Party City Holdco Inc. (Form: 10-Q, Received: 05/09/2018 17:15:03)

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

(Mark One)

☒	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2018

☐	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission file number 001-37344

Party City Holdco Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)


Delaware		46-0539758
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

80 Grasslands Road Elmsford, NY		10523
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)		(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (914) 345-2020

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒

As of April 25, 2018, 96,449,002 shares of the Registrant’s common stock were outstanding.

PARTY CITY HOLDCO INC.

Form 10-Q

March 31, 2018

TABLE OF CONTENTS


	Page
PART I

Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017		3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Three Months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017		4
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity for the Three Months ended March 31, 2018		5
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017		6
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements		7
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		17
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk		27
Item 4. Controls and Procedures		27

PART II
Item 1. Legal Proceedings		28
Item 1A. Risk Factors		28
Item 5. Other Information		28
Item 6. Exhibits		28
Signature		29

PARTY CITY HOLDCO INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share data)


	March 31, 2018			December 31, 2017
	(Note 2) (Unaudited)			(Note 2)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	54,831		$	54,291
Accounts receivable, net		130,946			140,980
Inventories, net		620,703			604,066
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		78,298			77,816

Total current assets		884,778			877,153
Property, plant and equipment, net		302,435			301,141
Goodwill		1,628,928			1,619,253
Trade names		569,196			568,681
Other intangible assets, net		75,680			75,704
Other assets, net		11,879			12,824

Total assets	$	3,472,896		$	3,454,756

LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE SECURITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Loans and notes payable	$	349,601		$	286,291
Accounts payable		129,681			160,994
Accrued expenses		167,078			176,609
Income taxes payable		39,163			45,568
Current portion of long-term obligations		12,931			13,059

Total current liabilities		698,454			682,521
Long-term obligations, excluding current portion		1,530,219			1,532,090
Deferred income tax liabilities		176,752			175,836
Deferred rent and other long-term liabilities		90,089			91,929

Total liabilities		2,495,514			2,482,376
Redeemable securities		3,590			3,590
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock (96,435,002 and 96,380,102 shares outstanding and 119,814,569 and 119,759,669 shares issued at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively)		1,198			1,198
Additional paid-in capital		918,205			917,192
Retained earnings		371,385			372,596
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(30,600	)		(35,818	)

Total Party City Holdco Inc. stockholders’ equity before common stock held in treasury		1,260,188			1,255,168
Less: Common stock held in treasury, at cost (23,379,567 shares at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017)		(286,733	)		(286,733	)

Total Party City Holdco Inc. stockholders’ equity		973,455			968,435
Noncontrolling interests		337			355

Total stockholders’ equity		973,792			968,790

Total liabilities, redeemable securities and stockholders’ equity	$	3,472,896		$	3,454,756

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

PARTY CITY HOLDCO INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except share and per share data)


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018			2017
Revenues:
Net sales	$	505,108		$	473,963
Royalties and franchise fees		2,716			3,036

Total revenues		507,824			476,999
Expenses:
Cost of sales		316,966			298,719
Wholesale selling expenses		18,787			15,627
Retail operating expenses		89,092			90,730
Franchise expenses		3,782			3,317
General and administrative expenses		48,665			48,137
Art and development costs		5,973			5,798
Development stage expenses		2,303			—

Total expenses		485,568			462,328

Income from operations		22,256			14,671
Interest expense, net		23,275			20,692
Other expense, net		848			1,162

Loss before income taxes		(1,867	)		(7,183	)
Income tax benefit		(704	)		(2,500	)

Net loss		(1,163	)		(4,683	)
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		(30	)		—

Net loss attributable to Party City Holdco Inc.	$	(1,133	)	$	(4,683	)

Net loss per common share-Basic	$	(0.01	)	$	(0.04	)
Net loss per common share-Diluted	$	(0.01	)	$	(0.04	)
Weighted-average number of common shares-Basic		96,398,585			119,523,867
Weighted-average number of common shares-Diluted		96,398,585			119,523,867
Dividends declared per share	$	0.00		$	0.00
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	4,067		$	(1,475	)
Less: comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		(18	)		—

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Party City Holdco Inc.	$	4,085		$	(1,475	)

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

PARTY CITY HOLDCO INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except share data)


	Common Stock		Additional Paid-in Capital		Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Total Party City Holdco Inc. Stockholders’ Equity Before Common Stock Held In Treasury			Common Stock Held In Treasury			Total Party City Holdco Inc. Stockholders’ Equity			Non- Controlling Interests			Total Stockholders’ Equity
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	1,198	$	917,192	$	372,596		$	(35,818	)	$	1,255,168		$	(286,733	)	$	968,435		$	355		$	968,790
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net (see Note 2)						(78	)					(78	)					(78	)					(78	)

Balance at December 31, 2017, as adjusted	$	1,198	$	917,192	$	372,518		$	(35,818	)	$	1,255,090		$	(286,733	)	$	968,357		$	355		$	968,712
Net loss						(1,133	)					(1,133	)					(1,133	)		(30	)		(1,163	)
Employee equity based compensation				460								460						460						460
Warrant				261								261						261						261
Exercise of stock options				292								292						292						292
Foreign currency adjustments									5,406			5,406						5,406			12			5,418
Impact of foreign exchange contracts, net of tax									(188	)		(188	)					(188	)					(188	)

Balance at March 31, 2018	$	1,198	$	918,205	$	371,385		$	(30,600	)	$	1,260,188		$	(286,733	)	$	973,455		$	337		$	973,792

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

PARTY CITY HOLDCO INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018			2017
				(Adjusted, see Note 2)
Cash flows used in operating activities:
Net loss	$	(1,163	)	$	(4,683	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense		20,557			20,701
Amortization of deferred financing costs and original issuance discounts		1,556			1,233
Provision for doubtful accounts		350			230
Deferred income tax expense		178			873
Deferred rent		368			363
Undistributed (income) loss in unconsolidated joint ventures		(211	)		716
Loss (gain) on disposal of assets		22			(3	)
Non-employee equity based compensation		261			—
Employee equity based compensation		460			2,398
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquired businesses:
Decrease in accounts receivable		11,243			20,225
(Increase) decrease in inventories		(11,696	)		13,151
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets		(923	)		555
Decrease in accounts payable, accrued expenses and income taxes payable		(46,192	)		(75,302	)

Net cash used in operating activities		(25,190	)		(19,543	)
Cash flows used in investing activities:
Cash paid in connection with acquisitions, net of cash acquired		(17,021	)		(62,171	)
Capital expenditures		(17,906	)		(11,424	)
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment		21			5

Net cash used in investing activities		(34,906	)		(73,590	)
Cash flows provided by financing activities:
Repayment of loans, notes payable and long-term obligations		(27,609	)		(19,272	)
Proceeds from loans, notes payable and long-term obligations		87,370			87,216
Exercise of stock options		292			64
Debt issuance costs		(56	)		—

Net cash provided by financing activities		59,997			68,008
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		671			872

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash		572			(24,253	)
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period		54,408			64,765

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	$	54,980		$	40,512

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period
Interest	$	28,780		$	25,232
Income taxes, net of refunds	$	5,342		$	6,749

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

PARTY CITY HOLDCO INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share)

Note 1 – Description of Business

Party City Holdco Inc. (the “Company” or “Party City Holdco”) is a vertically integrated supplier of decorated party goods. The Company designs, manufactures, sources and distributes party goods, including paper and plastic tableware, metallic and latex balloons, Halloween and other costumes, accessories, novelties, gifts and stationery. The Company’s retail operations include over 900 specialty retail party supply stores (including franchise stores) in the United States and Canada, operating under the name Party City, and e-commerce websites, principally operating under the domain name PartyCity.com. In addition to the Company’s retail operations, it is also a global designer, manufacturer and distributor of decorated party supplies, with products found in over 40,000 retail outlets, including independent party supply stores, mass merchants, grocery retailers and dollar stores. The Company’s products are available in over 100 countries with the United Kingdom, Germany, Mexico and Australia among the largest end markets outside of the United States.

Party City Holdco is a holding company with no operating assets or operations. The Company owns 100% of PC Nextco Holdings, LLC (“PC Nextco”), which owns 100% of PC Intermediate Holdings, Inc. (“PC Intermediate”). PC Intermediate owns 100% of Party City Holdings Inc. (“PCHI”), which owns the Company’s operating subsidiaries.

Note 2 – Basis of Presentation and Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of the Company and its majority-owned and controlled entities. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring items) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

The majority of our retail operations define a fiscal year (“Fiscal Year”) as the 52-week period or 53-week period ended on the Saturday nearest December 31st of each year and define fiscal quarters (“Fiscal Quarter”) as the four interim 13-week periods following the end of the previous Fiscal Year, except in the case of a 53-week Fiscal Year when the fourth Fiscal Quarter is extended to 14 weeks. The condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company combine the Fiscal Quarters of our retail operations with the calendar quarters of our wholesale operations. The Company has determined the differences between the retail operation’s Fiscal Year and Fiscal Quarters and the calendar year and calendar quarters to be insignificant.

Operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2018. Our business is subject to substantial seasonal variations as our retail segment has historically realized a significant portion of its net sales, cash flows and net income in the fourth quarter of each year, principally due to its Halloween season sales in October and, to a lesser extent, other year-end holiday sales. We expect that this general pattern will continue. Our results of operations may also be affected by industry factors that may be specific to a particular period such as movement in and the general level of raw material costs. For further information see the consolidated financial statements, and notes thereto, included in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 14, 2018.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-12, “Derivatives and Hedging: Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities”. The pronouncement amends the existing hedge accounting model in order to enable entities to better portray the economics of their risk management activities in their financial statements. The update is effective for the Company during the first quarter of 2019. Although the Company continues to evaluate this pronouncement, it does not believe that it will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash”. The pronouncement requires companies to show changes in the total of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted the pronouncement, which requires retrospective application, during the first quarter of 2018. The impact of such adoption was immaterial to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. See Note 15 for further discussion.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments”. The pronouncement clarifies how entities should classify certain cash receipts and cash payments on the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted the pronouncement during the first quarter of 2018 and such adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases”. The ASU requires that companies recognize on their balance sheets assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by the companies’ leases. The update is effective for the Company during the first quarter of 2019. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of the pronouncement on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Financial Instruments – Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”. The update impacts the accounting for equity investments and the recognition of changes in fair value of financial liabilities when the fair value option is elected. The Company adopted the pronouncement during the first quarter of 2018 and such adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”. The pronouncement contains a five-step model which replaces most existing revenue recognition guidance. The new standard was effective for the Company during the first quarter of 2018. The pronouncement can be applied retrospectively to prior reporting periods or on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The Company decided to adopt the pronouncement using the modified retrospective approach. Therefore, on January 1, 2018, the Company adjusted its accounting for certain discounts which are tied to the timing of payments by customers of its wholesale business and the Company recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment which reduced retained earnings by $46. Additionally, as of such date, the Company modified its accounting for certain metallic balloon sales of its wholesale segment and started to defer the recognition of revenue on such sales, and the related costs, until the balloons have been filled with helium. As a result, the Company recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment which increased retained earnings by $8. Finally, as of such date, the Company adjusted its accounting for certain discounts on wholesale sales of seasonal product and the Company recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment which reduced retained earnings by $40. See Note 14 for further discussion of the adoption of the pronouncement and the Company’s revenue recognition policy.

Note 3 – Inventories

Inventories consisted of the following:


	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
Finished goods	$	576,244	$	562,809
Raw materials		31,504		30,346
Work in process		12,955		10,911

	$	620,703	$	604,066

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The Company principally determines the cost of inventory using the weighted average method.

The Company estimates retail inventory shrinkage for the period between physical inventory dates on a store-by-store basis. Inventory shrinkage estimates can be affected by changes in merchandise mix and changes in actual shortage trends. The shrinkage rate from the most recent physical inventory, in combination with historical experience, is the basis for estimating shrinkage.

Note 4 – Income Taxes

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“the Act”) was signed into law. The Act significantly changed U.S. tax law, including lowering the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, effective January 1, 2018, and implementing a one-time “deemed repatriation” tax on unremitted earnings accumulated in non-U.S. jurisdictions since 1986 (the “Transition Tax”). Due to the complexities of accounting for the Act, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 118 which allows entities to include a provisional estimate of the impact of the Act in its financial statements. Therefore, based on currently available information, during the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company recorded a provisional estimate of the impact of the Act, which included an income tax benefit of $90,965 related to the remeasurement of its domestic net deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets due to the lower U.S. corporate tax rate. Additionally, during the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company recorded a net income tax expense of $1,132 as its provisional estimate of the Transition Tax related to the deemed repatriation of unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries. The Company did not adjust these estimates during the first quarter of 2018.

While these amounts represent the Company’s best estimates of the impacts of the reduction in the federal corporate income tax rate and the deemed repatriation Transition Tax, the final impacts of the Act may differ from the Company’s estimates due to, among other things, changes in the Company’s interpretations and assumptions, additional guidance to be issued by the IRS, and actions the Company may take. As provided in SAB 118, any adjustments to these provisional amounts will be recorded as they are identified during the measurement period, which ends no later than December 22, 2018.

Additionally, the Act subjects a U.S. shareholder to current tax on “global intangible low-taxed income” (“GILTI”) of its controlled foreign corporations. GILTI is based on the excess of the aggregate of a U.S. shareholder’s pro rata share of net income of its controlled foreign corporations over a specified return. Given the complexity of the GILTI provisions, the Company is still evaluating the effects of the provisions and has not yet determined its accounting policy. Therefore, during the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company has included an estimate of the tax on GILTI as a period cost in its full-year estimated effective income tax rate and it has not accounted for any tax on GILTI in its deferred balances.

The effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2018, 37.7%, is higher than the statutory rate primarily due to discrete items related to stock option exercises and state tax rate changes.

Note 5 – Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss consisted of the following:


	Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
	Foreign Currency Adjustments			Impact of Foreign Exchange Contracts, Net of Taxes			Total, Net of Taxes
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	(35,610	)	$	(208	)	$	(35,818	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of income tax		5,406			(428	)		4,978
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to the condensed consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income, net of income tax		—			240			240

Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)		5,406			(188	)		5,218

Balance at March 31, 2018	$	(30,204	)	$	(396	)	$	(30,600	)


	Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
	Foreign Currency Adjustments			Impact of Foreign Exchange Contracts, Net of Taxes			Total, Net of Taxes
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	(53,171	)	$	932		$	(52,239	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of income tax		3,819			(287	)		3,532
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to the condensed consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss, net of income tax		—			(324	)		(324	)

Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)		3,819			(611	)		3,208

Balance at March 31, 2017	$	(49,352	)	$	321		$	(49,031	)

Note 6 – Capital Stock

At March 31, 2018, the Company’s authorized capital stock consisted of 300,000,000 shares of $0.01 par value common stock and 15,000,000 shares of $0.01 par value preferred stock.

During the three months ended March 31, 2018, 54,900 shares of common stock were issued due to stock option exercises.

Note 7 – Segment Information

Industry Segments

The Company has two identifiable business segments. The Wholesale segment designs, manufactures, sources and distributes party goods, including paper and plastic tableware, metallic and latex balloons, Halloween and other costumes, accessories, novelties, gifts and stationery throughout the world. The Retail segment operates specialty retail party supply stores in the United States and Canada, principally under the names Party City and Halloween City, and it operates e-commerce websites, principally through the domain name Partycity.com. The Retail segment also franchises both individual stores and franchise areas throughout the United States, Mexico and Puerto Rico, principally under the name Party City. The Company’s industry segment data for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017 was as follows:


	Wholesale			Retail		Consolidated
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
Revenues:
Net sales	$	277,827		$	363,576	$	641,403
Royalties and franchise fees		—			2,716		2,716

Total revenues		277,827			366,292		644,119
Eliminations		(136,295	)		—		(136,295	)

Net revenues	$	141,532		$	366,292	$	507,824

Income from operations	$	5,348		$	16,908	$	22,256

Interest expense, net							23,275
Other expense, net							848

Loss before income taxes						$	(1,867	)


	Wholesale			Retail		Consolidated

Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
Revenues:
Net sales	$	270,692		$	339,269	$	609,961
Royalties and franchise fees		—			3,036		3,036

Total revenues		270,692			342,305		612,997
Eliminations		(135,998	)		—		(135,998	)

Net revenues	$	134,694		$	342,305	$	476,999

Income from operations	$	10,416		$	4,255	$	14,671

Interest expense, net							20,692
Other expense, net							1,162

Loss before income taxes						$	(7,183	)

Note 8 – Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is a party to certain claims and litigation in the ordinary course of business. The Company does not believe these proceedings will result, individually or in the aggregate, in a material adverse effect on its financial condition or future results of operations.

On April 5, 2016, a derivative complaint was filed in the Supreme Court for the State of New York, naming certain directors and executives as defendants, and naming the Company as a nominal defendant. The complaint seeks unspecified damages and costs, and corporate governance reforms, for alleged injury to the Company in connection with public filings related to the Company’s April 2015 IPO, compensation paid to executives, and the termination of the management agreement disclosed in the initial public offering-related public filings. The Company intends to vigorously defend itself against this action. The Company is unable, at this time, to determine whether the outcome of the litigation would have a material impact on its results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

Note 9 – Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company is directly and indirectly affected by changes in certain market conditions. These changes in market conditions may adversely impact the Company’s financial performance and are referred to as market risks. The Company, when deemed appropriate, uses derivatives as a risk management tool to mitigate the potential impact of certain market risks. The primary market risks managed through the use of derivative financial instruments are interest rate risk and foreign currency exchange rate risk.

Interest Rate Risk Management

As part of the Company’s risk management strategy, the Company periodically uses interest rate swap agreements to hedge the variability of cash flows on floating rate debt obligations. Accordingly, interest rate swap agreements are reflected in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value and the related gains and losses on these contracts are deferred in equity and recognized in interest expense over the same period in which the related interest payments being hedged are recognized in income. The Company did not utilize interest rate swap agreements during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and the three months ended March 31, 2017.

Foreign Exchange Risk Management

A portion of the Company’s cash flows are derived from transactions denominated in foreign currencies. In order to reduce the uncertainty of foreign exchange rate movements on transactions denominated in foreign currencies, including the British Pound Sterling, the Canadian Dollar, the Euro, the Malaysian Ringgit, the Australian Dollar, and the Mexican Peso, the Company enters into foreign exchange contracts with major international financial institutions. These forward contracts, which typically mature within one year, are designed to hedge anticipated foreign currency transactions, primarily inventory purchases and sales. For contracts that qualify for hedge accounting, the terms of the foreign exchange contracts are such that cash flows from the contracts should be highly effective in offsetting the expected cash flows from the underlying forecasted transactions.

The foreign currency exchange contracts are reflected in the condensed consolidated balance sheets at fair value. At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company had foreign currency exchange contracts that qualified for hedge accounting. No components of these agreements were excluded in the measurement of hedge effectiveness. As these hedges are 100% effective, there is no current impact on earnings due to hedge ineffectiveness. The Company anticipates that substantially all unrealized gains and losses in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to these foreign currency exchange contracts will be reclassified into earnings by June 2019.

The following table displays the fair values of the Company’s derivatives at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:

Derivative Assets

Derivative Liabilities

Balance
Sheet
Line

Fair
Value

Balance
Sheet
Line

Fair
Value

Balance
Sheet
Line

Fair
Value

Balance
Sheet
Line

Fair
Value

Derivative Instrument

March 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

March 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

Foreign Exchange Contracts

(a) PP

(b) AE

407

(b) AE

(a)	PP = Prepaid expenses and other current assets

(b)	AE = Accrued expenses

The following table displays the notional amounts of the Company’s derivatives at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:


Derivative Instrument	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
Foreign Exchange Contracts	$	35,129	$	21,672

Note 10 – Fair Value Measurements

The provisions of ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurement”, define fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC Topic 820 established a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:

•

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

•

Level 2 — Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

•

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. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.

During 2017, the Company acquired a 28% ownership interest in Punchbowl, Inc. (“Punchbowl”), a provider of digital greeting cards and digital invitations. At such time, the Company provided Punchbowl’s other investors with the ability to “put” their interest in Punchbowl to the Company at a future date. The Company is adjusting such put liability to fair value on a recurring basis. The liability represents a Level 3 fair value measurement as it is based on unobservable inputs.

During 2017, the Company and Ampology, a subsidiary of Trivergence, reached an agreement to form a new legal entity, Kazzam, LLC (“Kazzam”), for the purpose of designing, developing and launching an online exchange platform for party-related services. As part of Ampology’s compensation for designing, developing and launching the exchange platform, Ampology received a 70% ownership interest in Kazzam. The 70% interest has been recorded as redeemable securities in the mezzanine of the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as, in the future, Ampology has the right to cause the Company to purchase the interest. The mezzanine liability is adjusted to fair value on a recurring basis. The liability represents a Level 3 fair value measurement as it is based on unobservable inputs.

The following table shows assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2018 that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:


	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total as of March 31, 2018
Derivative assets	$	—	$	80	$	—	$	80
Derivative liabilities		—		407		—		407
Kazzam liability		—		—		3,590		3,590
Punchbowl put liability		—		—		171		171

The following table shows assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2017 that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:


	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total as of December 31, 2017
Derivative assets	$	—	$	95	$	—	$	95
Derivative liabilities		—		99		—		99
Kazzam liability		—		—		3,590		3,590
Punchbowl put liability		—		—		2,122		2,122

The majority of the Company’s non-financial instruments, which include goodwill, intangible assets, inventories and property, plant and equipment, are not required to be carried at fair value on a recurring basis. However, if certain triggering events occur (or at least annually for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets), a non-financial instrument is required to be evaluated for impairment. If the Company determines that the non-financial instrument is impaired, the Company would be required to write down the non-financial instrument to its fair value. The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other current assets, accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities approximated fair value at March 31, 2018 because of the short-term maturities of the instruments and/or their variable rates of interest.

The carrying amounts and fair values of borrowings under the Term Loan Credit Agreement and the Senior Notes as of March 31, 2018 are as follows:


	March 31, 2018
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value
Term Loan Credit Agreement	$	1,194,526	$	1,212,732
Senior Notes		345,574		356,500

The fair values of the Term Loan Credit Agreement and the Senior Notes represent Level 2 fair value measurements as the debt instruments trade in inactive markets. The carrying amounts for other long-term debt approximated fair value at March 31, 2018 based on the discounted future cash flows of each instrument at rates currently offered for similar debt instruments of comparable maturity.

Note 11 – Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing net income available for common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share are calculated based on the weighted average number of outstanding common shares plus the dilutive effect of stock options and warrants as if they were exercised.

A reconciliation between basic and diluted income per share is as follows:


	Three Months Ended March 31, 2018			Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
Net loss attributable to Party City Holdco Inc.	$	(1,133	)	$	(4,683	)
Weighted average shares - Basic		96,398,585			119,523,867
Effect of dilutive securities:
Warrants		—			—
Stock options		—			—

Weighted average shares - Diluted		96,398,585			119,523,867

Net loss per common share - Basic	$	(0.01	)	$	(0.04	)

Net loss per common share - Diluted	$	(0.01	)	$	(0.04	)

During the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, 4,275,789 stock options and 4,640,205 stock options, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of net income per common share – diluted as they were anti-dilutive. Additionally, during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, 596,000 warrants and 0 warrants, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of net income per common share – diluted as they were anti-dilutive.

Note 12 – Long-Term Obligations

Long-term obligations at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 consisted of the following:


	March 31, 2018			December 31, 2017
Term Loan Credit Agreement	$	1,194,526		$	1,196,505
Capital lease obligations		3,050			3,276
Senior Notes		345,574			345,368

Total long-term obligations		1,543,150			1,545,149
Less: current portion		(12,931	)		(13,059	)

Long-term obligations, excluding current portion	$	1,530,219		$	1,532,090

Term Loan Credit Agreement

The amendment provides that the term loans are subject to a 1.00% prepayment premium if voluntarily repaid within six months from the date of the amendment. Otherwise, the term loans may be voluntarily prepaid at any time without premium or penalty, other than customary breakage costs with respect to loans based on the LIBOR rate.

As the Term Loan Credit Agreement is a loan syndication, the Company assessed, on a creditor-by-creditor basis, whether the refinancing should be accounted for as an extinguishment for each creditor and the Company wrote-off $186 of existing deferred

financing costs, a $102 capitalized original issue discount and $58 of capitalized call premium. The write-offs were recorded in other expense in the Company’s consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income. The remaining deferred financing costs, original issue discount and capitalized call premium will continue to be amortized over the life of the Term Loan Credit Agreement, using the effective interest method. Additionally, in conjunction with the amendment, the Company incurred $856 of banker and legal fees, $800 of which were recorded in other expense. The rest of the costs are being amortized over the life of the debt. The write-offs of the deferred financing costs, original issuance discount and call premium were included in amortization of deferred financing costs and original issuance discount in the Company’s consolidated statement of cash flows.

Note 13 – Acquisitions

During March 2018, the Company acquired 11 franchise stores, which are located in Maryland, for total consideration of approximately $14,000. The Company is in the process of finalizing purchase accounting.

Additionally, during March 2018, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire 11 independent stores, which are located in Texas, for total consideration of approximately $6,000. The Company will take control of the stores one at a time over a period of approximately one year. The Company is in the process of finalizing purchase accounting for the stores for which it has already taken control.

During 2017, the Company acquired 85% of the common stock of Granmark, S.A. de C.V., a Mexican manufacturer and wholesaler of party goods. Based on the terms of the acquisition agreement, the Company is required to acquire the remaining 15% interest over the next five years and it has recorded a liability for the estimated purchase price of such interest, $3,106 at March 31, 2018.

During 2017, the Company acquired 60% of Print Appeal, Inc. Based on the terms of the acquisition agreement, the Company will acquire the remaining 40% interest in Print Appeal over the next five years and the Company’s liability for the estimated purchase price of such interest was $2,679 at March 31, 2018.

Note 14 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”. The pronouncement contains a five-step model which replaces most existing revenue recognition guidance. The Company adopted the standard during the first quarter of 2018 via a modified retrospective approach and recognized the cumulative effect of the adoption as an adjustment to January 1, 2018 retained earnings.

Revenue Transactions—Retail

Revenue from retail store operations is recognized at the point of sale as control of the product is transferred to the customer at such time. Retail e-commerce sales are recognized when the consumer receives the product as control transfers upon delivery. Due to its extensive history operating as the largest party goods retailer in North America, the Company has sufficient history with which to estimate future retail sales returns and it uses the expected value method to estimate such activity.

The transaction price for the overwhelming majority of the Company’s retail sales is based on either: 1) the item’s stated price or 2) the stated price adjusted for the impact of a coupon which can only be applied to such transaction. To the extent that the Company charges customers for freight costs on e-commerce sales, the Company records such amounts in revenue. The Company has chosen the pronouncement’s policy election which allows it to exclude all sales taxes and value-added taxes from revenue.

Under the terms of its agreements with its franchisees, the Company provides both: 1) brand value (via significant advertising spend) and 2) support with respect to planograms, in exchange for a royalty fee that ranges from 4% to 6% of the franchisees’ sales. The Company records the royalty fees at the time that the franchisees’ sales are recorded. Additionally, although the Company anticipates that future franchise store openings will be limited, when a franchisee opens a new store, the Company receives and records a one-time fee which is earned by the Company for its assistance with site selection and development of the new location. Both the sales-based royalty fee and the one-time fee are recorded in royalties and franchise fees in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income.

Revenue Transactions—Wholesale

For most of the Company’s wholesale sales, control transfers upon the Company’s shipment of the product as: 1) legal title transfers on such date and 2) the Company has a present right to payment at such time. Wholesale sales returns are not significant as the Company generally only accepts the return of goods that were shipped to the customer in error or that were damaged when received by the customer. Additionally, due to its extensive history operating as a leading party goods wholesaler, the Company has sufficient history with which to estimate future sales returns and it uses the expected value method to estimate such activity.

In most cases, the determination of the transaction price is straight-forward as it is fixed based on the contract and/or purchase order. However, a limited number of customers receive volume-based rebates. Additionally, certain customers receive small

discounts for early payment (generally 1% of the transaction price). Based on the business’ long history as a leading party goods wholesaler, the Company has sufficient history with which to estimate variable consideration for such volume-based rebates and early payment discounts. To the extent that the Company charges customers for freight costs, the Company records such amounts in revenue. The Company has chosen the pronouncement’s policy election which allows it to exclude all sales taxes and value-added taxes from revenue.

The majority of the sales for the Company’s wholesale business are due within 30 to 120 days from the transfer of control of the product and substantially all of the sales are collected within a year from such transfer. For all transactions for which the Company expects to collect the transaction price within a year from the transfer of control, the Company applies one of the pronouncement’s practical expedients and does not adjust the consideration for the effects of a significant financing component.

Judgments

Although most of the Company’s revenue transactions consist of fixed transaction prices and the transfer of control at either the point of sale (for retail) or when the product is shipped (for wholesale), certain transactions involve a limited number of judgments. For transactions for which control transfers to the customer when the freight carrier delivers the product to the customer, the Company estimates the date of such receipt based on historical shipping times. Additionally, the Company utilizes historical data to estimate sales returns, volume-based rebates and discounts for early payments by customers. Due to its extensive history operating as a leading party goods retailer and wholesaler, the Company has sufficient history with which to estimate such amounts.

Other Revenue Topics

During the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, impairment losses recognized on receivables and contract assets arising from the Company’s contracts with customers were $350 and $230, respectively.

As a significant portion of the Company’s revenue is either: 1) part of a contract with an original expected duration of one year or less or 2) related to sales-based royalties promised in exchange for licenses of intellectual property, the Company has elected to apply the optional exemptions in paragraphs ASC 606-10-50-14 through ASC 606-10-50-14A.

Additionally, the Company has elected to apply the practical expedient which allows companies to recognize the incremental costs of obtaining a contract as an expense if the amortization period of the asset that the entity otherwise would have recognized would have been one year or less.

Disaggregation of Revenue

The following table summarizes revenue from contracts with customers for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017:


	Three Months Ended March 31, 2018		Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
Retail Net Sales:
Party City Stores	$	330,845	$	305,014
Global E-commerce		32,731		34,255
Halloween City Stores		—		—

Total Retail Net Sales	$	363,576	$	339,269
Royalties and Franchise Fees		2,716		3,036

Total Retail Revenue	$	366,292	$	342,305

Wholesale Net Sales:
Domestic	$	79,559	$	84,341
International		61,973		50,353

Total Wholesale Net Sales	$	141,532	$	134,694

Total Consolidated Revenue	$	507,824	$	476,999

Financial Statement Impact of Adopting the Pronouncement

All of the Company’s revenue is recognized from contracts with customers and, therefore, is subject to the pronouncement.

The Company adopted the pronouncement using a modified retrospective approach and applied the guidance to all contracts as of January 1, 2018. On such date, the Company reduced its retained earnings by $78, reduced its accounts receivable by $141, increased its inventory by $11, reduced its accrued expenses by $26, increased its deferred tax asset by $28 and increased its income taxes payable by $2. The cumulative adjustment principally related to certain discounts within the Company’s wholesale business.

Additionally, the adoption of the pronouncement impacted the Company’s financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2018 as it increased pre-tax income by $13.

Note 15 – Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash”. The pronouncement requires companies to show changes in the total of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in their statement of cash flows. The Company adopted the pronouncement, which requires retrospective application, during the first quarter of 2018.

As a result, the Company’s statement of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2017 has been adjusted to include $155 of restricted cash at December 31, 2016 and $145 of restricted cash at March 31, 2017. The restricted cash, which principally relates to funds that are required to be spent on advertising, is included in “prepaid expenses and other current assets” in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. Therefore, in the Company’s adjusted consolidated statement of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2017, the change in “prepaid expenses and other current assets” has been adjusted from a cash inflow of $565 to a cash inflow of $555.

The Company’s March 31, 2018 consolidated balance sheet included $54,831 of cash and cash equivalents and $149 of restricted cash and the Company’s December 31, 2017 consolidated balance sheet included $54,291 of cash and cash equivalents and $117 of restricted cash. Restricted cash is recorded in “prepaid expenses and other current assets”.

Note 16 – Related Party Transactions

Morry Weiss became a member of the Company’s Board of Directors in June 2015. He is the Chairman of the Board of American Greetings Corporation (“American Greetings”). During the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, the Company had $3,807 and $4,759, respectively, of sales to American Greetings in the ordinary course of business. Additionally, during such periods, the Company purchased $870 and $929, respectively, of product from American Greetings, also in the ordinary course.

Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Company buys and sells party goods from/to certain equity method investees. Such activity is immaterial to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

References throughout this document to the “Company” include Party City Holdco Inc. and its subsidiaries. In this document the words “we,” “our,” “ours” and “us” refer only to the Company and its subsidiaries and not to any other person.

Business Overview

Our Company

We are the leading party goods retailer by revenue in North America and, we believe, the largest vertically integrated supplier of decorated party goods globally by revenue. With over 900 locations (inclusive of approximately 150 franchised stores), we have the only coast-to-coast network of party superstores in the U.S. and Canada that make it easy and fun to enhance special occasions with a differentiated shopping experience and an unrivaled assortment of innovative and exciting merchandise offered at a compelling value. We also operate multiple e-commerce sites, principally under the domain name PartyCity.com, and during the Halloween selling season we open a network of approximately 250 - 300 temporary stores under the Halloween City banner.

In addition to our retail operations, we are also one of the largest global designers, manufacturers and distributors of decorated party supplies, with products found in over 40,000 retail outlets worldwide, including independent party supply stores, mass merchants, grocery retailers and dollar stores. Our products are available in over 100 countries with the United Kingdom, Germany, Mexico and Australia among the largest end markets for our products outside of the United States.

How We Assess the Performance of Our Company

In assessing the performance of our company, we consider a variety of performance and financial measures for our two operating segments, Retail and Wholesale. These key measures include revenues and gross profit, comparable retail same-store sales and operating expenses. We also review other metrics such as adjusted net income (loss), adjusted net income (loss) per common share – diluted and adjusted EBITDA. For a discussion of our use of these measures and a reconciliation of adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss), please refer to “Financial Measures—Adjusted EBITDA,” “Financial Measures—Adjusted Net Income (Loss)” and “Financial Measures—Adjusted Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share – Diluted” below.

Segments

Our retail operations generate revenue primarily through the sale of Amscan, Designware, Anagram, Costumes USA and other party supplies through Party City, Halloween City and PartyCity.com. During 2017, approximately 80% of the product that was sold by our retail operations was supplied by our wholesale operations.

Our wholesale revenues are generated from the sale of party goods for all occasions, including paper and plastic tableware, accessories and novelties, costumes, metallic and latex balloons and stationery. Our products are sold at wholesale to party goods superstores, including our franchise stores, other party goods retailers, mass merchants, independent card stores, dollar stores and other retailers and distributors throughout the world.

Intercompany sales between the Wholesale and the Retail segment are eliminated, and the wholesale profits on intercompany sales are deferred and realized at the time the merchandise is sold to the retail consumer. For segment reporting purposes, certain general and administrative expenses and art and development costs are allocated based on total revenues.

Financial Measures

Revenues. Revenue from retail store operations is recognized at the point of sale as control of the product is transferred to the customer at such time. Retail e-commerce sales are recognized when the consumer receives the product as control transfers upon delivery. We estimate future retail sales returns and record a provision in the period in which the related sales are recorded based on historical information. Retail sales are reported net of taxes collected.

Under the terms of our agreements with our franchisees, we provide both: 1) brand value (via significant advertising spend) and 2) support with respect to planograms, in exchange for a royalty fee that ranges from 4% to 6% of the franchisees’ sales. The Company records the royalty fees at the time that the franchisees’ sales are recorded.

For most of our wholesale sales, control transfers upon the shipment of the product as: 1) legal title transfers on such date and 2) we have a present right to payment at such time. Wholesale sales returns are not significant as we generally only accept the return of goods that were shipped to the customer in error or that were damaged when received by the customer. Additionally, due to our extensive history operating as a leading party goods wholesaler, we have sufficient history with which to estimate future sales returns and we use the expected value method to estimate such activity.

Intercompany sales from our wholesale operations to our retail stores are eliminated in our consolidated total revenues.

Comparable Retail Same-Store Sales. The growth in same-store sales represents the percentage change in same-store sales in the period presented compared to the prior year. Same-store sales exclude the net sales of a store for any period if the store was not open during the same period of the prior year. Acquired stores are excluded from same-store sales until they are converted to the Party City format and included in our sales for the comparable period of the prior year. Comparable sales are calculated based upon stores that were open at least thirteen full months as of the end of the applicable reporting period. When a store is reconfigured or relocated within the same general territory, the store continues to be treated as the same store. If, during the period presented, a store was closed, sales from that store up to and including the closing day are included as same-store sales as long as the store was open during the same period of the prior year. Same-store sales for the Party City brand include North American retail e-commerce sales.

Cost of Sales. Cost of sales at wholesale reflects the production costs (i.e., raw materials, labor and overhead) of manufactured goods and the direct cost of purchased goods, inventory shrinkage at both retail and wholesale, inventory adjustments, inbound freight to our manufacturing and distribution facilities, distribution costs and outbound freight to get goods to our wholesale customers. At retail, cost of sales reflects the direct cost of goods purchased from third parties and the production or purchase costs of goods acquired from our wholesale operations. Retail cost of sales also includes inventory shrinkage, inventory adjustments, inbound freight, occupancy costs related to store operations (such as rent and common area maintenance, utilities and depreciation on assets) and all logistics costs associated with our retail e-commerce business.

Our cost of sales increases in higher volume periods as the direct costs of manufactured and purchased goods, inventory shrinkage and freight are generally tied to net sales. However, other costs are largely fixed or vary based on other factors and do not necessarily increase as sales volume increases. Changes in the mix of our products may also impact our overall cost of sales. The direct costs of manufactured and purchased goods are influenced by raw material costs (principally paper, petroleum-based resins and cotton), domestic and international labor costs in the countries where our goods are purchased or manufactured and logistics costs associated with transporting our goods. We monitor our inventory levels on an on-going basis in order to identify slow-moving goods.

Cost of sales related to sales from our wholesale segment to our retail segment are eliminated in our consolidated financial statements.

Wholesale Selling Expenses. Wholesale selling expenses include the costs associated with our wholesale sales and marketing efforts, including merchandising and customer service. Costs include the salaries and benefits of the related work force, including sales-based bonuses and commissions. Other costs include catalogues, showroom rent, travel and other operating costs. Certain selling expenses, such as sales-based bonuses and commissions, vary in proportion to sales, while other costs vary based on other factors, such as our marketing efforts, or are largely fixed and do not necessarily increase as sales volumes increase.

Retail Operating Expenses. Retail operating expenses include all of the costs associated with retail store operations, excluding occupancy-related costs included in cost of sales. Costs include store payroll and benefits, advertising, supplies and credit card costs. Retail expenses are largely variable but do not necessarily vary in proportion to net sales.

Franchise Expenses. Franchise expenses include the costs associated with operating our franchise network, including salaries and benefits of the administrative work force and other administrative costs. These expenses generally do not vary proportionally with royalties and franchise fees.

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses include all operating costs not included elsewhere in the statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss). These expenses include payroll and other expenses related to operations at our corporate offices, including occupancy costs, related depreciation and amortization, legal and professional fees and data-processing costs. These expenses generally do not vary proportionally with net sales.

Art and Development Costs. Art and development costs include the costs associated with art production, creative development and product management. Costs include the salaries and benefits of the related work force. These expenses generally do not vary proportionally with net sales.

Development Stage Expenses. Represents start-up activities related to Kazzam, LLC. See the 2017 Form 10-K for further discussion.

Adjusted EBITDA. We define EBITDA as net income (loss) before interest expense, net, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. We define Adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA, as further adjusted to eliminate the impact of certain items that we do not consider indicative of our core operating performance. We caution investors that amounts presented in accordance with our definition of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similar measures disclosed by other issuers, because not all issuers calculate Adjusted EBITDA in the same manner. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA is an appropriate measure of operating performance in addition to EBITDA because we believe it assists investors in comparing our performance across reporting periods on a consistent basis by eliminating the impact of items that we do not believe are indicative of our core operating performance. In addition, we use Adjusted EBITDA: (i) as a factor in determining incentive compensation, (ii) to evaluate the effectiveness of our business strategies, and (iii) because the credit facilities use Adjusted EBITDA to measure compliance with certain covenants.

Adjusted Net Income (Loss). Adjusted net income (loss) represents our net income (loss), adjusted for, among other items, intangible asset amortization, non-cash purchase accounting adjustments, amortization of deferred financing costs and original issue discounts, refinancing charges, equity based compensation and impairment charges. We present adjusted net income because we believe it assists investors in comparing our performance across reporting periods on a consistent basis by eliminating the impact of items that we do not believe are indicative of our core operating performance.

Adjusted Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share – Diluted. Adjusted net income (loss) per common share – diluted represents adjusted net income (loss) divided by the Company’s diluted weighted average common shares outstanding. We present the metric because we believe it assists investors in comparing our per share performance across reporting periods on a consistent basis by eliminating the impact of items that we do not believe are indicative of our core operating performance.

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Compared To Three Months Ended March 31, 2017

The following table sets forth the Company’s operating results and operating results as a percentage of total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018					2017
	(Dollars in thousands)
Revenues:
Net sales	$	505,108		99.5	%	$	473,963		99.4	%
Royalties and franchise fees		2,716		0.5			3,036		0.6

Total revenues		507,824		100.0			476,999		100.0
Expenses:
Cost of sales		316,966		62.4			298,719		62.6
Wholesale selling expenses		18,787		3.7			15,627		3.3
Retail operating expenses		89,092		17.5			90,730		19.0
Franchise expenses		3,782		0.7			3,317		0.7
General and administrative expenses		48,665		9.6			48,137		10.1
Art and development costs		5,973		1.2			5,798		1.2
Development stage expenses		2,303		0.5			—		0.0

Total expenses		485,568		95.6			462,328		96.9

Income from operations		22,256		4.4			14,671		3.1
Interest expense, net		23,275		4.6			20,692		4.3
Other expense, net		848		0.2			1,162		0.2

Loss before income taxes		(1,867	)	(0.4	)		(7,183	)	(1.5	)
Income tax benefit		(704	)	(0.1	)		(2,500	)	(0.5	)

Net loss		(1,163	)	(0.2	)		(4,683	)	(1.0	)
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		(30	)	(0.0	)		—		0.0

Net loss attributable to Party City Holdco Inc.	$	(1,133	)	(0.2	)%	$	(4,683	)	(1.0	)%

Net loss per common share – Basic	$	(0.01	)			$	(0.04	)
Net loss per common share – Diluted	$	(0.01	)			$	(0.04	)

Revenues

Total revenues for the first quarter of 2018 were $507.8 million and were $30.8 million, or 6.5%, higher than the first quarter of 2017. The following table sets forth the Company’s total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018						2017
	Dollars in Thousands			Percentage of Total Revenues			Dollars in Thousands			Percentage of Total Revenues
Net Sales:
Wholesale	$	277,827			54.7	%	$	270,692			56.7	%
Eliminations		(136,295	)		(26.8	)%		(135,998	)		(28.5	)%

Net wholesale		141,532			27.9	%		134,694			28.2	%
Retail		363,576			71.6	%		339,269			71.1	%

Total net sales		505,108			99.5	%		473,963			99.4	%
Royalties and franchise fees		2,716			0.5	%		3,036			0.6	%

Total revenues	$	507,824			100.0	%	$	476,999			100.0	%

Retail

Retail net sales during the first quarter of 2018 were $363.6 million and increased $24.3 million, or 7.2%, compared to the first quarter of 2017. Retail net sales at our Party City stores totaled $330.8 million and were $25.8 million, or 8.5%, higher than 2017 principally due to the acquisition of franchise and independent stores and the favorable impact of a shift in the calendar related to the timing of certain New Year’s Eve and Easter sales, which shifted into the first quarter of fiscal 2018. During the fifteen months ended March 31, 2018, we acquired 56 franchise and independent stores, opened 19 new stores and closed 17 stores. Global retail e-commerce sales totaled $32.8 million during the first quarter of 2018 and were $1.5 million, or 4.4%, lower than during the

corresponding quarter of 2017. The North American e-commerce sales that are included in our Party City brand comp decreased by 9.9% during the quarter and were essentially flat when adjusting for the impact of our new “buy online, pick-up in store” program (as such sales are included in our store sales).

Same-store sales for the Party City brand (including North American retail e-commerce sales) increased by 2.4% during the first quarter of 2018. The fiscal calendar shifts discussed above were partially offset by the negative effect of holiday compression resulting from an earlier Easter season versus 2017.

Excluding the impact of e-commerce, same-store sales increased by 3.6% and were slightly positive when adjusting for the overall timing shifts discussed above.

Same-store sales percentages were not affected by foreign currency as such percentages are calculated in local currency.

Wholesale

Wholesale net sales during the first quarter of 2018 totaled $141.5 million and were $6.8 million, or 5.1%, higher than the first quarter of 2017. Net sales to domestic party goods retailers and distributors (including our franchisee network) totaled $58.3 million and were $3.4 million, or 5.5%, lower than during 2017. The decrease was largely due to our acquisition of 56 franchise and independent stores during the fifteen months ended March 31, 2018; as post-acquisition sales to such stores (approximately $3.5 million during the first quarter of 2017) are now eliminated as intercompany sales. Net sales of metallic balloons to domestic distributors and retailers (including our franchisee network) totaled $21.2 million during the first quarter of 2018 and were $1.4 million, or 6.2%, lower than during the corresponding quarter of 2017 as certain Valentine’s Day shipments accelerated into the fourth quarter of 2017 (during the 2017 Valentine’s Day season the corresponding shipments took place during the first quarter of 2017). Our international sales (which include U.S. export sales and exclude U.S. import sales from foreign subsidiaries) totaled $62.0 million and were $11.6 million, or 23.1%, higher than in 2017. The increase was largely driven by the acquisition of Granmark S.A. de C.V. (“Granmark”) in March 2017, the impact of foreign currency translation (approximately $4.5 million) and continued strong performance in the U.K. and German markets.

Intercompany sales to our retail affiliates totaled $136.3 million during the first quarter of 2018 and were $0.3 million higher than during the corresponding quarter of 2017. Intercompany sales represented 49.1% of total wholesale sales during the first quarter of 2018, compared to 50.2% during the first quarter of 2017. The intercompany sales of our wholesale segment are eliminated against the intercompany purchases of our retail segment in the consolidated financial statements.

Royalties and franchise fees

Royalties and franchise fees for the first quarter of 2018 totaled $2.7 million and were $0.3 million lower than during the first quarter of 2017 due to the acquisition of franchise stores.

Gross Profit

The following table sets forth the Company’s gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017.


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018					2017
	Dollars in Thousands		Percentage of Net Sales			Dollars in Thousands		Percentage of Net Sales
Retail	$	146,835		40.4	%	$	132,581		39.1	%
Wholesale		41,307		29.2			42,663		31.7

Total	$	188,142		37.2	%	$	175,244		37.0	%

The gross profit margin on net sales at retail during the first quarter of 2018 was 40.4%. Such percentage was 130 basis points higher than during the corresponding quarter of 2017. The increase was principally due to leveraging the higher same-store sales, the realization of productivity initiatives positively impacting occupancy costs and increased share of shelf (i.e., the percentage of our retail product cost of sales supplied by our wholesale operations). Our wholesale share of shelf at our Party City stores and our North American retail e-commerce operations increased from 77.4% during the first quarter of 2017 to 78.1% during the first quarter of 2018.

The gross profit on net sales at wholesale during the first quarters of 2018 and 2017 was 29.2% and 31.7%, respectively. The decrease was principally due to higher logistics and distribution costs, sales mix and, to a lesser extent, purchase accounting adjustments.

Operating expenses

Wholesale selling expenses were $18.8 million during the first quarter of 2018 and $15.6 million during the corresponding quarter of 2017. The increase was primarily due to approximately $1 million of selling costs at Granmark (acquired in March 2017), the impact of foreign currency translation (also approximately $1 million) and, to a lesser extent, the impact of inflation. Wholesale selling expenses were 13.3% and 11.6% of net wholesale sales during the first quarters of 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Retail operating expenses during the first quarter of 2018 were $89.1 million and were $1.6 million lower than the corresponding quarter of 2017. The decrease was mostly due to improved labor productivity and the fact that the first quarter of 2017 included approximately $2 million of severance charges. The higher store count (discussed above) and the impact of inflation was more than offset by further realized savings associated with the improved productivity and efficiency in our stores. Retail operating expenses were 24.5% and 26.7% of net retail sales during the first quarters of 2018 and 2017, respectively. The decrease was mostly due to increased sales, the improved labor productivity and the severance charges in the first quarter of 2017.

Franchise expenses during the first quarters of 2018 and 2017 were $3.8 million and $3.3 million, respectively.

General and administrative expenses during the first quarter of 2018 totaled $48.7 million and were $0.5 million, or 1.1%, higher than in the first quarter of 2017. Increased third-party consultant costs, the impact of inflation and the impact of foreign currency translation were mostly offset by the first quarter of 2017 including severance charges related to a Transition and Consulting Agreement which the Company entered into with Gerald Rittenberg. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenues were 9.6% and 10.1% during the first quarters of 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Art and development costs were $6.0 million and $5.8 million during the first quarters of 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Development stage expenses represent start-up costs related to Kazzam (see the 2017 Form 10-K for further detail).

Interest expense, net

Interest expense, net, totaled $23.3 million during the first quarter of 2018, compared to $20.7 million during the first quarter of 2017. The variance principally relates to increased borrowings under our ABL Facility, due to share repurchases during the fourth quarter of 2017, and the impact of increasing LIBOR rates on our Term Loan Credit Agreement.

Other expense, net

For the first quarters of 2018 and 2017, other expense, net, totaled $0.8 million and $1.2 million, respectively.

During February 2018, the Company amended its Term Loan Credit Agreement. At the time of the amendment, all outstanding term loans were replaced with new term loans for the same principal amount. The applicable margin for ABR borrowings was lowered from 2.00% to 1.75% and the applicable margin for LIBOR borrowings was lowered from 3.00% to 2.75%. Additionally, based on the terms of the amendment, the ABR and LIBOR margins will drop to 1.50% and 2.50%, respectively, if the Company’s Senior Secured Leverage Ratio, as defined by the agreement, falls below 3.2 to 1.0. As the Term Loan Credit Agreement is a loan syndication, the Company assessed whether the refinancing should be accounted for as an extinguishment on a creditor-by-creditor basis and wrote-off $0.3 million of existing deferred financing costs, capitalized original issue discounts and capitalized call premiums. The write-offs were recorded in other expense. Additionally, in conjunction with the amendment, the Company incurred banker and legal fees, $0.8 million of which were recorded in other expense.

Income tax benefit

Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income per Common Share—Diluted

The Company presents adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income and adjusted net income per common share—diluted as supplemental measures of its operating performance. The Company defines EBITDA as net income (loss) before interest expense, net, income taxes, depreciation and amortization and defines adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA, as further adjusted to eliminate the impact of certain items that the Company does not consider indicative of our core operating performance. These further adjustments are itemized below. Adjusted net income represents the Company’s net income (loss) adjusted for, among other items, intangible asset amortization, non-cash purchase accounting adjustments, amortization of deferred financing costs and original issue discounts, equity based compensation, and impairment charges. Adjusted net income per common share—diluted represents adjusted net income divided by diluted weighted average common shares outstanding. The Company presents these measures as supplemental measures of its operating performance. You are encouraged to evaluate these adjustments and the reasons the Company considers them appropriate for supplemental analysis. In evaluating the measures, you should be aware that in the future the Company may incur expenses that are the same as, or similar to, some of the adjustments in this presentation. The Company’s presentation of adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income and adjusted net income per common share-diluted should not be construed as an inference that the Company’s future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items. The Company presents the measures because the Company believes they assist investors in comparing the Company’s performance across reporting periods on a consistent basis by eliminating items that the Company does not believe are indicative of its core operating performance. In addition, the Company uses adjusted EBITDA: (i) as a factor in determining incentive compensation, (ii) to evaluate the effectiveness of its business strategies and (iii) because its credit facilities use adjusted EBITDA to measure compliance with certain covenants. The Company also believes that adjusted net income and adjusted net income per common share—diluted are helpful benchmarks to evaluate its operating performance.

Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income, and adjusted net income per common share—diluted have limitations as analytical tools. Some of these limitations are:

• they do not reflect the Company’s cash expenditures or future requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments;

• they do not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, the Company’s working capital needs;

• adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the significant interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments, on the Company’s indebtedness;

• although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future, and adjusted EBITDA does not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements;

• non-cash compensation is and will remain a key element of the Company’s overall long-term incentive compensation package, although the Company excludes it as an expense when evaluating its core operating performance for a particular period;

• they do not reflect the impact of certain cash charges resulting from matters the Company considers not to be indicative of its ongoing operations; and

• other companies in the Company’s industry may calculate adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income and adjusted net income per common share differently than the Company does, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure.

Because of these limitations, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income and adjusted net income per common share – diluted should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. We compensate for these limitations by relying primarily on our GAAP results and using adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income and adjusted net income per common share – diluted only on a supplemental basis. The reconciliations from net income (loss) to adjusted EBITDA and income (loss) before income taxes to adjusted net income (loss) for the periods presented are as follows:


	Three Months Ended March 31, 2018			Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
(Dollars in thousands)
Net loss	$	(1,163	)	$	(4,683	)
Interest expense, net		23,275			20,692
Income taxes		(704	)		(2,500	)
Depreciation and amortization		20,557			20,701

EBITDA		41,965			34,210
Non-cash purchase accounting adjustments		(556	)		1,850
Restructuring, retention and severance (a)		2,611			7,814
Deferred rent (b)		368			363
Closed store expense (c)		1,812			1,367
Foreign currency gains, net		(63	)		(537	)
Employee equity based compensation (d)		460			2,398
Non-employee equity based compensation (e)		261			—
Undistributed (income) loss in unconsolidated joint ventures		(211	)		716
Corporate development (f)		2,574			723
Non-recurring consulting charges (g)		4,750			—
Refinancing charges (h)		1,146			—
Other		31			218

Adjusted EBITDA	$	55,148		$	49,122


	Three Months Ended March 31, 2018			Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Loss before income taxes	$	(1,867	)	$	(7,183	)
Intangible asset amortization		3,663			3,713
Non-cash purchase accounting adjustments		(705	)		2,004
Amortization of deferred financing costs and original issuance discounts (h)		1,556			1,233
Restructuring, retention and severance (a)		—			7,814
Non-employee equity based compensation (e)		261			—
Refinancing charges (h)		800			—
Non-recurring consulting charges (g)		4,750			—
Employee equity based compensation (d)		460			2,398

Adjusted income before income taxes		8,918			9,979
Adjusted income tax expense (i)		2,036			3,928

Adjusted net income	$	6,882		$	6,051

Adjusted net income per common share – diluted	$	0.07		$	0.05

Weighted-average number of common shares-diluted		97,650,385			120,862,319

(a)

On March 15, 2017, the Company and its then Chairman of the Board of Directors, Gerald Rittenberg, entered into a Transition and Consulting Agreement under which Mr. Rittenberg’s employment as Executive Chairman of the Company terminated effective March 31, 2017. As a result of the agreement, the Company recorded a $4.5 million severance charge in general and administrative expenses during the first quarter of 2017. Additionally, during the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company recorded a $3.3 million severance charge related to the restructuring of its Retail segment. See the 2017 Form 10-K for further discussion. The adjustment to “Adjusted EBITDA” in the first quarter of 2018 principally relates to costs incurred while moving one of the Company’s domestic manufacturing facilities to a new location.

(b)

The deferred rent adjustment reflects the difference between accounting for rent and landlord incentives in accordance with GAAP and the Company’s actual cash outlay for such items.

(c)

Principally charges incurred related to closing underperforming stores.

(d)

Represents non-cash charges related to stock options.

(e)

Principally represents shares of Kazzam awarded to Ampology as compensation for Ampology’s services. See the 2017 Form 10-K for further discussion.

(f)

Primarily represents start-up costs for Kazzam (see the 2017 Form 10-K for further discussion) and third-party costs related to acquisitions (principally legal expenses).

(g)

Non-recurring consulting charges related to the Company’s retail operations.

(h)

During February 2018, the Company amended the Term Loan Credit Agreement. In conjunction with the amendment, the Company wrote-off $0.3 million of capitalized deferred financing costs, original issue discounts and call premiums. The amounts are included in “Refinancing charges” in the adjusted EBITDA table above and in “Amortization of deferred financing costs and original issuance discounts” in the adjusted net income table above (consistent with the presentation in the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of cash flows included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q). Further, in conjunction with the amendment, the Company expensed $0.8 million of investment banking and legal fees. These amounts are included in “Refinancing charges” in the tables above.

(i)

Represents income tax expense/benefit after excluding the specific tax impacts for each of the pre-tax adjustments. The tax impacts for each of the adjustments were determined by applying to the pre-tax adjustments the effective income tax rates for the specific legal entities in which the adjustments were recorded.

Liquidity

The Company’s indebtedness principally consists of: (i) a senior secured term loan facility (“Term Loan Credit Agreement”), (ii) a $540 million asset-based revolving credit facility (with a seasonal increase to $640 million during a certain period of each calendar year) (“ABL Facility”) and (iii) $350 million of 6.125% senior notes.

We expect that cash generated from operating activities and availability under our credit agreements will be our principal sources of liquidity. Based on our current level of operations, we believe that these sources will be adequate to meet our liquidity needs for at least the next 12 months. We cannot assure you, however, that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that future borrowings will be available to us under the ABL Facility and the Term Loan Credit Agreement in amounts sufficient to enable us to repay our indebtedness or to fund our other liquidity needs.

Cash Flow

Net cash used in operating activities totaled $25.2 million and $19.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Net cash flows provided by operating activities before changes in operating assets and liabilities were $22.4 million during the first three months of 2018, compared to $21.9 million during 2017. Changes in operating assets and liabilities during the first three months of 2018 and 2017 resulted in the use of cash of $47.6 million and $41.4 million, respectively.

Net cash used in investing activities totaled $34.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018, as compared to $73.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017. Investing activities during 2018 included $17.0 million paid in connection with acquisitions, principally related to franchise stores (see Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements for further detail). Capital expenditures during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 were $17.9 million and $11.4 million, respectively. Retail capital expenditures totaled $8.6 million during 2018 and principally related to initiatives for improving store performance. Wholesale capital expenditures during 2018 totaled $9.3 million and primarily related to printing plates and dies, as well as machinery and equipment at the Company’s manufacturing operations and main distribution center.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $60.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018. Such amount was principally consistent with the corresponding period of 2017, during which net cash provided by financing activities was $68.0 million.

At March 31, 2018, the Company had approximately $124 million of availability under its ABL Facility, after considering borrowing base restrictions.

Contractual Obligations

Other than as described above under “Liquidity and Capital Resources”, there were no material changes to our future minimum contractual obligations as of December 31, 2017 as previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

We had no off balance sheet arrangements during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and the year ended December 31, 2017.

Seasonality

Wholesale Operations

Despite a concentration of holidays in the fourth quarter of the year, as a result of our expansive product lines, customer base and increased promotional activities, the impact of seasonality on the quarterly results of our wholesale operations has been limited. However, due to Halloween, the inventory balances of our wholesale operations are slightly higher during the third quarter than during the remainder of the year. Additionally, Halloween products sold to retailers and other distributors result in slightly higher accounts receivable balances during the quarter.

Retail Operations

Our retail operations are subject to significant seasonal variations. Historically, this segment has realized a significant portion of its revenues, cash flow and net income in the fourth quarter of the year, principally due to our Halloween sales in October and, to a lesser extent, year-end holiday sales.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

From time to time, including in this filing and, in particular, the section captioned “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” we make “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of federal and state securities laws. Disclosures that use words such as the company “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “estimates,” “intends,” “will,” “may” or “plans” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect our current expectations and are based upon data available to us at the time the statements were made. An example of a forward-looking statement is our belief that our cash generated from operating activities and availability under our credit facilities will be adequate to meet our liquidity needs for at least the next 12 months. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. These risks, as well as other risks and uncertainties, are detailed in the section titled “Risk Factors” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 14, 2018. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for our management to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements we may make. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed may not occur and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are qualified by these cautionary statements and are made only as of the date of this filing. Any such forward-looking statements, whether made in this filing or elsewhere, should be considered in context with the various disclosures made by us about our business. The following risks related to our business, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements:

•

our ability to compete effectively in a competitive industry;

•

fluctuations in commodity prices;

•

our ability to appropriately respond to changing merchandise trends and consumer preferences;

•

successful implementation of our store growth strategy;

•

decreases in our Halloween sales;

•

unexpected or unfavorable consumer responses to our promotional or merchandising programs;

•

failure to comply with existing or future laws relating to our marketing programs, e-commerce initiatives and the use of consumer information;

•

disruption to the transportation system or increases in transportation costs;

•

product recalls or product liability;

•

economic slowdown affecting consumer spending and general economic conditions;

•

loss or actions of third party vendors and loss of the right to use licensed material;

•

disruptions at our manufacturing facilities;

•

failure by suppliers or third-party manufacturers to follow acceptable labor practices or to comply with other applicable laws and guidelines;

•

our international operations subjecting us to additional risks;

•

potential litigation and claims;

•

lack of available additional capital;

•

our inability to retain or hire key personnel;

•

risks associated with leasing substantial amounts of space;

•

failure of existing franchisees to conduct their business in accordance with agreed upon standards;

•

adequacy of our information systems, order fulfillment and distribution facilities;

•

our ability to adequately maintain the security of our electronic and other confidential information;

•

our inability to successfully identify and integrate acquisitions;

•

adequacy of our intellectual property rights;

•

risks related to our substantial indebtedness; and

•

the other factors set forth under “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 14, 2018.

Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements after the date of this filing to conform these statements to actual results or to changes in our expectations.

You should read this filing with the understanding that our actual future results, levels of activity, performance and events and circumstances may be materially different from what we expect.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

There have been no material changes in our market risks since December 31, 2017 as previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

We have carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Act”)) as of March 31, 2018. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Act is: (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms; and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Act) during the quarter ended March 31, 2018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II-OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Information in response to this Item is incorporated herein by reference from Note 8, Commitments and Contingencies, to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Item 5. Other Information

Amended and Restated Employment Agreements

On May 8, 2018, the Compensation Committee of Party City Holdco Inc. approved certain changes to the amended and restated employment agreements entered into among Party City Holdco Inc., Party City Holdings Inc., and each of their Chief Executive Officer, James M. Harrison, their Chief Financial Officer, Daniel J. Sullivan, and their President, Retail, Ryan Vero (collectively, as revised, the “Amended and Restated Employment Agreements”). The Amended and Restated Employment Agreements amend and restate the existing employment agreements by extending the executive’s employment period through December 31, 2020 and providing that, upon the consummation of a change of control of the Company, if Messrs. Harrison, Sullivan or Vero are not offered employment on substantially similar terms by the Company or one of its continuing affiliates immediately thereafter, then the executive’s employment shall be deemed terminated. Upon such termination, the executive would be entitled to receive (i) a lump sum payment equal to a specified multiplier (two and one-half, in the case of Mr. Harrison, and two in the case of Messrs. Sullivan and Vero) multiplied by the sum of (a) his annual base salary and (b) his annual target bonus; (ii) a pro rata annual bonus for the year of termination paid in a lump sum; and (iii) a monthly payment equal to the portion of the monthly health premiums paid by the Company on behalf of the executive prior to the date of termination for a specified period (24 months for Mr. Harrison, 12 months for Messrs. Sullivan and Vero). The description of the Employment Agreement Amendments set forth herein does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Amended and Restated Employment Agreements filed herewith as Exhibits 10.1, 10.2 and 10.3 and such Amended and Restated Employment Agreements are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 6. Exhibits


3.1		Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Party City Holdco Inc.’s Form 8-K dated April 21, 2015)

3.2		Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Party City Holdco Inc.’s Form 8-K dated April 21, 2015)

10.1†*		Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Party City Holdings Inc., Party City Holdco Inc. and James M. Harrison, dated May 8, 2018

10.2†*		Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Party City Holdings Inc., Party City Holdco Inc. and Daniel J. Sullivan, dated May 8, 2018

10.3†*		Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Party City Holdings Inc., Party City Holdco Inc. and Ryan Vero, dated May 8, 2018

31.1*		Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2*		Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1*		Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2*		Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101*		Interactive Data Files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T: (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017; (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three month periods ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017; (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity for the three month period ended March 31, 2018; (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three month periods ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017; and (v) Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

†	Management contract of compensatory plan or arrangement

*	Filed herewith.

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Exhibit 10.1

AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“ Agreement ”), dated as of the 8th day of May, 2018, by and between Party City Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), Party City Holdco Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ Holdco ”), and James M. Harrison (the “ Executive ”) and effective as of the date hereof.

WHEREAS, the Executive has served the Company as its Chief Executive Officer pursuant to an Employment Agreement, which was amended and restated effective as of January 1, 2015, and amended on May 8, 2017 (as amended, the “ Prior Employment Agreement ”); and

WHEREAS, the Company, Holdco and the Executive desire to set forth in this new Agreement the terms and conditions under which the Executive will continue to be employed as the Chief Executive Officer of each of the Company and Holdco effective the date hereof;

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY AGREED AS FOLLOWS:

1. Employment Period . The Company and Holdco shall continue to employ the Executive, and the Executive agrees to, and shall, serve the Company and Holdco, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, for the period beginning on the date hereof and ending on December 31, 2020, unless sooner terminated as set forth hereinafter (the “ Employment Period ”).

2. Position and Duties .

(a) During the Employment Period, the Executive shall continue to serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Company and of Holdco with such duties and responsibilities as are assigned to him by the Board of Directors of Holdco (the “ Board ”) consistent with his position as Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Holdco, including, as the Board may request, without additional compensation, to serve as an officer or director of certain subsidiaries and other affiliated entities of Holdco.

(b) During the Employment Period, and excluding any periods of vacation and sick leave to which the Executive is entitled, the Executive shall devote his full attention and time during normal business hours to the business and affairs of the Company and Holdco and shall use his reasonable best efforts to carry out the responsibilities assigned to the Executive faithfully and efficiently. It shall not be considered a violation of the foregoing for the Executive to (i) serve on civic or charitable boards or committees, (ii) deliver lectures, fulfill speaking engagements or teach at educational institutions, (iii) serve on the board of directors of other companies, so long as the Board approves such appointments (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld), or (iv) manage personal investments, so long as such activities do not compete with and are not provided to or for any entity that competes with or intends to compete with Holdco or any of its subsidiaries and affiliates and do not interfere with the performance of the Executive’s responsibilities as an employee of the Company or Holdco in accordance with this Agreement.

3. Compensation .

(a) Base Salary . Effective as of January 1, 2018, the Executive shall receive from the Company an annual base salary (“ Annual Base Salary ”) of $1,785,802, payable in regular intervals in accordance with the Company’s customary payroll practices in effect during the Employment Period; provided that such Annual Base Salary shall be increased by 2% (from the Annual Base Salary theretofore in effect) on each January 1 during the Employment Period commencing on January 1, 2019.

(b) Annual Bonus . In addition to the Annual Base Salary, the Executive shall be eligible to receive annual bonus compensation (the “ Annual Bonus ”) consistent with the Company’s bonus plan for key executives as in effect from time to time (the “ Bonus Plan ”). The Annual Bonus, if any, shall be paid no later than two and one-half months following the end of the calendar year to which such Annual Bonus corresponds. During the Employment Period, the target amount of the Annual Bonus shall be 60% of the Annual Base Salary and the maximum amount of the Annual Bonus shall be 120% of the Annual Base Salary, with the actual amount of the Annual Bonus, if any, to be determined by the Board or the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “ Committee ”) in accordance with the Bonus Plan. Except as otherwise provided in Section 5 of this Agreement, for any year during which the Executive is employed by the Company and Holdco for less than the entire calendar year (including a year in which the Executive’s employment is terminated), the Annual Bonus, if any, shall be determined based on actual performance, pro-rated for the period during which the Executive was employed during such calendar year (based on the number of days in such calendar year the Executive was so employed divided by 365), as determined in good faith by the Board or the Committee and payable no later than two and one-half months following the end of the calendar year to which such Annual Bonus corresponds.

(c) Other Benefits . During the Employment Period: (i) the Executive shall be eligible to participate in all incentive, savings and retirement plans, practices, policies and programs of the Company, and shall be entitled to paid vacation, to the same extent and on the same terms and conditions as peer executives; (ii) the Company shall pay on the Executive’s behalf, disability insurance premiums up to $2,000.00 per month pursuant to which policy the Executive shall be entitled to designate the beneficiary; and (iii) the Executive and/or the Executive’s family, as the case may be, shall be eligible for participation in, and shall receive all benefits under, all other welfare benefit plans, practices, policies and programs provided by the Company (including, to the extent provided, without limitation, medical, prescription, dental, disability, employee life insurance, group life insurance, accidental death and travel accident insurance plans and programs) to the same extent and on the same terms and conditions as peer executives; provided , however , that nothing in this Agreement shall impose on the Company any obligation to offer to the Executive participation in any stock, stock option, restricted stock, bonus or other incentive award, plan, practice, policy or program. The term “peer executives” means the Executive Chairman and Senior Vice Presidents of the Company, if such positions exist, and if such positions do not exist, the definition of the term “peer executives” shall be determined by the Board or the Committee in good faith.

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(d) Expenses . During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to receive reimbursement for all reasonable travel and other expenses incurred by the Executive in carrying out the Executive’s duties under this Agreement; provided that the Executive complies with the policies, practices and procedures of the Company for submission of expense reports, receipts, or similar documentation of such expenses.

4. Termination of Employment .

(a) Death or Permanent Disability . The Executive’s employment shall terminate automatically upon the Executive’s death during the Employment Period. The Company or Holdco shall be entitled to terminate the Executive’s employment because of the Executive’s Permanent Disability during the Employment Period. “ Permanent Disability ” means that the Executive (i) is unable to perform his duties under this Agreement by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months; (ii) is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three months under an accident and health plan covering employees of the Company; or (iii) has been determined to be totally disabled by the Social Security Administration. A termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company or Holdco for Permanent Disability shall be communicated to the Executive by written notice and shall be effective on the 30th day after receipt of such notice by the Executive (the “ Disability Effective Date ”), unless the Executive returns to full-time performance of the Executive’s duties in accordance with the provisions of Section 2 before such 30th day. In the event of a dispute as to whether the Executive has suffered a Permanent Disability, the final determination shall be made by a licensed physician selected by the Board and acceptable to the Executive in the Executive’s reasonable judgment.

(b) Other than Death or Disability . The Company or Holdco may terminate the Executive’s employment at any time during the Employment Period at any time with or without Cause upon notice to the Executive.

(c) Good Reason . The Executive may terminate his employment at any time during the Employment Period for Good Reason, upon written notice to the Company setting forth in reasonable detail the nature of such Good Reason, as set forth below. For purposes of this Agreement, “ Good Reason ” is defined as any one or more of the following: any attempt to relocate the Executive to a work location that is more than 100 miles from the Company’s offices in Elmsford, New York; any material diminution in the nature or scope of the Executive’s responsibilities or duties as defined under this Agreement (provided that a change in reporting relationships resulting from the direct or indirect control of the Company or Holdco (or a successor corporation) by another corporation or other person(s) shall not be deemed to constitute “Good Reason”); any material breach by the Company or any affiliate of the Company of any provision of this Agreement or any other written agreement with the Executive, which breach is not cured within twenty (20) days following written notice by the Executive to the Company; or any material failure of the Company to provide the Executive with at least the Annual Base Salary and/or any other compensation or benefits in accordance with the terms of

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Section 3 hereof, other than an inadvertent failure which is cured within ten (10) business days following written notice from the Executive specifying in reasonable detail the nature of such failure. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the appointment of an interim Chief Executive Officer during any period of the Executive’s disability (which may potentially result in a Permanent Disability) will not be considered “ Good Reason ” (so long as the Executive continues to be compensated pursuant to the terms of this Agreement), until the occurrence of a Permanent Disability as defined in Section 4(a).

(d) Change in Control. If there occurs a “ Change in Control ” (as hereinafter defined) during the Employment Period, and the Executive is not offered employment on substantially similar terms by Holdco or one of its continuing affiliates immediately thereafter, then, for all purposes of this Agreement, the Executive’s employment shall be deemed to have been terminated by the Company in a manner qualifying as a “ Change in Control Termination ” effective as of the date of such Change in Control; provided , however , that neither the Company nor Holdco shall have any obligation to the Executive under this Section 4 if the Executive is hired or offered employment on substantially similar terms by the purchaser of the stock or assets of Holdco or the Company, if the Executive’s employment hereunder is continued by Holdco or one of its continuing affiliates, or if the Executive does not actually terminate employment. Further, if the Company terminates the Executive’s employment without Cause or the Executive terminates his employment for Good Reason, in either case, within six (6) months prior to, or twenty-four (24) months following, the consummation of such Change in Control (the “ Change in Control Protection Period ”), the Executive shall be deemed to have had a Change in Control Termination. As used herein, a “ Change in Control ” shall be deemed to have occurred upon the occurrence of any of the following events:

(i) a change in the ownership of Holdco within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(v) as in effect on the date hereof;

(ii) a change in the effective control of Holdco within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(vi)(2) as in effect on the date hereof; or

(iii) a change in the ownership of all or substantially all of Holdco’s assets within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(vii) as in effect on the date hereof.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in d(i)(ii) or (iii) hereinabove, no Change in Control shall be deemed to have occurred so long as affiliates of Thomas H. Lee Partners continue to own at least 50% of the stock of Holdco in the aggregate.

(e) Date of Termination . The “ Date of Termination ” means the date of the Executive’s death, the Disability Effective Date or the date on which the termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company and Holdco, or by the Executive, is effective, as the case may be, including by reason of the expiration of the Employment Period.

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5. Obligations of the Company Upon Termination .

(a) By the Company Upon the Executive’s Death or Permanent Disability . If the Executive dies during the Employment Period or the Company or Holdco terminates the Executive’s employment due to the Executive’s Permanent Disability, the Company shall pay the Executive or his legal representative:

(i) the Executive’s accrued but unpaid cash compensation (the “ Accrued Obligations ”), which shall equal the sum of (1) any portion of the Executive’s Annual Base Salary through the Date of Termination that has not yet been paid; (2) any Annual Bonus that the Executive has earned for a prior full calendar year that has ended prior to the Date of Termination but which has not yet been calculated and paid; and (3) any accrued but unpaid vacation pay; and

(ii) a pro rata Annual Bonus for the year of termination, calculated and paid in accordance with Section 3(b).

The Accrued Obligations shall be paid in cash within thirty (30) days of the Date of Termination. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, the Executive shall not be entitled any payment pursuant to subsection (ii) of this Section 5(a) or Section 9(d)(i) unless the Executive (or the Executive’s beneficiary previously designated in writing to the Company or, if no such beneficiary has been so designated, the Executive’s estate, as applicable) shall have, at the written request of the Company or Holdco, executed a release of any and all legal claims in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (which such form may be modified by the Company to the extent necessary to reflect execution by a person other than the Executive) (the “ Release ”) no later than forty-five (45) days following the Date of Termination (which period shall be sixty-five (65) days following the Date of Termination in the case of a termination of the Executive’s employment due to his death) and shall not have revoked such release in accordance with its terms.

(b) By the Company for Cause. If the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company or Holdco for “Cause” (as hereinafter defined), then the Executive shall be entitled to only the payment of the Accrued Obligations which shall be paid to the Executive in cash in a lump sum within thirty (30) days of the Date of Termination and neither the Company nor Holdco shall have any further obligation under this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, “ Cause ” shall mean (1) conviction of the Executive by a court of competent jurisdiction of a felony (excluding felonies under the Vehicle and Traffic Code of the State of New York or any similar law of another state within the United States of America); (2) any act of intentional fraud in connection with his duties under this Agreement; (3) any act of gross negligence or willful misconduct with respect to the Executive’s duties under this Agreement; and (4) any act of willful disobedience in violation of specific reasonable directions of the Board consistent with the Executive’s duties.

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Termination, the Company shall pay to the Executive (A) the Accrued Obligations, (B) the Executive will also be entitled to receive a pro rata Annual Bonus for the year of termination, calculated and paid in accordance with Section 3(b), and (C) a severance payment (the “ Severance Payment ”), in an amount equal to the product of (x) the Executive’s then current Annual Base Salary multiplied by (y) the number of years in the post employment Restriction Period, calculated in accordance with Section 9(d) hereinafter. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, the Executive shall not be entitled to any payment pursuant to clauses (B) or (C) of this Section 5(c) unless the Executive shall have, at the written request of the Company or Holdco, executed the Release no later than forty-five (45) days following the Date of Termination and shall not have revoked such release in accordance with its terms.

(d) Change in Control Termination . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, in the event of a Change in Control Termination:

(i) the Company shall pay to the Executive the Accrued Obligations;

(ii) the Company shall pay to the Executive:

(A) an amount equal to two and one-half (2 1/2) times the sum of (1) Executive’s then current Annual Base Salary and (2) the target Annual Bonus,

(B) an amount equal to a pro rata Annual Bonus for the year of termination, calculated and paid in accordance with Section 3(b), and

(C) provided that the Executive timely elects to continue his coverage in the Company’s group health plan under the federal law known as “COBRA”, a monthly amount equal to that portion of the monthly health premiums for such coverage paid by the Company on behalf of the Executive prior to the date of the Change in Control Termination until the date that is twenty-four (24) months following the date of the Change in Control Termination (the “ Health Continuation Benefits ”); and

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prior to the end of the applicable original performance period, such awards and rights shall be earned based on assumed achievement of the applicable performance goals at 100% of the performance target, as provided in the applicable award agreement, and shall be eligible to vest as of the last day of the applicable original performance period without pro-ration, subject to the terms of the applicable award agreement. Any stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance stock units or similar awards granted on or after January 1, 2014 (or any awards or rights issued in exchange for such grants in connection with a Change in Control or otherwise) that do not vest after application of the preceding sentence shall be immediately forfeited without payment due thereon. For the avoidance of doubt, upon the occurrence of a Change in Control Termination, the vesting of any stock option granted prior to January 1, 2014 (or awards or rights issued in exchange therefor) shall be determined pursuant to the terms of the applicable award agreement.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the Health Continuation Benefits would subject the Executive or the Company to any tax or penalty under the ACA or Section 105(h) of the Code (as defined below), or applicable subsequent regulations, guidance or successor statutes, the Executive and the Company agree to work together in good faith to restructure the Health Continuation Benefits in a manner that avoids such adverse consequences. All amounts payable hereunder (except the Annual Bonus which is payable in accordance with Section 3(b), the Accrued Obligations, which shall be calculated and paid in a lump sum in cash within thirty (30) days of the date of the Change in Control Termination and the Health Continuation Benefits, which shall be paid as described above in this Section 5(d)) shall be paid in cash in a lump sum on the date that is the later of sixty (60) days following the date of the Change in Control Termination or sixty (60) days following the consummation of the Change in Control. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, the Executive shall not be entitled to any payment or benefit pursuant to clauses (ii) or (iii) of this Section 5(d) unless the Executive shall have, at the written request of the Company or Holdco, executed the Release no later than forty-five (45) days following the date of the Change in Control Termination and shall not have revoked such release in accordance with its terms.

(f) Expiration of the Term . Unless otherwise terminated pursuant to any of the foregoing clauses of this Section 5, the Executive’s employment hereunder will automatically terminate at the expiration of the Employment Period and the Company shall pay to the Executive (i) the Accrued Obligations, and (ii) the Annual Bonus for the year in which the Employment Period ends; provided , however, that if the Company allows the Executive’s employment to terminate due to a expiration of the Employment Period occurring during the Change in Control Protection Period, the Executive will be deemed to have had a Change in Control Termination and will be entitled to the payments and benefits described in Section 5(d) above and shall not otherwise receive payment under this Section 5(f). The Annual Bonus shall be calculated and paid in accordance with Section 3(b) and the Accrued Obligations shall be paid

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in a lump sum in cash within thirty (30) days of the Date of Termination. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, the Executive shall not be entitled any payment pursuant to clause (ii) of this Section 5(f) unless the Executive shall have, at the written request of the Company, executed the Release no later than forty-five (45) days following the Date of Termination and shall not have revoked such release in accordance with its terms. Upon expiration of the Employment Period, no Severance Payment will be due and no further Restriction Period shall apply.

(g) Continuing Rights under Benefits Programs . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, upon termination of employment for any reason other than death, termination by the Company for Cause, or termination by the Executive without Good Reason, the Executive shall be entitled to receive at the Executive’s expense, continued coverage under the Company’s health insurance policy comparable to the family coverage received by the Executive at the Date of Termination, so long as the Company’s Plan at the Date of Termination and thereafter permits coverage of former employees.

6. Section 409A . The parties intend for the compensation provided under this Agreement to comply with, or be exempt from, the provisions of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”) (together with the regulations thereunder, “ Section 409A ”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the Company, Holdco or any of their respective affiliates have any liability to the Executive or to any other person claiming rights under this Agreement relating to the failure or alleged failure of any payment or benefit under this Agreement to comply with, or be exempt from, the provisions of Section 409A.

(a) Definitions . For purposes of this Agreement, all references to “termination of employment” and similar or correlative phrases shall be construed to require a “separation from service” (as defined in Section 1.409A-1(h) of the Treasury regulations after giving effect to the presumptions contained therein), and the term “specified employee” means an individual determined by Holdco to be a specified employee under Treasury regulation Section 1.409A-1(i).

(b) Certain Delayed Payments . If any payment or benefit hereunder constituting “nonqualified deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A would be subject to subsection (a)(2)(B)(i) of Section 409A (relating to payments made to “specified employees” of publicly-traded companies upon separation from service), any such payment or benefit to which the Executive would otherwise be entitled during the six (6) month period following the Executive’s separation from service will instead be provided or paid without interest on the first business day following the expiration of such six (6) month period, or if earlier, the date of the Executive’s death.

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Agreement, (ii) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement during any calendar year will not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other taxable year; (iii) reimbursement will be made not later than December 31 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred; and (iv) the right to reimbursement will not be subject to liquidation or exchange for any other benefit.

7. Full Settlement . The Company’s obligations to make the payments provided for in, and otherwise to perform its obligations under, this Agreement shall not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other claim, right or action that the Company may have against the Executive or others. In no event shall the Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement and such amounts shall not be reduced, regardless of whether the Executive obtains other employment.

8. Confidential Information . The Executive shall hold in a fiduciary capacity for the benefit of the Company and Holdco all secret or confidential information, knowledge or data relating to the Company, Holdco or any company affiliated with the Company or Holdco and their respective businesses that the Executive obtains during the Executive’s employment by the Company and Holdco (whether before, during or after the Employment Period) and that is not public knowledge (other than as a result of the Executive’s violation of this Section 8) (“ Confidential Information ”). The Executive shall not communicate, divulge or disseminate Confidential Information at any time during or after the Executive’s employment with the Company and Holdco, except with the prior written consent of the Company or as otherwise required by law. For the avoidance of doubt, (a) nothing contained in the Agreement or any other agreement containing confidentiality provisions or other restrictive covenants in favor of any the Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries shall be construed to limit, restrict or in any other way affect the Executive’s communicating with any governmental agency or entity, or communicating with any official or staff person of a governmental agency or entity, concerning matters relevant to the governmental agency or entity and (b) the Executive will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for disclosing a trade secret (i) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law, or (ii) in a complaint or other document filed under seal in a lawsuit or other proceeding; provided that notwithstanding this immunity from liability, the Executive may be held liable if the Executive unlawfully accesses trade secrets by unauthorized means.

9. Noncompetition; Nonsolicitation .

(a) Non-Competition . During the Employment Period, and following termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company, Holdco and any of their affiliates, during the “Restriction Period” (as hereinafter defined), the Executive shall not directly or indirectly participate in or permit his name directly or indirectly to be used by or become associated with (including as an advisor, representative, agent, promoter, independent contractor, provider of personal services or otherwise) any person, corporation, partnership, firm, association or other enterprise or entity (a “person”) that is, or intends to be, engaged in any business which is in competition with any business of the Company, Holdco or any of their

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respective subsidiaries or controlled affiliates in any geographic area in which the Company, Holdco or any of their respective subsidiaries or controlled affiliates operate, compete or are engaged in such business or at such time intend so to operate, compete or become engaged in such business (a “ Competitor ”); provided , however , that the foregoing will not prohibit the Executive from participating in or becoming associated with a person if (i) less than 10% of the consolidated gross revenues of such person, together with its affiliates, derive from activities or businesses that are in competition with any business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or controlled affiliates (a “ Competitive Business ”) and (ii) the Executive does not, directly or indirectly, participate in, become associated with, or otherwise have responsibilities that relate to the conduct or operations of, any Competitive Business that is conducted by such person or a division, group, or subsidiary or affiliate of such person. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “participate” includes any direct or indirect interest, whether as an officer, director, employee, partner, sole proprietor, trustee, beneficiary, agent, representative, independent contractor, consultant, advisor, provider of personal services, creditor, or owner (other than by ownership of less than five percent of the stock of a publicly-held corporation whose stock is traded on a national securities exchange or in an over-the-counter market).

(b) Non-Solicitation . During the Employment Period, and during the Restriction Period following termination of employment, the Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, encourage or solicit, or assist any other person or firm in encouraging or soliciting, any person that during the three-year period preceding such termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company and Holdco (or, if such action occurs during the Employment Period, on the date such action was taken) is or was engaged in a business relationship with the Company or Holdco, any of their respective subsidiaries or controlled affiliates to terminate its relationship with the Company or Holdco or any of their respective subsidiaries or controlled affiliates or to engage in a business relationship with a Competitor.

(c) No Hire . During the Employment Period, and during the Restriction Period following termination of employment, the Executive will not, except with the prior written consent of the Company, directly or indirectly, induce any employee of the Company, Holdco or any of their respective subsidiaries or controlled affiliates to terminate employment with such entity, and will not, directly or indirectly, either individually or as owner, agent, employee, consultant or otherwise, employ, offer employment or cause employment to be offered to any person (including employment as an independent contractor) who is or was employed by the Company, Holdco or any of their respective subsidiaries or controlled affiliates unless such person shall have ceased to be employed by such entity for a period of at least twelve months. For purposes of this Section 9(c), “employment” shall be deemed to include rendering services as an independent contractor and “employees” shall be deemed to include independent contractors.

(d) Restriction Period. The term “ Restriction Period” as used herein, shall mean the following periods:

(i) In the event the Employment Period is terminated by (1) the Company or Holdco prior to its expiration (except as provided in Section 9(d)(iii) hereinafter) other than (A) for Cause or (B) due to the Executive’s death or Permanent Disability, or (2) the

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Executive for Good Reason, the Company shall elect, in its sole and absolute discretion, to limit the Restriction Period following termination to a one, two or three-year period (but no event less than one year), and the Company shall pay the Executive the Severance Payment (calculated based on the number of years of the elected Restriction Period). If no Restriction Period election is made, the Company shall be deemed to have elected a three-year Restriction Period. The Severance Payment shall be payable in a lump sum on the date that is sixty (60) days following the Date of Termination.

(ii) In the event the Executive is terminated by the Company or Holdco for Cause, or if the Executive resigns without Good Reason, then the Restriction Period shall be three years following termination of employment and no Severance Payment shall be payable to the Executive.

(iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, in the event of a Change in Control Termination (or a deemed Change in Control Termination under Section 5(f)), the Restriction Period shall be three years following the date of such Change in Control Termination.

(e) Return of Confidential Information . Promptly following the Executive’s termination of employment, including due to expiration of the Employment Period, the Executive shall return to the Company all property of the Company, Holdco and their respective subsidiaries and affiliates, and all copies thereof, in the Executive’s possession or under his control, including, without limitation, all Confidential Information in whatever media such Confidential Information is maintained.

(f) Injunctive Relief . The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Restriction Period and the covenants and obligations of the Executive in Section 8 and this Section 9 with respect to non-competition, nonsolicitation and confidentiality and with respect to the property of the Company and its subsidiaries and controlled affiliates, and the territories covered thereby, are fair and reasonable and the result of negotiation. The Executive further acknowledges and agrees that the covenants and obligations of the Executive in Section 8 and this Section 9 with respect to noncompetition, nonsolicitation and confidentiality and with respect to the property of the Company, Holdco and their respective subsidiaries and controlled affiliates, and the territories covered thereby, relate to special, unique and extraordinary matters and that a violation of any of the terms of such covenants and obligations will cause the Company, Holdco and their respective subsidiaries and affiliates irreparable injury for which adequate remedies are not available at law. Therefore, the Executive agrees that the Company and Holdco shall be entitled to an injunction, restraining order or such other equitable relief as a court of competent jurisdiction may deem necessary or appropriate to restrain the Executive from committing any violation of such covenants and obligations. These injunctive remedies are cumulative and are in addition to any other rights and remedies the Company and Holdco may have at law or in equity. If, at the time of enforcement of Section 8 and/or this Section 9, a court holds that any of the restrictions stated herein are unreasonable under circumstances then existing, the parties hereto agree that the maximum period, scope, and/or geographical area legally permissible under such circumstances will be substituted for the period, scope and/or area stated herein.

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10. Successors .

(a) This Agreement is personal to the Executive and shall not be assignable by the Executive. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s legal representatives and heirs and successors.

(b) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon Holdco, the Company and their respective successors and assigns.

11. Section 280G . In the event that the Company undergoes a change in control after it (or any affiliate of the Company, including Holdco, that would be treated, together with the Company, as a single corporation under Section 280G of the Code and the regulations thereunder) has stock that is readily tradeable on an established securities market (within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code and the regulations thereunder), if all, or any portion, of the payments provided under this Agreement, either alone or together with other payments or benefits which the Executive receives or is entitled to receive from the Company or an affiliate, could constitute an “excess parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, then the Executive shall be entitled to receive (i) an amount limited so that no portion thereof shall fail to be tax deductible under Section 280G of the Code (the “ Limited Amount ”), or (ii) if the amount otherwise payable hereunder (without regard to clause (i)) reduced by the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code and all other applicable federal, state and local taxes (with income taxes all computed at the highest applicable marginal rate) is greater than the Limited Amount reduced by all taxes applicable thereto (with income taxes all computed at the highest marginal rate), the amount otherwise payable hereunder. If it is determined that the Limited Amount will maximize the Executive’s after-tax proceeds, payments and benefits shall be reduced to equal the Limited Amount in the following order: (i) first, by reducing cash severance payments, (ii) second, by reducing other payments and benefits to which Q&A 24(c) of Section 1.280G-1 of the Treasury Regulations does not apply, and (iii) finally, by reducing all remaining payments and benefits, with all such reductions done on a pro rata basis. All determinations made pursuant this Section 11 will be made at the Company’s expense by the independent public accounting firm most recently serving as the Company’s outside auditors or such other accounting or benefits consulting group or firm as the Company may designate.

12. Miscellaneous .

(a) This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, without reference to principles of conflict of laws. The captions of this Agreement are not part of the provisions hereof and shall have no force or effect. This Agreement may not be amended or modified except by a written agreement executed by the parties hereto or their respective heirs, successors and legal representatives.

(b) All notices and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be given by hand delivery to the other party or by overnight courier or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or by facsimile (with receipt confirmation), addressed as follows:

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If to the Executive:		James M. Harrison
		At his most recent address shown in the Company’s records

If to the Company:		Party City Holdings Inc.
		80 Grasslands Road
		Elmsford, NY 10523
		Attention: Corporate Secretary
		Fax no.: (914) 345-2056

or to such other address as either party furnishes to the other in writing in accordance with this Section 12(b). Notices and communications shall be effective when actually received by the addressee.

(c) The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.

(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Company may withhold from amounts payable under this Agreement all federal, state, local and foreign taxes that are required to be withheld by applicable laws or regulations. In addition, the obligations of the Company under this Agreement shall be conditional on compliance with this Section 12(d), and the Company shall, to the extent permitted by law, have the right to deduct any such taxes from any payment otherwise due to the Executive.

(e) Any party’s failure to insist upon strict compliance with any provision of, or to assert any right under, this Agreement shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision or right or of any other provision of or right under this Agreement.

(f) The Executive acknowledges that this Agreement, together with the Exhibit hereto (and the other agreements referred to herein and therein), supersedes all other agreements and understandings, both written and oral, between the Executive, on one hand, and the Company and Holdco, on the other, with respect to the subject matter hereof, including, without limitation, the Prior Employment Agreement and any amendments or restatements thereto. Upon effectiveness of this Agreement, the Prior Employment Agreement and any amendments or restatements thereto shall terminate and be of no further force and effect.

(g) This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which shall together constitute one and the same instrument.

(h) Provisions of this Agreement shall survive any termination of employment if so provided herein or if necessary or desirable to accomplish the purposes of other surviving provisions, including, without limitation, the obligations of the Executive under Sections 8 and 9 hereof.

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Executive has hereunto set the Executive’s hand and, pursuant to the authorization of their respective boards of directors, the Company and Holdco have each caused this Agreement to be executed in its name on its behalf, all as of the day and year first above written.


PARTY CITY HOLDINGS INC.

By:	/s/ Daniel Sullivan
	Name:	Daniel Sullivan
	Title:	Chief Financial Officer


PARTY CITY HOLDCO INC.

By:	/s/ Daniel Sullivan
	Name:	Daniel Sullivan
	Title:	Chief Financial Officer

/s/ James M. Harrison

JAMES M. HARRISON

[Signature Page to Employment Agreement]

Exhibit A

FORM OF RELEASE OF CLAIMS

This Release of Claims is provided by me, James M. Harrison (or by my designated beneficiary, in the event of my death during my employment), pursuant to the Employment Agreement between me, Party City Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) and Party City Holdco Inc. (“Holdco”) dated as of May 8, 2018 (the “Employment Agreement”).

This Release of Claims is given in consideration of the severance benefits to be provided to me (or, in the event of my death during my employment, to my designated beneficiary) in connection with the termination of my employment under Section 5 of the Employment Agreement (the “Separation Payments”), which are conditioned on my signing this Release of Claims and to which I am not otherwise entitled, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged. On my own behalf and that of my heirs, executors, administrators, beneficiaries, representatives and assigns, and all others connected with or claiming through me, I hereby release and forever discharge the Company from any and all causes of action, rights or claims of any type or description, known or unknown, which I have had in the past, now have or might have, through the date of my signing of this Release of Claims. This includes, without limitation, any and all causes of action, rights or claims in any way resulting from, arising out of or connected with my employment by the Company or the termination of that employment or pursuant to any federal, state or local law, regulation or other requirement, including without limitation Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the fair employment practices statutes of the state or states in which I have provided services to the Company or any other federal, state, local or foreign law, all as amended, any contracts of employment, any tort claims, or any agreements, plans or policies. Nothing in this Release of Claims shall be construed to prohibit you from filing a charge with or participating in any investigation or proceeding conducted by the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or a comparable state or local agency, except that you hereby agree to waive your right to recover monetary damages or other individual relief in any charge, complaint or lawsuit filed by you or by anyone else on your behalf.

For purposes of this Release of Claims, the word “Company” always includes the Company, Holdco the subsidiaries and affiliates of the Company or Holdco and all of their respective past, present and future officers, directors, trustees, shareholders, employees, employee benefit plans and any of the trustees or administrators thereof, agents, general and limited partners, members, managers, investors, joint venturers, representatives, predecessors, successors and assigns, and all others connected with any of them, both individually and in their official capacities.

Excluded from the scope of this Release of Claims is any rights to benefits that were vested under the Company’s employee benefit plans on the date on which my employment with the Company terminated, in accordance with the terms of such plans.

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In signing this Release of Claims, I give the Company assurance that I have returned to the Company any and all documents, materials and information related to the business, whether present or otherwise, of the Company and all keys and other property of the Company that were in my possession or control, all as required by and consistent with Section 9(e) of the Employment Agreement. I agree that I will not, for any purpose, attempt to access or use any computer or computer network or system of the Company, including without limitation their electronic mail systems. I further acknowledge that I have disclosed to the Company all passwords necessary or desirable to enable the Company to access all information which I have password-protected on its computer network or system.

In signing this Release of Claims, I agree that I have been paid in full all compensation due to me, whether for services rendered by me to the Company or otherwise, through the date on which my employment with the Company terminated and that, exclusive only of the Separation Payments, no further compensation of any kind shall be due to me by the Company, whether arising under the Employment Agreement or otherwise, in connection with my employment or the termination thereof. I also agree that except for any right I and my eligible dependents may have to continue participation in the Company’s health and dental plans under the federal law commonly known as COBRA, my right to participate in any employee benefit plan of the Company will be determined in accordance with the terms of such plan.

I acknowledge that my eligibility for the Separation Payments is not only contingent on my signing and returning this Release of Claims to the Company in a timely manner and not revoking it thereafter, but also is subject to my compliance with the covenants contained in the Employment Agreement.

In signing this Release of Claims, acknowledge that I have not relied on any promises or representations, express or implied, that are not set forth expressly in this Release of Claims. I further acknowledge that I am waiving and releasing any rights I may have under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended (“ADEA”), and that this waiver and release is knowing and voluntary and is being done with a full understanding of its terms. I agree that the consideration given for this wavier and release is in addition to anything of value to which I was already entitled. I further acknowledge that I have been advised by this writing as required by the ADEA that:

1. I have the right to and am advised by the Company to consult with an attorney prior to executing this Release of Claims; and I acknowledge that I have had sufficient time to consider this Release of Claims and to consult with an attorney, if I wished to do so, or to consult with any other person of my choosing before signing;

2. I may not sign this Release of Claims prior to the termination of my employment, but that I may consider the terms of this Release of Claims for up to twenty-one days (or, if the Company so instructs me in writing, for up to forty-five days) from the later of the date my employment with the Company terminates or the date I receive this Release of Claims;

3. I have seven (7) days following execution of this Release of Claims to revoke this Release of Claims; and

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4. This Release of Claims shall not be effective until the revocation period has expired.

Intending to be legally bound, I have signed this Release of Claims under seal as of the date written below.




Signature:						Date signed:

Party City Holdings Inc.

Name:

Title:

Party City Holdco Inc.

Name:

Title:

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Exhibit 10.2

AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“ Agreement ”), dated as of the 8th day of May, 2018, by and between Party City Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), Party City Holdco Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ Holdco ”), and Daniel Sullivan (the “ Executive ”) and effective as of the date hereof (the “ Effective Date ”).

WHEREAS, the Executive has served the Company and Holdco as each entity’s Chief Financial Officer pursuant to an Employment Agreement, effective as of August 29, 2016 (the “ Prior Employment Agreement ”); and

WHEREAS, the Company, Holdco and the Executive desire to amend and restate the Prior Employment Agreement to set forth in this Agreement the terms and conditions under which the Executive will be employed as the Chief Financial Officer of each of the Company and Holdco effective as of the Effective Date;

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY AGREED AS FOLLOWS:

1. Employment Period . The Company and Holdco shall continue to employ the Executive, and the Executive agrees to, and shall, serve the Company and Holdco, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, for the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending on December 31, 2020, unless sooner terminated as set forth hereinafter (the “ Employment Period ”).

2. Position and Duties .

(a) During the Employment Period, the Executive shall serve as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company and of Holdco with such duties and responsibilities as are assigned to him by the bylaws or Board of Directors of Holdco (the “ Board ”) or the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the “ CEO ”) consistent with his position as Chief Financial Officer of the Company and Holdco, including, as the Board or the CEO may request, without additional compensation, to serve as an officer or director of certain of the subsidiaries and other affiliates of Holdco and/or the Company. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall report to the CEO.

with the Company, Holdco or any of their respective subsidiaries and affiliates and do not interfere with the performance of the Executive’s responsibilities as an employee of the Company or Holdco in accordance with this Agreement.

3. Compensation .

(a) Base Salary . During the Employment Period, the Executive shall receive from the Company an annual base salary of $650,000 (as such amount may be increased from time to time, in the sole discretion of the Board or the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “ Committee ”), the “ Annual Base Salary ”), payable in regular intervals in accordance with the Company’s customary payroll practices in effect during the Employment Period.

(b) Annual Bonus . In addition to the Annual Base Salary, during the Employment Period, the Executive shall be eligible to receive annual bonus compensation (the “ Annual Bonus ”) consistent with the Company’s bonus plan for key executives as in effect from time to time (the “ Bonus Plan ”). The Annual Bonus (including any pro rata portion thereof, to the extent payable under this Agreement), if any, shall be paid no later than two and one-half months following the end of the calendar year to which such Annual Bonus corresponds. During the Employment Period, the target amount of the Annual Bonus shall be 55% of the Annual Base Salary (the “ Target Bonus Amount ”) and the maximum amount of the Annual Bonus shall be 110% of the Annual Base Salary, with the actual amount of the Annual Bonus, if any, to be determined by the Board or the Committee in accordance with the Bonus Plan. Except as otherwise provided in Section 5 of this Agreement, for any year during which the Executive is employed by the Company and Holdco for less than the entire calendar year (including a year in which the Executive’s employment is terminated), the Annual Bonus, if any, shall be determined based on actual performance, pro-rated for the period during which the Executive was employed during such calendar year (based on the number of days in such calendar year the Executive was so employed divided by 365), as determined in good faith by the Board or the Committee.

(c) Other Benefits; Car Allowance . During the Employment Period: (i) the Executive shall be eligible to participate in all incentive, savings and retirement plans, practices, policies and programs of the Company and shall be entitled to paid vacation, to the same extent and on the same terms and conditions as peer executives; and (ii) the Executive and/or the Executive’s family, as the case may be, shall be eligible for participation in, and shall receive all benefits under, all other welfare benefit plans, practices, policies and programs provided by the Company (including, to the extent provided, without limitation, medical, prescription, dental, disability, employee life insurance, group life insurance, accidental death and travel accident insurance plans and programs) to the same extent and on the same terms and conditions as peer executives. The term “peer executives” means the Executive Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Senior Vice Presidents of the Company, if such positions exist, and if such positions do not exist, the definition of the term “peer executives” shall be determined by the Board or the Committee in good faith. During the Employment Period, the Company will pay the Executive a monthly car allowance equal to $600, which will be paid not later than thirty (30) days after the end of the month to which it relates.

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(d) Incentive Equity Grants . The Executive is eligible to receive incentive equity grants under the Company’s new equity compensation program for senior executives, subject to the terms of such program as in effect from time to time and with any grants under such program in the discretion of the Board or the Committee.

(e) Expenses . During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to receive reimbursement for all reasonable travel and other expenses incurred by the Executive in carrying out the Executive’s duties under this Agreement; provided that the Executive complies with the policies, practices and procedures of the Company for submission of expense reports, receipts, or similar documentation of such expenses.

(f) Indemnification . During and after the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to all rights to indemnification available under the by-laws or certificate of incorporation of Holdco and the Company, or to which he may otherwise be entitled, through the Company, Holdco and/or any of their respective subsidiaries and affiliates, in accordance with their respective terms.

4. Termination of Employment .

(b) Other than Death or Disability . The Company or Holdco may terminate the Executive’s employment at any time during the Employment Period with or without Cause upon notice to the Executive.

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purposes of this Agreement, “ Good Reason ” is defined as any one or more of the following: any attempt to relocate the Executive to a work location that is more than 100 miles from the Company’s offices in Elmsford, New York; any material diminution in the nature or scope of the Executive’s responsibilities or duties as defined under this Agreement (provided that a change in reporting relationships resulting from the direct or indirect control of the Company or Holdco (or a successor corporation) by another corporation or other person(s) shall not be deemed to constitute “Good Reason”); any material breach by the Company or any affiliate of the Company of any provision of this Agreement or any other written agreement with the Executive, which breach is not cured within twenty (20) days following written notice by the Executive to the Company; or any material failure of the Company to provide the Executive with at least the Annual Base Salary and/or any other compensation or benefits in accordance with the terms of Section 3 hereof, other than an inadvertent failure which is cured within ten (10) business days following written notice from the Executive specifying in reasonable detail the nature of such failure. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the appointment of an interim Chief Financial Officer during and for any period of the Executive’s disability (which may potentially result in a Permanent Disability) will not be considered “ Good Reason ” (so long as the Executive continues to be compensated pursuant to the terms of this Agreement), until the occurrence of a Permanent Disability as defined in Section 4(a). The Executive’s employment will only be deemed to have been terminated for Good Reason if he gives written notice to the Company setting forth in reasonable detail the nature of such Good Reason, and terminates employment within sixty (60) days of the date of the later of the first occurrence and the Executive’s knowledge of the circumstances giving rise to Good Reason (to the extent the Company has not previously cured the circumstances giving rise to Good Reason).

(d) Change in Control. If there occurs a “ Change in Control ” (as hereinafter defined) during the Employment Period, and the Executive is not offered employment on substantially similar terms by Holdco or one of its continuing affiliates immediately thereafter, then, for all purposes of this Agreement, the Executive’s employment shall be deemed to have been terminated by the Company in a manner qualifying as a “ Change in Control Termination ” effective as of the date of such Change in Control; provided , however , that neither the Company nor Holdco shall have any obligation to the Executive under this Section 4 if the Executive is hired or offered employment on substantially similar terms by the purchaser of the stock or assets of Holdco or the Company, if the Executive’s employment hereunder is continued by Holdco or one of its continuing affiliates, or if the Executive does not actually terminate employment. Further, if the Company terminates the Executive’s employment without Cause or the Executive terminates his employment for Good Reason, in either case, within six (6) months prior to, or twenty-four (24) months following, the consummation of such Change in Control (the “ Change in Control Protection Period ”), the Executive shall be deemed to have had a Change in Control Termination. As used herein, a “ Change in Control ” shall be deemed to have occurred solely upon the occurrence of any of the following events:

(i) a change in the ownership of Holdco within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(v) as in effect on the date hereof; or

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(ii) a change in the ownership of all or substantially all of Holdco’s assets within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(vii) as in effect on the date hereof.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in d(i) or (ii) hereinabove, no Change in Control shall be deemed to have occurred so long as affiliates of Thomas H. Lee Partners continue to own at least 50% of the stock of Holdco in the aggregate.

5. Obligations of the Company Upon Termination .

(a) By the Company Upon the Executive ’ s Death or Permanent Disability . If the Executive dies during the Employment Period or the Company or Holdco terminates the Executive’s employment due to the Executive’s Permanent Disability, the Company shall pay the Executive or his legal representative:

(ii) a pro rata Annual Bonus for the year of death or termination, calculated and paid in accordance with Section 3(b).

The Accrued Obligations shall be paid in cash within thirty (30) days of the Date of Termination (other than the amount described in clause (2) of the definition of Accrued Obligations, which shall be paid in accordance with Section 3(b)). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, the Executive shall not be entitled to any payment pursuant to clause (ii) of this Section 5(a) unless the Executive (or the Executive’s beneficiary previously designated in writing to the Company or, if no such beneficiary has been so designated, the Executive’s estate, as applicable) shall have, at the written request of the Company or Holdco, executed a release of any and all legal claims substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (which form may be modified by the Company to the extent necessary to reflect execution by a person other than the Executive) (the “ Release ”) no later than twenty-one (21) days (or, if so instructed by the Company, forty-five (45) days) following the Date of Termination (which period shall be sixty-five (65) days following the Date of Termination in the case of a termination of the Executive’s employment due to his death) and shall not have revoked the Release in accordance with its terms. The Company shall provide the final Release promptly in connection with any termination of the Executive’s employment hereunder.

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(b) By the Company for Cause. If the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company or Holdco for “Cause” (as hereinafter defined), then the Executive shall be entitled to only the payment of the Accrued Obligations which shall be paid to the Executive in cash in a lump sum within thirty (30) days of the Date of Termination (other than the amount described in clause (2) of the definition of Accrued Obligations, which shall be paid in accordance with Section 3(b)) and neither the Company nor Holdco shall have any further obligation under this Agreement, except as expressly provided herein. For purposes of this Agreement, “ Cause ” shall mean (1) conviction of the Executive by a court of competent jurisdiction of a felony (excluding felonies under any state or local vehicle and traffic code); (2) any act of intentional fraud in connection with his duties under this Agreement; (3) any act of gross negligence or willful misconduct with respect to the Executive’s duties under this Agreement and (4) any act of willful disobedience in violation of specific reasonable directions of the Board or the CEO consistent with the Executive’s duties; provided , in the case of clause (3) or (4), that the Executive has not cured the circumstances giving rise to “Cause” within fifteen (15) days of the date the Company gives notice to the Executive of its intent to terminate his employment on such basis.

(c) By the Company for any reason other than Cause or by the Executive for Good Reason . If the Executive’s employment is terminated during the Employment Period (i) by the Company or Holdco other than for Cause, death or Permanent Disability or (ii) by the Executive for Good Reason, in each case, except if such termination is a Change in Control Termination, the Company shall pay to the Executive (A) the Accrued Obligations, paid in cash within thirty (30) days of the Date of Termination (other than the amount described in clause (2) of the definition of Accrued Obligations, which shall be paid in accordance with Section 3(b)); (B) a pro rata Annual Bonus for the year of termination, calculated and paid in accordance with Section 3(b); and (C) a severance payment (the “ Severance Payment ”), in an amount equal to the Executive’s then current Annual Base Salary. The Severance Payment shall be payable in cash in the form of salary continuation over the twelve (12) months following the Date of Termination, with the first payment(s) being payable in arrears on the date that is sixty (60) days following the Date of Termination. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, the Executive shall not be entitled to any payment pursuant to clauses (B) or (C) of this Section 5(c) unless the Executive shall have executed the Release not later than twenty-one (21) days (or, if so instructed by the Company, forty-five (45) days) following the Date of Termination and shall not have revoked the Release in accordance with its terms. The Company shall provide the final Release promptly in connection with any termination of the Executive’s employment hereunder.

(d) Change in Control Termination . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, in the event of a Change in Control Termination:

(i) the Company shall pay to the Executive the Accrued Obligations;

(ii) the Company shall pay to the Executive:

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(A) an amount equal to two (2) times the sum of (1) Executive’s then current Annual Base Salary and (2) the target Annual Bonus,

(B) an amount equal to a pro rata Annual Bonus for the year of termination, calculated and paid in accordance with Section 3(b), and

(C) provided that the Executive timely elects to continue his coverage in the Company’s group health plan under the federal law known as “COBRA”, a monthly amount equal to that portion of the monthly health premiums for such coverage paid by the Company on behalf of the Executive prior to the date of the Change in Control Termination until the date that is twelve (12) months following the date of the Change in Control Termination (the “ Health Continuation Benefits ”); and

(iii) any stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance stock units or similar awards granted on or after January 1, 2014 (or any awards or rights issued in exchange for such grants in connection with a Change in Control or otherwise) shall be treated as follows: (A) such awards or rights that vest solely based on the Executive’s continued service over time shall immediately become fully vested as of the date of the Change in Control Termination and (B) such awards or rights that vest upon the occurrence of specified performance metrics, shall be treated as earned and vest as follows: (1) if the full performance period has elapsed as of the date of the Change in Control Termination, such awards and rights shall be earned based on actual achievement of the applicable performance goals, as provided in the applicable award agreement and shall immediately become vested without pro-ration and (2) otherwise, such awards and rights shall be earned based on assumed achievement of the applicable performance goals at 100% of the performance target, as provided in the applicable award agreement, and shall immediately vest as to a prorated portion of each such award or right based on the number of days of the Executive’s actual employment or other service with the Company prior to the Change in Control Termination during the applicable full performance period; provided, that, if the Executive does not experience a Change in Control Termination prior to the end of the applicable original performance period, such awards and rights shall be earned based on assumed achievement of the applicable performance goals at 100% of the performance target, as provided in the applicable award agreement, and shall be eligible to vest as of the last day of the applicable original performance period without pro-ration, subject to the terms of the applicable award agreement. Any stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance stock units or similar awards granted on or after January 1, 2014 (or any awards or rights issued in exchange for such grants in connection with a Change in Control or otherwise) that do not vest after application of the preceding sentence shall be immediately forfeited without payment due thereon. For the avoidance of doubt, upon the occurrence of a Change in Control Termination, the vesting of any stock option granted prior to January 1, 2014 (or awards or rights issued in exchange therefor) shall be determined pursuant to the terms of the applicable award agreement.

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Health Continuation Benefits in a manner that avoids such adverse consequences. All amounts payable hereunder (except the Annual Bonus which is payable in accordance with Section 3(b), the Accrued Obligations, which shall be calculated and paid in a lump sum in cash within thirty (30) days of the date of the Change in Control Termination and the Health Continuation Benefits, which shall be paid as described above in this Section 5(d)) shall be paid in cash in a lump sum on the date that is the later of sixty (60) days following the date of the Change in Control Termination or sixty (60) days following the consummation of the Change in Control (except that, if the Change in Control Termination occurs due to a qualifying termination within six (6) months prior to a Change in Control, such payment will be made over the twenty-four (24) months following the Date of Termination, with the first payment(s) being payable in arrears on the date that is sixty (60) days following the Date of Termination). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, the Executive shall not be entitled to any payment or benefit pursuant to clauses (ii) or (iii) of this Section 5(d) unless the Executive shall have, at the written request of the Company or Holdco, executed the Release no later than twenty-one (21) days (or, if so instructed by the Company, forty-five (45) days) following the date of the Change in Control Termination and shall not have revoked such release in accordance with its terms.

(e) By the Executive other than for Good Reason . If during the Employment Period the Executive terminates his employment with the Company and Holdco other than for Good Reason, the Company shall pay the Accrued Obligations to the Executive in a lump sum in cash within thirty (30) days of the Date of Termination (other than the amount described in clause (2) of the definition of Accrued Obligations, which shall be paid in accordance with Section 3(b)) and neither the Company nor Holdco shall have any further obligation under this Agreement except as expressly provided herein.

(f) Expiration of the Term . Unless otherwise terminated pursuant to any of the foregoing clauses of this Section 5, the Executive’s employment hereunder will automatically terminate at the expiration of the Employment Period and the Company shall pay to the Executive the Accrued Obligations; provided, however, that if the Company allows the Executive’s employment to terminate due to an expiration of the Employment Period occurring during the Change in Control Protection Period, the Executive will be deemed to have had a Change in Control Termination and will be entitled to the payments and benefits described in Section 5(d) above and shall not otherwise receive payment under this Section 5(f). The Accrued Obligations shall be paid to the Executive in a lump sum in cash within thirty (30) days of the Date of Termination (other than the amount described in clause (2) of the definition of Accrued Obligations, which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall be the Annual Bonus for the calendar year in which the Employment Period expires and which shall be paid in accordance with Section 3(b)). Upon expiration of the Employment Period, no Severance Payment will be due and no further Restriction Period shall apply.

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(d) Reimbursements . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, any reimbursement that constitutes or could constitute nonqualified deferred compensation subject to Section 409A will be subject to the following additional requirements: (i) the expenses eligible for reimbursement will have been incurred during the term of this Agreement, (ii) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement during any calendar year will not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other taxable year; (iii) reimbursement will be made not later than December 31 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred; and (iv) the right to reimbursement will not be subject to liquidation or exchange for any other benefit.

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Executive shall not communicate, divulge or disseminate Confidential Information at any time during or after the Executive’s employment with the Company and Holdco, except with the prior written consent of the Company or as otherwise required by law. For the avoidance of doubt, (a) nothing contained in this Agreement or any other agreement containing confidentiality provisions or other restrictive covenants in favor of any of Holdco, the Company or any affiliate of either of them, restricts or in any other way affects the Executive’s communicating with any governmental agency or entity, or communicating with any official or staff person of a governmental agency or entity, concerning matters relevant to the governmental agency or entity and (b) the Executive will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for disclosing a trade secret (i) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law, or (ii) in a complaint or other document filed under seal in a lawsuit or other proceeding; provided that notwithstanding this immunity from liability, the Executive may be held liable if the Executive unlawfully accesses trade secrets by unauthorized means.

9. Noncompetition; Nonsolicitation .

(a) Noncompetition . During the Employment Period, and following termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company, Holdco and any of their affiliates, during the “Restriction Period” (as hereinafter defined), the Executive shall not directly or indirectly participate in or permit his name directly or indirectly to be used by or become associated with (including as an advisor, representative, agent, promoter, independent contractor, provider of personal services or otherwise) any person, corporation, partnership, firm, association or other enterprise or entity (a “person”) that is, or intends to be, engaged in any business which is in competition with any business of the Company, Holdco or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates in any geographic area in which the Company, Holdco or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates operate, compete or are engaged in such business or at such time intend so to operate, compete or become engaged in such business (a “ Competitor ”); provided , however , that the foregoing will not prohibit the Executive from participating in or becoming associated with a person if (i) less than 10% of the consolidated gross revenues of such person, together with its affiliates, derive from activities or businesses that are in competition with any business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates (a “ Competitive Business ”) and (ii) the Executive does not, directly or indirectly, participate in, become associated with, or otherwise have responsibilities that relate to the conduct or operations of, any Competitive Business that is conducted by such person or a division, group, or subsidiary or affiliate of such person. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “participate” includes any direct or indirect interest, whether as an officer, director, employee, partner, sole proprietor, trustee, beneficiary, agent, representative, independent contractor, consultant, advisor, provider of personal services, creditor, or owner (other than by ownership of less than five percent of the stock of a publicly-held corporation whose stock is traded on a national securities exchange or in an over-the-counter market).

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any person or firm that during the three-year period preceding such termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company and Holdco (or, if such action occurs during the Employment Period, on the date such action was taken) is or was engaged in a business relationship with the Company or Holdco, any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates to terminate its relationship with the Company or Holdco or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates or, in the case of any such person, to engage in a business relationship with a Competitor.

(c) No Hire . During the Employment Period, and during the Restriction Period following termination of employment, the Executive will not, except with the prior written consent of the Company, directly or indirectly, induce any employee of the Company, Holdco or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates to terminate employment with such entity, and will not, directly or indirectly, either individually or as owner, agent, employee, consultant or otherwise, employ, offer employment or cause employment to be offered to any person (including employment as an independent contractor) who is or was employed by the Company, Holdco or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates unless such person shall have ceased to be employed by such entity for a period of at least twelve months. For purposes of this Section 9(c), “employment” shall be deemed to include rendering services as an independent contractor and “employees” shall be deemed to include independent contractors.

(d) Restriction Period. The term “ Restriction Period” as used herein, shall mean the one-year period (except, in the case of a Change in Control Termination (or a deemed Change in Control Termination under Section 5(f)), in which case such period shall be the two-year period) immediately following the Date of Termination (other than a termination at the expiration of the Employment Period).

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jurisdiction may deem necessary or appropriate to restrain the Executive from committing any violation of such covenants and obligations. These injunctive remedies are cumulative and are in addition to any other rights and remedies the Company and Holdco may have at law or in equity. If, at the time of enforcement of Section 8 and/or this Section 9, a court holds that any of the restrictions stated herein are unreasonable under circumstances then existing, the parties hereto agree that the maximum period, scope, and/or geographical area legally permissible under such circumstances will be substituted for the period, scope and/or area stated herein.

10. Successors .

(b) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon Holdco, the Company and their respective successors and assigns.

11. Section 280G . In the event that the Company undergoes a change in control at a time when it (or any affiliate of the Company, including Holdco, that would be treated, together with the Company, as a single corporation under Section 280G of the Code and the regulations thereunder) has stock that is readily tradeable on an established securities market (within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code and the regulations thereunder), if all, or any portion, of the payments provided under this Agreement, either alone or together with other payments or benefits which the Executive receives or is entitled to receive from the Company or an affiliate, could constitute an “excess parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, then the Executive shall be entitled to receive (i) an amount limited so that no portion thereof shall fail to be tax deductible under Section 280G of the Code (the “ Limited Amount ”), or (ii) if the amount otherwise payable hereunder, together with the other payments or benefits the Executive is so entitled to receive, (without regard to clause (i)) reduced by the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code and all other applicable federal, state and local taxes (with income taxes all computed at the highest applicable marginal rate) is greater than the Limited Amount reduced by all taxes applicable thereto (with income taxes all computed at the highest marginal rate), the amount otherwise payable hereunder. If it is determined that the Limited Amount will maximize the Executive’s after-tax proceeds, payments and benefits shall be reduced to equal the Limited Amount in the following order: (i) first, by reducing cash severance payments, (ii) second, by reducing other payments and benefits to which Q&A 24(c) of Section 1.280G-1 of the Treasury Regulations does not apply, and (iii) finally, by reducing all remaining payments and benefits, with all such reductions done on a pro rata basis. All determinations made pursuant this Section 11 will be made at the Company’s expense by the independent public accounting firm most recently serving as the Company’s outside auditors or such other accounting or benefits consulting group or firm as the Company may designate.

12. Miscellaneous .

(a) This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, without reference to principles of conflict of laws. The

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captions of this Agreement are not part of the provisions hereof and shall have no force or effect. This Agreement may not be amended or modified except by a written agreement executed by the parties hereto or their respective heirs, successors and legal representatives.


If to the Executive:		Daniel Sullivan
		At his most recent address shown in the Company’s records

If to the Company:		Party City Holdings Inc.
		80 Grasslands Road
		Elmsford, NY 10523
		Attention: Corporate Secretary
		Fax no.: (914) 345-2056

(c) The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.

(f) The Executive acknowledges that this Agreement, together with the Exhibit hereto and the other agreements referred to herein except as modified herein or therein, supersedes all other agreements and understandings, both written and oral, between the Executive, on one hand, and the Company and Holdco, on the other, with respect to the subject matter hereof, including, without limitation, the Prior Employment Agreement and any amendments or restatements thereto. Upon effectiveness of this Agreement, the Prior Employment Agreement and any amendments or restatements thereto shall terminate and be of no further force and effect.

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(g) This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which shall together constitute one and the same instrument.

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

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PARTY CITY HOLDINGS INC.

By:	/s/ James M. Harrison
	Name:	James M. Harrison
	Title:	Chief Executive Officer


PARTY CITY HOLDCO INC.

By:	/s/ James M. Harrison
	Name:	James M. Harrison
	Title:	Chief Executive Officer

/s/ Daniel Sullivan

DANIEL SULLIVAN

[Signature Page to Employment Agreement]

Exhibit A

FORM OF RELEASE OF CLAIMS

This Release of Claims is provided by me, Daniel Sullivan (or by my designated beneficiary or estate, in the event of my death during my employment), pursuant to the Employment Agreement between me, Party City Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) and Party City Holdco Inc. (“Holdco”) dated as of May 8, 2018 (the “Employment Agreement”).

Nothing in this Release of Claims shall be construed to prohibit me from filing a charge with or participating in any investigation or proceeding conducted by the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or a comparable state or local agency, except that I hereby agree to waive my right to recover monetary damages or other individual relief in any charge, complaint or lawsuit filed by me or by anyone else on my behalf.

Nothing in this Release of Claims is intended to or does waive or release any rights I may have with respect to (i) coverage under liability insurance or indemnification rights provided or

maintained by the Company during, or applicable to, my employment with the Company, or under any other obligation or policy of insurance maintained by the Company in accordance with their respective terms; (ii) any other defense or indemnity right under applicable law; (iii) the enforcement of the right to any payment or benefits due upon the termination of my employment in accordance with the express terms of the Employment Agreement or (iv) any right or claim that cannot, by law, be waived or released through this Release of Claims.

Also excluded from the scope of this Release of Claims is any right to benefits that were vested or eligible for continuation under the Company’s employee benefit plans on the date on which my employment with the Company terminated, in accordance with the terms of such plans.

In signing this Release of Claims, I agree that I have been paid in full all compensation due to me, whether for services rendered by me to the Company or otherwise, through the date on which my employment with the Company terminated and that, exclusive only of the Separation Payments and the Accrued Obligations, as defined in the Employment Agreement, no further compensation of any kind shall be due to me by the Company, whether arising under the Employment Agreement or otherwise, in connection with my employment or the termination thereof. I also agree that except for any right I and my eligible dependents may have to continue participation in the Company’s health and dental plans under the federal law commonly known as COBRA, my right to participate in any employee benefit plan of the Company will be determined in accordance with the terms of such plan.

to which I was already entitled. I further acknowledge that I have been advised by this writing as required by the ADEA that:

2. I may not sign this Release of Claims prior to the termination of my employment, but that I may consider the terms of this Release of Claims for up to twenty-one (21) days (or, if the Company so instructs, forty-five (45) days) from the later of the date my employment with the Company terminates or the date I receive this Release of Claims;

3. I have seven (7) days following my execution of this Release of Claims to revoke this Release of Claims; and

4. This Release of Claims shall not be effective until the revocation period has expired.

Intending to be legally bound, I have signed this Release of Claims under seal as of the date written below.


Signature:						Date signed:

Party City Holdings Inc.

Name:

Title:

Party City Holdco Inc.

Name:

Title:

Exhibit 10.3

AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“ Agreement ”), dated as of the 8th day of May, 2018, by and between Party City Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), Party City Holdco Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ Holdco ”), and Ryan Vero (the “ Executive ”) and effective as of the date hereof (the “ Effective Date ”).

WHEREAS, the Executive has served the Company and Holdco as each entity’s President, Retail pursuant to an Employment Agreement, effective as of October 17, 2016 (the “ Prior Employment Agreement ”); and

WHEREAS, the Company, Holdco and the Executive desire to amend and restate the Prior Employment Agreement to set forth in this Agreement the terms and conditions under which the Executive will be employed as the President, Retail of each of the Company and Holdco effective as of the Effective Date;

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY AGREED AS FOLLOWS:

1. Employment Period . The Company and Holdco shall continue to employ the Executive, and the Executive agrees to, and shall, serve the Company and Holdco, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, for the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending on December 31, 2020, unless sooner terminated as set forth hereinafter (the “ Employment Period ”).

2. Position and Duties .

(a) During the Employment Period, the Executive shall serve as the President, Retail of the Company and of Holdco with such duties and responsibilities as are assigned to him by the Board of Directors of Holdco (the “ Board ”) or the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the “ CEO ”) consistent with his position as President, Retail of the Company and Holdco, including, as the Board or the CEO may request, without additional compensation, to serve as an officer or director of certain of the subsidiaries and other affiliates of Holdco and/or the Company. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall report to the CEO.

(b) During the Employment Period, and excluding any periods of vacation and sick leave to which the Executive is entitled, the Executive shall devote his full attention and time during normal business hours to the business and affairs of the Company and Holdco and shall use his reasonable best efforts to carry out the responsibilities assigned to the Executive faithfully and efficiently. It shall not be considered a violation of the foregoing for the Executive to (i) serve on civic or charitable boards or committees, (ii) deliver lectures, fulfill speaking engagements or teach at educational institutions, (iii) serve on the board of directors of other companies, so long as the Board approves such appointments (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld), or (iv) manage personal investments, so long as such activities do not compete with and are not provided to or for any entity that competes with or intends to compete with the Company, Holdco or any of their respective subsidiaries and affiliates and do not interfere with the performance of the Executive’s responsibilities as an employee of the Company or Holdco in accordance with this Agreement.

3. Compensation and Expense Reimbursements .

(a) Base Salary . During the Employment Period, the Executive shall receive from the Company an annual base salary of $750,000 (as such amount may be increased from time to time, in the sole discretion of the Board or the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “ Committee ”), the “ Annual Base Salary ”), payable in regular intervals in accordance with the Company’s customary payroll practices in effect during the Employment Period.

(c) Other Benefits; Car Allowance . During the Employment Period: (i) the Executive shall be eligible to participate in all incentive, savings and retirement plans, practices, policies and programs of the Company and shall be entitled to paid vacation, to the same extent and on the same terms and conditions as peer executives; and (ii) the Executive and/or the Executive’s family, as the case may be, shall be eligible for participation in, and shall receive all benefits under, all other welfare benefit plans, practices, policies and programs provided by the Company (including, to the extent provided, without limitation, medical, prescription, dental, disability, employee life insurance, group life insurance, accidental death and travel accident insurance plans and programs) to the same extent and on the same terms and conditions as peer executives. The term “peer executives” means the Executive Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice Presidents of the Company, if such positions exist, and if such positions do not exist, the definition of the term “peer executives” shall be determined by the Board or the Committee in good faith. During the Employment Period, the Company will pay the Executive a monthly car allowance equal to $650, which will be paid not later than thirty (30) days after the end of the month to which it relates.

(d) Incentive Equity Grants . The Executive is eligible to receive incentive equity grants under the Company’s equity compensation program for senior executives, subject to the terms of such program as in effect from time to time and with any grants under such program in the discretion of the Board or the Committee.

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(e) Relocation Expenses .

(i) The Company shall reimburse the Executive, to the extent it has not previously reimbursed the Executive pursuant to the Prior Employment Agreement, for reasonable and customary relocation expenses actually incurred by the Executive during the Employment Period as a direct result of the relocation of him and his spouse to a location within reasonable commuting distance of the Company’s retail division executive offices in Rockaway, NJ (“ Relocation Expenses ”), subject to Company policies and to such reasonable substantiation and documentation as may be specified by the Company, including house-hunting visits for the Executive and his spouse as reasonably necessary; the cost of packing and moving the Executive’s household goods and the moving of automobiles to the Executive’s home in or around Rockaway, NJ; the cost of temporary housing for the Executive and his immediate family in or around Rockaway, NJ (not to exceed six months in duration); the cost of temporary storage of the Executive’s household goods for a reasonable period of time; real estate commissions on the sale of the Executive’s home in Illinois and the purchase of a new home in or around Rockaway, NJ; reasonable closing costs on a new home that is a reasonable commuting distance from the Company’s retail division executive offices; and airfare to the Rockaway, NJ area for all members of the Executive’s immediate family. For the avoidance of doubt, such reimbursable Relocation Expenses will not include payment of any losses in connection with any capital transaction, such as the sale of a home. In the event that any of the reimbursements for Relocation Expenses are taxable to the Executive, the Company shall promptly make additional “gross up” payments to the Executive sufficient to cover such additional taxes (including taxes on the gross-up). The Company shall pay the Executive any amounts due to him in respect of Relocation Expenses within thirty (30) days after submission of written documentation substantiating such amounts.

(ii) In the event that the Executive terminates his employment with the Company other than for Good Reason (as defined below), or if the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for Cause (as defined below), the Executive will be required to repay 50% of the gross amount of reimbursed Relocation Expenses if such termination occurs prior to October 17, 2018, which repayment shall be made within thirty (30) days of the date of termination.

(f) Other Expenses . During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to receive reimbursement for all reasonable travel and other expenses incurred by the Executive in carrying out the Executive’s duties under this Agreement; provided that the Executive complies with the policies, practices and procedures of the Company for submission of expense reports, receipts, or similar documentation of such expenses.

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(g) Indemnification . During and after the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to all rights to indemnification available under the by-laws or certificate of incorporation of Holdco and the Company, or to which he may otherwise be entitled, through the Company, Holdco and/or any of their respective subsidiaries and affiliates, in accordance with their respective terms.

4. Termination of Employment .

(b) Other than Death or Disability . The Company or Holdco may terminate the Executive’s employment at any time during the Employment Period with or without Cause upon notice to the Executive.

(c) Good Reason . The Executive may terminate his employment at any time during the Employment Period for Good Reason, upon prior written notice to the Company setting forth in reasonable detail the nature of such Good Reason, as set forth below. For purposes of this Agreement, “ Good Reason ” is defined as any one or more of the following: any attempt to relocate the Executive to a work location that is more than 100 miles from the Company’s offices in Rockaway, New Jersey; any material diminution in the nature or scope of the Executive’s responsibilities or duties as defined under this Agreement (provided that a change in reporting relationships resulting from the direct or indirect control of the Company or Holdco (or a successor corporation) by another corporation or other person(s) shall not be deemed to constitute “Good Reason”); any material breach by the Company or any affiliate of the Company of any provision of this Agreement or any other written agreement with the Executive, which breach is not cured within twenty (20) days following written notice by the Executive to the Company; or any material failure of the Company to provide the Executive with at least the Annual Base Salary and/or any other compensation or benefits in accordance with the

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terms of Section 3 hereof, other than an inadvertent failure which is cured within ten (10) business days following written notice from the Executive specifying in reasonable detail the nature of such failure. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the appointment of an interim President, Retail during and for any period of the Executive’s disability (which may potentially result in a Permanent Disability) will not be considered “ Good Reason ” (so long as the Executive continues to be compensated pursuant to the terms of this Agreement), until the occurrence of a Permanent Disability as defined in Section 4(a). The Executive’s employment will only be deemed to have been terminated for Good Reason if he gives written notice to the Company setting forth in reasonable detail the nature of such Good Reason, gives the Company an opportunity to cure such Good Reason event (which cure period shall not be less than fifteen (15) days) and terminates employment within sixty (60) days of the date of the later of the first occurrence and the Executive’s knowledge of the circumstances giving rise to Good Reason (to the extent the Company has not previously cured the circumstances giving rise to Good Reason).

(d) Change in Control . If there occurs a “ Change in Control ” (as hereinafter defined) during the Employment Period, and the Executive is not offered employment on substantially similar terms by Holdco or one of its continuing affiliates immediately thereafter, then, for all purposes of this Agreement, the Executive’s employment shall be deemed to have been terminated by the Company in a manner qualifying as a “ Change in Control Termination ” effective as of the date of such Change in Control; provided , however , that neither the Company nor Holdco shall have any obligation to the Executive under this Section 4 if the Executive is hired or offered employment on substantially similar terms by the purchaser of the stock or assets of Holdco or the Company, if the Executive’s employment hereunder is continued by Holdco or one of its continuing affiliates, or if the Executive does not actually terminate employment. Further, if the Company terminates the Executive’s employment without Cause or the Executive terminates his employment for Good Reason, in either case, within six (6) months prior to, or twenty-four (24) months following, the consummation of such Change in Control (the “ Change in Control Protection Period ”), the Executive shall be deemed to have had a Change in Control Termination. As used herein, a “ Change in Control ” shall be deemed to have occurred solely upon the occurrence of any of the following events:

(i) a change in the ownership of Holdco within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(v) as in effect on the date hereof; or

(ii) a change in the ownership of all or substantially all of Holdco’s assets within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(vii) as in effect on the date hereof.

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5. Obligations of the Company Upon Termination .

(a) By the Company Upon the Executive ’ s Death or Permanent Disability . If the Executive dies during the Employment Period or the Company or Holdco terminates the Executive’s employment due to the Executive’s Permanent Disability, the Company shall pay the Executive or his legal representative:

(i) One or more payments (the “ Accrued Obligations ”) equal (in the aggregate) to the sum of (1) any portion of the Executive’s Annual Base Salary through the Date of Termination that has not yet been paid; (2) any Annual Bonus that the Executive has earned for a prior full calendar year that has ended prior to the Date of Termination but which has not yet been calculated and paid; (3) any accrued but unpaid vacation pay and (4) any unreimbursed expenses incurred prior to the Date of Termination, including any then unreimbursed car allowance for each month or partial month of employment; and

(ii) a pro rata Annual Bonus for the year of death or termination, calculated and paid in accordance with Section 3(b).

The Accrued Obligations shall be paid in cash within thirty (30) days of the Date of Termination (other than the amount described in clause (2) of the definition of Accrued Obligations, which shall be paid in accordance with Section 3(b)). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, the Executive shall not be entitled to any payment pursuant to clause (ii) of this Section 5(a) unless the Executive (or the Executive’s beneficiary previously designated in writing to the Company or, if no such beneficiary has been so designated, the Executive’s estate or representative, as applicable) shall have, at the written request of the Company or Holdco, executed a release of any and all legal claims substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (which form may be modified by the Company to the extent necessary to reflect execution by a person other than the Executive) (the “ Release ”) no later than twenty-one (21) days (or, if so instructed by the Company, forty-five (45) days) following the Date of Termination and shall not have revoked the Release in accordance with its terms. The Company shall provide the final Release promptly in connection with any termination of the Executive’s employment hereunder.

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jurisdiction of a felony (excluding felonies under any state or local vehicle and traffic code); (2) any act of intentional fraud in connection with his duties under this Agreement; (3) any act of gross negligence or willful misconduct with respect to the Executive’s duties under this Agreement and (4) any act of willful disobedience in violation of specific reasonable directions of the Board or the CEO consistent with the Executive’s duties; provided , in the case of clause (3) or (4), that the Executive has not cured the circumstances giving rise to “Cause” within fifteen (15) days of the date the Company gives notice to the Executive of its intent to terminate his employment on such basis.

(d) Change in Control Termination . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, in the event of a Change in Control Termination:

(i) the Company shall pay to the Executive the Accrued Obligations;

(ii) the Company shall pay to the Executive:

(A) an amount equal to two (2) times the sum of (1) Executive’s then current Annual Base Salary and (2) the target Annual Bonus,

(B) an amount equal to a pro rata Annual Bonus for the year of termination, calculated and paid in accordance with Section 3(b), and

(C) provided that the Executive timely elects to continue his coverage in the Company’s group health plan under the federal law known as “COBRA”, a monthly amount equal to that portion of the monthly health premiums for such coverage paid by the Company on behalf of the Executive prior to the date of the Change in Control Termination until the date that is twelve (12) months following the date of the Change in Control Termination (the “ Health Continuation Benefits ”); and

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the Health Continuation Benefits would subject the Executive or the Company to any tax or penalty under the ACA or Section 105(h) of the Code (as defined below), or applicable subsequent regulations, guidance or successor statutes, the Executive and the Company agree to work together in good faith to restructure the Health Continuation Benefits in a manner that avoids such adverse consequences. All amounts payable hereunder (except the Annual Bonus which is payable in accordance with Section 3(b), the Accrued Obligations, which shall be calculated and paid in a lump sum in cash within thirty (30) days of the date of the Change in Control Termination and the Health Continuation Benefits, which shall be paid as described above in this Section 5(d)) shall be paid in cash in a lump sum on the date that is the later of sixty (60) days following the date of the Change in Control Termination or sixty (60) days following the consummation of the Change in Control (except that, if the Change in Control Termination occurs due to a qualifying termination within six (6) months prior to a Change in Control, such payment will be made over the twenty-four (24) months following the Date of Termination, with the first payment(s) being payable in arrears on

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the date that is sixty (60) days following the Date of Termination). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, the Executive shall not be entitled to any payment or benefit pursuant to clauses (ii) or (iii) of this Section 5(d) unless the Executive shall have, at the written request of the Company or Holdco, executed the Release no later than twenty-one (21) days (or, if so instructed by the Company, forty-five (45) days) following the date of the Change in Control Termination and shall not have revoked such release in accordance with its terms.

(f) Expiration of the Term . Unless otherwise terminated pursuant to any of the foregoing clauses of this Section 5, the Executive’s employment hereunder will automatically terminate at the expiration of the Employment Period and the Company shall pay to the Executive the Accrued Obligations; provided, however, that if the Company allows the Executive’s employment to terminate due to an expiration of the Employment Period occurring during the Change in Control Protection Period, the Executive will be deemed to have had a Change in Control Termination and will be entitled to the payments and benefits described in Section 5(d) above and shall not otherwise receive payment under this Section 5(f). The Accrued Obligations shall be paid to the Executive in a lump sum in cash within thirty (30) days of the Date of Termination (other than the amount described in clause (2) of the definition of Accrued Obligations, which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall be the Annual Bonus for the calendar year in which the Employment Period expires and which shall be paid in accordance with Section 3(b)). Upon expiration of the Employment Period, no Severance Payment will be due and no further Restriction Period shall apply.

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agency or entity and (b) the Executive will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for disclosing a trade secret (i) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law, or (ii) in a complaint or other document filed under seal in a lawsuit or other proceeding; provided that notwithstanding this immunity from liability, the Executive may be held liable if the Executive unlawfully accesses trade secrets by unauthorized means.

9. Noncompetition; Nonsolicitation .

(b) Nonsolicitation . During the Employment Period, and during the Restriction Period following termination of employment, the Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, encourage or solicit, or assist any other person or firm in encouraging or soliciting, any person or firm that during the three-year period preceding such termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company and Holdco (or, if such action occurs during the Employment Period, on the date such action was taken) is or was engaged in a business relationship with the Company or Holdco, any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates to terminate its relationship with the Company or Holdco or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates or, in the case of any such person, to engage in a business relationship with a Competitor.

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(c) No Hire . During the Employment Period, and during the Restriction Period following termination of employment, the Executive will not, except with the prior written consent of the Company, directly or indirectly, induce any employee of the Company, Holdco or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates to terminate employment with such entity, and will not, directly or indirectly, either individually or as owner, agent, employee, consultant or otherwise, employ, offer employment or cause employment to be offered to any person (including employment as an independent contractor) who is or was employed by the Company, Holdco or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates unless such person shall have ceased to be employed by such entity for a period of at least twelve months; provided that the foregoing shall not apply to employing or inducing any employee pursuant to a blanket solicitation not specifically targeted at that employee. For purposes of this Section 9(c), “employment” shall be deemed to include rendering services as an independent contractor and “employees” shall be deemed to include independent contractors.

(f) Injunctive Relief . The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Restriction Period and the covenants and obligations of the Executive in Section 8 and this Section 9 with respect to noncompetition, nonsolicitation and confidentiality and with respect to the property of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates, and the territories covered thereby, are fair and reasonable and the result of negotiation. The Executive further acknowledges and agrees that the covenants and obligations of the Executive in Section 8 and this Section 9 with respect to noncompetition, nonsolicitation and confidentiality and with respect to the property of the Company, Holdco and their respective subsidiaries and affiliates, and the territories covered thereby, relate to special, unique and extraordinary matters and that a violation of any of the terms of such covenants and obligations will cause the Company, Holdco and their respective subsidiaries and affiliates irreparable injury for which adequate remedies are not available at law. Therefore, the Executive agrees that the Company and Holdco shall be entitled to an injunction, restraining order or such other equitable relief as a court of competent jurisdiction may deem necessary or appropriate to restrain the Executive from committing any violation of such covenants and obligations. These injunctive remedies are cumulative and are in addition to any other rights and remedies the Company and Holdco may have at law or in equity. If, at the time of enforcement of Section 8 and/or this Section 9, a court holds that any of the restrictions stated herein are unreasonable under circumstances then existing, the parties hereto agree that the maximum period, scope, and/or geographical area legally permissible under such circumstances will be substituted for the period, scope and/or area stated herein.

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10. Successors .

(b) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon Holdco, the Company and their respective successors and assigns.

12. Miscellaneous .

(a) This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New Jersey, without reference to principles of conflict of laws. The captions of this Agreement are not part of the provisions hereof and shall have no force or effect. This Agreement may not be amended or modified except by a written agreement executed by the parties hereto or their respective heirs, successors and legal representatives.

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If to the Executive:		Ryan Vero
		At his most recent address shown in the Company’s records

If to the Company:		Party City Holdings Inc.
		80 Grasslands Road
		Elmsford, NY 10523
		Attention: Corporate Secretary
		Fax no.: (914) 345-2056

(c) The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.

(g) This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which shall together constitute one and the same instrument.

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[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

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PARTY CITY HOLDINGS INC.

By:	/s/ James M. Harrison
	Name:	James M. Harrison
	Title:	Chief Executive Officer


PARTY CITY HOLDCO INC.

By:	/s/ James M. Harrison
	Name:	James M. Harrison
	Title:	Chief Executive Officer

/s/ Ryan Vero

RYAN VERO

[Signature Page to Employment Agreement]

Exhibit A

FORM OF RELEASE OF CLAIMS

This Release of Claims is provided by me, Ryan Vero (or by my designated beneficiary or estate, in the event of my death during my employment), pursuant to the Employment Agreement between me, Party City Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) and Party City Holdco Inc. (“Holdco”) dated as of May 8, 2018 (the “Employment Agreement”).

Nothing in this Release of Claims is intended to or does waive or release any rights I may have with respect to (i) coverage under liability insurance or indemnification rights provided or

In signing this Release of Claims, I agree that I have been paid in full all compensation due to me, whether for services rendered by me to the Company or otherwise, through the date on which my employment with the Company terminated and that, exclusive only of the Separation Payments and the Accrued Obligations, as defined in the Employment Agreement, no further compensation of any kind shall be due to me by the Company, whether arising under the Employment Agreement or otherwise, in connection with my employment or the termination thereof. I also agree that except for any right I and my eligible dependents may have to continue participation in the Company’s health and dental plans under the federal law commonly known as COBRA, my right to participate in any employee benefit plan of the Company will be determined in accordance with the terms of such plan.

to which I was already entitled. I further acknowledge that I have been advised by this writing as required by the ADEA that:

3. I have seven (7) days following my execution of this Release of Claims to revoke this Release of Claims; and

4. This Release of Claims shall not be effective until the revocation period has expired.

Intending to be legally bound, I have signed this Release of Claims under seal as of the date written below.


Signature:						Date signed:

Party City Holdings Inc.

Name:

Title:

Party City Holdco Inc.

Name:

Title:

Exhibit 31.1

Section 302 Certification

I, James M. Harrison, certify that:


1.	I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Party City Holdco Inc.;

2.	Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.	Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.	The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

	(a)	Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

	(b)	Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

	(c)	Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

	(d)	Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.	The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

	(a)	All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

	(b)	Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: May 9, 2018

/s/ James M. Harrison

James M. Harrison

Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

Exhibit 31.2

Section 302 Certification

I, Daniel J. Sullivan, certify that:


1.	I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Party City Holdco Inc.;

2.	Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.	Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.	The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

	(a)	Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

	(b)	Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

	(c)	Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

	(d)	Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.	The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

	(a)	All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

	(b)	Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: May 9, 2018

/s/ Daniel J. Sullivan

Daniel J. Sullivan

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Party City Holdco Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), I, James M. Harrison, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ James M. Harrison

James M. Harrison

Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

Date: May 9, 2018

This certification accompanies the Form 10-Q to which it relates, is not deemed filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of Party City Holdco Inc. under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (whether made before or after the date of the Form 10-Q), irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in such filing.

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Party City Holdco Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), I, Daniel J. Sullivan, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ Daniel J. Sullivan

Daniel J. Sullivan

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

Date: May 9, 2018

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