Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

We prepared the accompanying consolidated financial statements following United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The financial statements include all normal and recurring adjustments that are necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position and operating results. Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Leslie’s, Inc. and our subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

All share and per share information included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements has been retroactively adjusted to reflect a 156,500-for-1 stock split which was effected on October 23, 2020. The par value of the common stock was not adjusted as the result of the stock split.

Fiscal Periods

Segment Reporting

Our Chief Operating Decision Maker is our Chief Executive Officer, who reviews financial information presented on a consolidated basis for purposes of allocating resources and assessing performance. We operate all of our locations in the United States and offer consumers similar products, services, and methods of distribution through our retail locations and e-commerce websites. As a result, we have a single reportable segment.

Use of Estimates

Prior Period Reclassifications

Reclassifications of certain immaterial prior period amounts have been made to conform to current period presentation.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Fair Value Measurements

We measure certain financial instruments and other items at fair value.

To determine the fair value, we maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs market participants would use to value an asset or liability and are developed based on market data obtained from independent sources. Unobservable inputs are inputs based on assumptions about the factors market participants would use to value an asset or liability.

The fair value hierarchy is as follows, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable:

Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2—Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

Level 3—Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques and also includes instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant judgment or estimation.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

We use fair value measurements to record fair value of certain assets and to estimate fair value of financial instruments not recorded at fair value but required to be disclosed at fair value.

The fair value of our amended and restated term loan credit agreement (“Term Loan”) due in 2028 was determined to be $802.9 million and $796.5 million as of October 2, 2021 and October 3, 2020, respectively. The fair value of our senior unsecured notes was estimated to be $390.0 million as of October 3, 2020. We did not have any senior unsecured notes outstanding as of October 2, 2021. These fair value estimates, determined to be Level 2, are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect these estimates.

The fair value of our interest rate cap agreements, which expired in March 2021, was determined to be Level 2 and is included in other assets in our consolidated balance sheets as of October 3, 2020. Changes in fair value of the interest rate cap are recorded in other expenses, net in our consolidated statements of operations.

The carrying amounts of cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments.

Vendor Rebates

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Inventories, Net

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market or net realizable value. We value inventory using the weighted-average cost method. We evaluate inventory for excess and obsolescence and record necessary reserves. We provide provisions for losses related to inventories based on historical purchase cost, selling price, margin, and current business trends. When an inventory item is sold or disposed, the associated reserve is released at that time.

Business Combinations

We account for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting. This method requires that the purchase price of the acquisition be allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed using the fair values determined by management as of the acquisition date. The excess of the purchase price over the amounts allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill.

We use our best estimates and assumptions as part of the purchase price allocation process to accurately value assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. Our estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. As a result, during the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date, we record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with the corresponding offset to goodwill to the extent we identify adjustments to the preliminary purchase price allocation. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or final determination of the fair values of the assets acquired or liabilities assumed, whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments are recorded in our consolidated statements of operations. Our consolidated financial statements include the results of operations from the date of acquisition for each business combination.

We expense all acquisition-related costs as incurred in selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) in our consolidated statements of operations.

Property and Equipment, Net

Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Costs of normal maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Major replacements or improvements of property and equipment are capitalized. When items are sold or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation or amortization are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is included in our consolidated statements of operations.

We evaluate our long-lived assets for potential impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable. The evaluation for long-lived assets (asset group) is performed at the lowest level of identifiable cash flows, which, for location assets, is the individual location level. The assets of a physical location with indicators of impairment are evaluated for recoverability by comparing its undiscounted future cash flows with its carrying value. If the carrying value is greater than the undiscounted future cash flows, we then measure the asset’s fair value to determine whether an impairment loss should be recognized. If the resulting fair value is less than the carrying value, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference between the carrying value and the estimated fair value. There was no impairment charge in fiscal 2021. The impairment charges for long-lived assets were not material to our consolidated financial statements in fiscal 2020 or fiscal 2019. Impairment charges are recorded in SG&A in our consolidated statements of operations.

Cloud Computing Arrangements

From time to time, we enter into various agreements with unaffiliated third parties for assistance with technical development work related to our security-related software and systems and other ongoing projects. Expenditures for implementation, set-up, and other upfront costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement that is hosted by the vendor are capitalized generally in the same manner as internal use software and are recorded as other assets in our consolidated balance sheets. Such costs are amortized over the life of the related cloud computing arrangement. As of October 2, 2021, approximately $5.2 million associated with these agreements are included in prepaid and other current assets in our consolidated balance sheets. In addition, as of October 2, 2021, approximately $23.1 million associated with these agreements are included other assets in our consolidated balance sheets.

Internal Use Software

Expenditures for software developed for internal use are capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful life of the software. Our policy provides for the capitalization of external direct costs of materials and services associated with developing or obtaining internal use computer software. In addition, we also capitalize certain payroll and payroll-related costs for employees who are directly associated with internal use computer software development projects. The amount of payroll costs capitalized with respect to these employees is limited to the time directly spent on such projects in the applicable development phase. Costs associated with preliminary project stage activities, training, maintenance and all other post-implementation stage activities are expensed as incurred. See Note 8 — Property and Equipment for further discussion.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles, Net

Goodwill and intangible assets are recorded at their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. We review goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment annually (in the fourth quarter) or on an interim basis whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the fair value of such assets may be below their carrying amount. The Company’s impairment evaluation of goodwill consists of a qualitative assessment to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of its single reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The Company’s qualitative assessment considered factors including changes macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, cost factors, a sustained share price or market capitalization decrease, and any reporting unit specific events. If this qualitative assessment indicates it is more likely than not that the estimated fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, no further analysis is required and goodwill is not impaired. Otherwise, we compare the estimated fair value of the asset to its carrying amount with an impairment loss recognized for the amount, if any, by which carrying value exceeds estimated fair value.
 

The impairment evaluation for the Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets consists of a qualitative assessment similar to that for goodwill, for each indefinite-lived intangible asset. If the qualitative assessment indicates it is more likely than not that the estimated fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its carrying value, no further analysis is required and the asset is not impaired. Otherwise, the Company compares the estimated fair value of the asset to its carrying amount with an impairment loss recognized for the amount, if any, by which carrying value exceeds estimated fair value. We evaluate whether certain trade names continue to have an indefinite life annually.
 

Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized to reflect the pattern of economic benefits consumed. We evaluate amortizable intangible assets for potential impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of the assets may not be fully recoverable. Intangible assets useful lives are reviewed annually.

Leases

We adopted ASU 2016-02, Leases (“Topic 842”) on September 29, 2019 using the modified retrospective approach and elected the package of practical expedients to use in transition, which permitted us not to reassess, under the new standard, our prior conclusions about lease identification and lease classification.

We enter into contractual arrangements for the utilization of certain non-owned assets which are evaluated as finance or operating leases upon commencement, and are accounted for accordingly. Specifically, a contract is or contains a lease when (1) the contract contains an explicitly or implicitly identified asset and (2) we obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of that underlying asset and direct how and for what purpose the asset is used during the term of the contract in exchange for consideration. We assess whether an arrangement is or contains a lease at inception of the contract.

We lease certain retail locations, warehouse and distribution space, office space, equipment, and vehicles. A substantial majority of our leases have an initial lease term of five years, typically with the option to extend the lease for at least one additional five-year term. Some of our leases may include the option to terminate in less than five years. The lease term used to calculate the right-of-use asset and lease liability at commencement includes the impacts of options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. When determining whether it is reasonably certain that we will exercise an option at commencement, we consider various existing economic factors, including market conditions, real estate strategies, the nature, length, and terms of the agreement, as well as the uncertainty of the condition of leased equipment at the end of the lease term. Based on these considerations, we generally conclude that the exercise of renewal options would not be reasonably certain in calculating our operating lease liability at

commencement. The discount rate used to calculate the present value of lease payments is the rate implicit in the lease, when readily determinable. As the rate implicit in the lease is rarely readily determinable, we use a secured incremental borrowing rate, which is updated on a periodic basis as the discount rate for the present value of lease payments. Real estate taxes, insurance, maintenance, and operating expenses applicable to the leased property are generally our obligations under our lease agreements. In instances where these payments are fixed, they are included in the measurement of our lease liabilities, and when variable, are excluded and recognized in the period in which the obligation for those payments is incurred. For variable payments dependent upon an index or rate, we apply the active index or rate as of the lease commencement date. Variable lease payments not based on an index or rate are not included in the measurement of our operating lease liabilities as they cannot be reasonably estimated, and are recognized in the period in which the obligation for those payments is incurred. Leases that have a term of 12 months or less upon commencement are considered short-term in nature and as such are not included in the measurement of our operating lease right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets and are expensed on a straight line basis over the lease term. In addition, we do separate lease and non-lease components (e.g. common area maintenance). Our lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our customer, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for such goods or services. Revenue from merchandise sales at retail locations is recognized at the point of sale, revenue from services are recognized when the services are rendered. Revenue from e-commerce merchandise sales is recognized either at the time of pick-up at one of our locations or at the time of shipment depending on the customer’s order designation. Revenue is recorded net of related discounts and sales tax. Payment from retail customers is generally at the point of sale and payment terms for professional pool operators are based on our credit requirements and generally have terms of less than 60 days. When we receive payment from a consumer before the consumer has taken possession of the merchandise or the service has been performed, the amount received is recorded as deferred revenue or as a customer deposit until the sale or service is complete. Shipping and handling are treated as costs to fulfill the contract and not a separate performance obligation.

We estimate a liability for sales returns based on current sales levels and historical return trends. At each financial reporting date, we assess our estimates of expected returns, and a corresponding adjustment to cost of sales for our right to recover the goods returned by the customer, net of any expected recovery cost. Adjustments related to changes in return estimates were immaterial in all periods presented.

During the last quarter of fiscal 2021, we completed the implementation of our new loyalty program (“Pool Perks”) to all locations which allows members to earn reward points based on their purchases. Once a loyalty member achieves a certain point level, the member earns an award that may be used on future purchases, which are valid for 12 months from issuance. Pool Perks represents a material right to the customer and points may be redeemed on future products and services. We defer revenue related to points earned that have not yet been redeemed. The amount of deferred revenue is based on the estimated standalone selling price of points earned by members and reduced by the percentage of points expected to be redeemed. The estimated redemption percentage is based on historical redemption trends and considers current information or trends. Revenue is recognized when the rewards are redeemed, expired or based on estimated breakage.

Cost of Merchandise and Services Sold

Cost of merchandise and services sold reflects the direct cost of purchased merchandise, costs to package certain chemical products, including direct materials and labor, costs to provide services, including labor and materials, as well as distribution and occupancy costs. Distribution costs include warehousing and transportation expenses, including costs associated with third-party fulfillment centers. Occupancy costs include the rent, common area maintenance, real estate taxes, and depreciation and amortization costs of all retail locations.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Our SG&A includes selling and operating expenses at our retail locations and corporate level general and administrative expenses. Selling and operating expenses at retail locations include payroll, bonus and benefit costs for personnel, supplies, and credit and debit

card processing costs. Corporate expenses include payroll, bonus, and benefit costs for our corporate and field support functions, equity-based compensation, marketing and advertising, insurance, utilities, occupancy costs related to our corporate office facilities, professional services, and depreciation and amortization for all assets, except those related to our retail locations and distribution operations, which are included in cost of merchandise and services sold.

Advertising

We expense advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs for fiscal 2021, 2020 and 2019 were approximately $25.4 million, $19.4 million and $18.0 million, respectively.

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and tax bases of existing assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets, including the benefit of net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, are evaluated based on the guidelines for realization and are reduced by a valuation allowance if it is deemed more likely than not that such assets will not be realized. We consider several factors in evaluating the realizability of our deferred tax assets, including the nature, frequency and severity of recent losses, the remaining years available for carryforwards, changes in tax laws, the future profitability of the operations in the jurisdiction, and tax planning strategies. Our judgments and estimates concerning realizability of deferred tax assets could change if any of the evaluation factors change, resulting in an increase or decrease to income tax expense in any period.

The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets can be dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which the associated temporary differences become deductible. On a quarterly basis, we evaluate whether it is more likely than not that our deferred tax assets will be realized in the future and conclude whether a valuation allowance must be established.

We record a liability for uncertain tax positions to the extent a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return does not meet certain recognition or measurement criteria. Considerable management judgment is necessary to assess the inherent uncertainties related to the interpretations of complex tax laws, regulations and taxing authority rulings. Our judgments and estimates may change as a result of the evaluation of new information, such as the outcome of tax audits or changes to or further interpretations of tax laws and regulations, resulting in an increase or decrease to income tax expense in any period. Interest and penalties accrued, if any, relating to uncertain tax positions will be recognized as a component of the income tax provision.

We determined there were no material uncertain tax positions as of October 2, 2021 and October 3, 2020.

Equity-Based Compensation

Stock-based compensation expense is measured at grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for awards expected to vest. See Note 16 - Equity-Based Compensation for further discussion.

Self-Insurance Reserves

Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Dilutive earnings per share is computed giving effect to all potentially dilutive shares, unless their effect is antidilutive. We apply the treasury stock method for dilutive share-based awards. Performance-based share-based awards are included in diluted shares only if the related performance conditions have been considered satisfied as of the end of the reporting period.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (“Topic 740”): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. ASU 2019-12 removes certain exceptions related to intraperiod tax allocations, foreign subsidiaries and interim reporting that are present within existing GAAP rules. The ASU also provides updated guidance regarding the tax treatment of certain franchise taxes, goodwill and nontaxable entities, among other items. In addition, ASU 2019-12 clarifies that the effect of a change in tax laws or rates should be reflected in the annual effective tax rate computation during the interim period that includes the enactment date. The ASU is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2020. We expect to early adopt ASU 2019-12 as of October 3, 2022. In anticipation of the adoption and based on management’s initial evaluation of the projected impact to our consolidated financial statements, we do not estimate there to be a material impact.