Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

We prepared the accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements following U.S. 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. The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Leslie’s, Inc. and our subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. These interim condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes should be read in conjunction with the audited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes for the years ended October 3, 2020 and September 28, 2019.

Initial Public Offering

In November 2020, the Company completed an initial public offering (“IPO”) of 30,000,000 shares of common stock at a public offering price of $17.00 per share for net proceeds of $458.7 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions of $45.0 million and offering costs of $6.3 million. The shares of common stock sold in the IPO and the net proceeds from the IPO included the full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares.

In November 2020, the Company used the net proceeds from the IPO to repay the entire outstanding amount related to its $390.0 million Senior Unsecured Notes. The remaining proceeds will be used for working capital and general corporate purposes.

Stock Split

All share and per share information included in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements has been 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

We operate on a fiscal calendar that results in a fiscal year consisting of a 52- or 53-week period ending on the Saturday closest to September 30th. In a 52-week fiscal year, each quarter contains 13 weeks of operations; in a 53-week fiscal year, each of the first, second and third quarters includes 13 weeks of operations and the fourth quarter includes 14 weeks of operations. References to fiscal 2020 refer to the fiscal year ended October 3, 2020 which contained 53 weeks.  References to the three months ended January 2, 2021 and the three months ended December 28, 2019 refer to the 13 weeks ended January 2, 2021 and December 28, 2019, respectively.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

To prepare financial statements that conform to GAAP, we make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our financial statements and accompanying notes. Our most significant estimates relate to the allowance for doubtful accounts, inventory obsolescence reserves, vendor programs, income taxes, self-insurance, and goodwill impairment evaluations. We continually review our estimates and make adjustments as necessary, but actual results could be significantly different from what we expected when we made these estimates.

Fair Value Measurements

As of January 2, 2021 and October 3, 2020, we held no assets that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

We evaluate our financial assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements on a recurring basis to determine the appropriate level of classification for each reporting period.

The fair value of the Term Loan due in 2023 (see Note 7) was determined to be $806.6 million at January 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 the interest rate cap agreements (see Note 7) was determined to be Level 2 and is included in other assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of January 2, 2021 and October 3, 2020. Changes in fair value of the interest rate cap are recorded in other expenses in the condensed consolidated statement of operations.

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

There were no transfers between levels in the fair value hierarchy during the three months ended January 2, 2021 or during fiscal year 2020, respectively.

Seasonality

Our business is highly seasonal. In general, sales and earnings are highest during our fiscal third and fourth quarters, which include April through September and represent the peak months of swimming pool use. Sales are substantially lower during our fiscal first and second quarters.

Prior Period Reclassifications

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