sergio Cuevas
Daniel Fairbanks
Dave Hahn
Patricia M. Klassen
Jonathan Mendoza
Vice President — Internal Audit and Controls
Vice President — Buying – Non-Foods
Vice President — Membership & Marketing
Vice President — US Export Sales
Vice President — Forecasting & Planning
Vice President — Compensation & Benefits
Vice President — Regional Operations
Vice President — Private Label
Vice President — IT Development
Vice President — Associate General Counsel and Assistant Corporate Secretary
Vice President — Construction & Facilities
75
Hana Nizel
Kelly Orme
Dennis Palma
David Price
Meshach Ramkissoon
Emma Reyes
Ronald Rodriquez
Christina Santmyre
Eric Torres
Marco Torres
Robert Uno
Vice President — Merchandising – Corporate Fresh Foods
Vice President — Merchandising – Global Sourcing
Vice President — Business Services
Vice President — Omnichannel Initiatives & Social and Environmental
Responsibility
Vice President — Merchandising – Regional Fresh Foods
Vice President — International Logistics & Trade Compliance
Vice President — Logistics
Vice President — Distribution
Vice President — Facilities Maintenance & Equipment
Vice President — Regional Operations
Vice President — IT Infrastructure
76
®