As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 7, 2021.
Registration No. 333-258988
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
AMENDMENT NO. 1
TO
FORM S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
Dutch Bros Inc.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
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Delaware
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5810
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87-1041305
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(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
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(Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number)
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(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
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110 SW 4th Street
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526
(541) 955-4700
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including
area code, of Registrant’s principal executive offices)
Joth Ricci
President and Chief Executive Officer
Dutch Bros Inc.
110 SW 4th Street
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526
(541) 955-4700
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including
area code, of agent for service)
Copies to:
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Eric Jensen
Alan Hambelton
David Peinsipp
Cooley LLP
3175 Hanover Street
Palo Alto, California 94304
(650) 843-5000
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Charles L. Jemley
Chief Financial Officer
Dutch Bros Inc.
110 SW 4th Street
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526
(541) 955-4700
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Marc D. Jaffe
Ian D. Schuman
Stelios G. Saffos
Latham & Watkins LLP
1271 Avenue of Americas
New York, New York 10020
(212) 906-1200
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Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after this registration statement is declared effective.
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box. ☐
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
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Large accelerated filer
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☐
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Accelerated filer
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☐
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Non-accelerated filer
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☒
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Smaller reporting company
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☐
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Emerging growth company
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☒
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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 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ☐
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
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Title of each Class of
Securities to be Registered
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Amount to be Registered(1)
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Proposed Maximum
Aggregate Offering
Price Per Share(1)
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Proposed Maximum
Aggregate Offering
Price(1)(2)
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Amount of
Registration Fee(3)
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Class A common stock, par value $0.00001 per share.
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24,210,526
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$20.00
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$484,210,520
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$52,828
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(1)Includes 3,157,894 additional shares that the underwriters have the option to purchase.
(2)Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee in accordance with Rule 457(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Includes the aggregate offering price of additional shares that the underwriters have the option to purchase.
(3)The registrant previously paid a registration fee of $10,910 in connection with the prior filing of this Registration Statement.
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant will file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement will thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until the Registration Statement will become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell nor does it seek an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
Subject to Completion
Preliminary Prospectus, dated September 7, 2021
PROSPECTUS
21,052,632 Shares
Class A Common Stock
This is the initial public offering of shares of Class A common stock of Dutch Bros Inc. We are selling 21,052,632 shares of our Class A common stock. Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our Class A common stock. It is currently estimated that the initial public offering price for our Class A common stock will be between $18.00 and $20.00 per share. We intend to apply to list our Class A common stock on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “BROS.”
Following this offering, we will have four classes of common stock: Class A common stock, Class B common stock, Class C common stock and Class D common stock (each as defined herein). Each share of Class A common stock is entitled to one vote per share. Each share of Class B common stock is entitled to ten votes per share. Each share of Class C common stock is entitled to three votes per share. Each share of Class D common stock is entitled to three votes per share. Dutch Bros Inc. will be a holding company whose sole material asset will be its interest in Dutch Bros OpCo (as defined herein). The number of outstanding Class A common units (as defined herein) of Dutch Bros OpCo will equal the aggregate number of outstanding shares of Class A common stock, Class B common stock, Class C common stock and Class D common stock. Upon the redemption or exchange of Class A common units for shares of Class A common stock or cash, the corresponding shares of Class B common stock or Class C common stock will be surrendered and immediately canceled. See “Description of Capital Stock” and “Organizational Structure.”
After the completion of this offering and application of the net proceeds therefrom, Travis Boersma, our Co-Founder and Executive Chairman, through certain affiliates, will beneficially own approximately 74.4% of the combined voting power of our Class A common stock, Class B common stock, Class C common stock and Class D common stock (or approximately 74.1% if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock). After the completion of this offering and application of the net proceeds therefrom, TSG Consumer Partners, LP, our Sponsor, directly and through affiliated investment funds, will beneficially own approximately 22.2% of the combined voting power of our Class A common stock, Class B common stock, Class C common stock and Class D common stock (or approximately 22.1% if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock). As a result, we will be a “controlled company” within the meaning of the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance standards. See “Management—Controlled Company Exception” and “Principal Stockholders.”
We are an “emerging growth company” as defined under the federal securities laws and, as such, we have elected to comply with certain reduced reporting requirements for this prospectus and may elect to do so in future filings.
Investing in our Class A common stock involves risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 33 to read about factors you should consider before buying our Class A common stock.
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Per Share
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Total
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Initial public offering price
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$
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$
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Underwriting discounts and commissions(1)
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$
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$
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Proceeds, before expenses, to Dutch Bros Inc.
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$
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$
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__________________
(1)See “Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest)” for additional information regarding compensation payable to the underwriters.
We have granted the underwriters an option for a period of 30 days to purchase up to an additional 3,157,894 shares of Class A common stock from us, at the initial public offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The shares will be ready for delivery on or about , 2021.
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BofA Securities
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J.P. Morgan
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Jefferies
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Barclays
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Piper Sandler
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Baird
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William Blair
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Co-Managers
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Cowen
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Stifel
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AmeriVet Securities
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Penserra Securities LLC
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R. Seelaus & Co., LLC
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Tribal Capital Markets
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The date of this prospectus is , 2021.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Through and including , 2021 (the 25th day after the date of this prospectus), all dealers effecting transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to a dealer’s obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as an underwriter and with respect to an unsold allotment or subscription.
Neither we nor any of the underwriters have authorized anyone to provide any information or to make any representations other than those contained in this prospectus or in any free writing prospectuses we have prepared. Neither we nor any of the underwriters take responsibility for, or can provide any assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. We and the underwriters are offering to sell, and seeking offers to buy, shares of our Class A common stock only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. The information contained in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or of any sale of our Class A common stock. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.
For investors outside the United States: neither we nor any of the underwriters have done anything that would permit this offering or possession or distribution of this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that
purpose is required, other than in the United States. Persons outside of the United States who come into possession of this prospectus must inform themselves about, and observe any restrictions relating to, the offering of the shares of our Class A common stock and the distribution of this prospectus outside of the United States.
Dutch Bros, our Windmill logo (
), Dutch Bros. Blue Rebel and our other registered and common law trade names, trademarks and service marks are the property of Dutch Bros OpCo. All other trademarks, trade names and service marks appearing in this prospectus are the property of their respective owners. Solely for convenience, the trademarks and trade names in this prospectus may be referred to without the ® and ™ symbols, but such references should not be construed as any indicator that their respective owners will not assert their rights thereto.
About this Prospectus
Financial Statement Presentation
This prospectus includes certain historical combined and consolidated financial and other data for Dutch Bros OpCo (as defined herein). Immediately following this offering, Dutch Bros Inc. will be a holding company whose sole material asset will be its interest in Dutch Bros OpCo. Dutch Bros Inc. will operate and control all the business and affairs of Dutch Bros OpCo and, through Dutch Bros OpCo and its subsidiaries, conduct our business. Following this offering, Dutch Bros OpCo will be the predecessor of Dutch Bros Inc. for financial reporting purposes. As a result, the consolidated financial statements of Dutch Bros Inc. will recognize the assets and liabilities received in the reorganization at their historical carrying amounts, as reflected in the historical financial statements of Dutch Bros OpCo. Dutch Bros Inc. will consolidate Dutch Bros OpCo on its consolidated financial statements and record a non-controlling interest related to the OpCo Units held by our Continuing Members (as defined below) on its consolidated balance sheet and statements of income.
Numerical figures included in this prospectus have been subject to rounding adjustments. Accordingly, numerical figures shown as totals in various tables may not be arithmetic aggregations of the figures that precede them.
Certain Definitions
As used in this prospectus, unless otherwise noted or the context requires otherwise:
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•“Blocker Companies”
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means certain Pre-IPO OpCo Unitholders that are taxable as corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
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•“Blocker Mergers”
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has the meaning set forth in “Organizational Structure—Reorganization Transactions—Pre-IPO Exchanges.”
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•“Class A common stock”
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means Class A Common Stock, par value $0.00001 per share, of Dutch Bros Inc.
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•“Class B common stock”
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means Class B Common Stock, no par value, of Dutch Bros Inc.
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•“Class C common stock”
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means Class C Common Stock, no par value, of Dutch Bros Inc.
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•“Class D common stock”
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means Class D Common Stock, par value $0.00001 per share, of Dutch Bros Inc.
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•“Class A common units”
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means non-voting Class A Common Units of Dutch Bros OpCo, as defined in the Third LLC Agreement.
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•“Class B voting units”
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means Class B Voting Units of Dutch Bros OpCo, as defined in the Third LLC Agreement.
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•“Class C voting units”
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means Class C Voting Units of Dutch Bros OpCo, as defined in the Third LLC Agreement.
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•“Co-Founder”
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means Travis Boersma and affiliated entities over which he maintains voting control.
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•“Code”
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means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
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•“Common Units”
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means Common Units of Dutch Bros OpCo, as defined in the Second LLC Agreement, issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Recapitalization.
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•“Continuing Members”
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means Pre-IPO OpCo Unitholders that hold OpCo Units following the Offering Transactions and their permitted transferees, and not including Dutch Bros Inc. Immediately following the Offering Transactions, the “Continuing Members” will be the Co-Founder and the Sponsor.
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•“Dutch Bros OpCo”
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means Dutch Mafia, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and a direct subsidiary of Dutch Bros Inc. following the Reorganization Transactions.
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•“Exchange Tax Receivable Agreement”
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means the Tax Receivable Agreement (Exchanges) entered into by Dutch Bros Inc. with the Continuing Members.
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•“IPO Exchanges”
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has the meaning set forth in “Organizational Structure—Reorganization Transactions—IPO Exchanges.”
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•“Offering Transactions”
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has the meaning set forth in “Organizational Structure—Offering Transactions.”
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•“OpCo Units”
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means Class A common units, Class B voting units and Class C voting units, collectively.
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•“Pre-IPO Blocker Holders”
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means Pre-IPO owners that hold their interests in Dutch Bros OpCo through the Blocker Companies immediately prior to the Reorganization Transactions.
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•“Pre-IPO Exchanges”
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has the meaning set forth in “Organizational Structure—Reorganization Transactions—Pre-IPO Exchanges.”
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•“Pre-IPO OpCo Unitholders”
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means Pre-IPO owners that held Common Units and/or Profits Interest Units immediately prior to the Recapitalization.
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•“Profits Interest Units”
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means PI Units of Dutch Bros OpCo, as defined in the Second LLC Agreement, issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Recapitalization.
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•“Recapitalization”
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has the meaning set forth in “Organizational Structure—Reorganization Transactions—Recapitalization.”
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•“Registration Rights Agreement”
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means the Registration Rights Agreement entered into by Dutch Bros, the Sponsor and our Co-Founder as described in “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Agreements to be entered into in connection with this offering—Registration Rights Agreement.”
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•“Reorganization Agreement”
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means the Reorganization Agreement entered into by Dutch Bros and certain other persons as described in “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Agreements to be entered into in connection with this offering—Reorganization Agreement.”
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•“Reorganization Tax Receivable Agreement”
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means the Tax Receivable Agreement (Reorganization) entered into by Dutch Bros with the Pre-IPO Blocker Holders.
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•“Reorganization Transactions”
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has the meaning set forth in “Organizational Structure—Reorganization Transactions.”
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•“Second LLC Agreement”
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means the Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Dutch Bros OpCo, dated as of January 22, 2019.
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•“Sponsor”
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means TSG Consumer Partners, L.P. and certain of its affiliates.
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•“Stockholders Agreement”
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means the Stockholders Agreement entered into by Dutch Bros and the Sponsor as described in “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Agreements to be entered into in connection with this offering—Stockholders Agreement.”
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•“Tax Receivable Agreements”
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means the Exchange Tax Receivable Agreement and the Reorganization Tax Receivable Agreement.
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•“Third LLC Agreement”
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means the Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Dutch Bros OpCo, in effect immediately prior to the Offering Transactions as described in “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Agreements to be entered into in prior to this offering—Dutch Bros OpCo Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement.”
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•“we,” “us,” “Dutch Bros” and “our”
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(1)Prior to the consummation of the Reorganization Transactions and the Offering Transactions, Dutch Bros OpCo and its consolidated subsidiaries; and
(2)After the consummation of the Reorganization Transactions and the Offering Transactions, Dutch Bros Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
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Unless indicated otherwise, the information included in this prospectus assumes the following:
•no exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase up to an additional 3,157,894 shares of Class A common stock from us solely to cover over-allotments.
A LETTER FROM OUR CO-FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN
Coffee is what we do, but it is not who we are.
My brother Dane and I founded Dutch Bros in 1992. We are third-generation dairy farmers, and changes to that industry were making our prospects pretty grim. So we used that reality as motivation to branch out and try something new. Dane and I shared a desire to do something extraordinary together. We bought a double-head espresso machine, cranked up the stereo, threw open the barn doors and started experimenting with coffee beans.
Pretty soon we were selling espresso from a pushcart in downtown Grants Pass, Oregon. That pushcart cost us everything we had at the time. But we got to be ourselves, rock music, make great coffee and hang out with people. It was a dream come true. Quickly we were making over $100 a day, but we were disciplined and took out just enough for our basic needs. We put the money back into the business and let it snowball.
One pushcart became five. We started to appreciate the social power of the musical element and the freedom to do business our own way. In 1994, we bought our first drive-thru. We didn’t know it at the time, but that was our niche and destiny. We had a patio, so people who wanted to hang out and listen to music could, and then we had our drive-thru, which was more convenient for people in a hurry. Around that time, one of our daily customers wanted to take what we were doing to a neighboring town and offered to pay us monthly for the use of the Dutch Bros name. We thought it sounded cool, so we wrote up an agreement and started training him. He opened a location and started performing just as well as we were with our primary spots.
The most important thing for us was building customer loyalty. If we could figure that out, we were winning. So when people would come back day after day, we rolled out the red carpet. Our broistas would have fun trying to make everyone smile and create a magnetic, contagious experience. That lives on in our company. It’s our culture, what we look for in our employees and our differentiator.
We had to learn how to scale the business while maintaining the level of customer experience and loyalty we knew was at the heart of what we do. We turned to franchise partners who were close to the mission and understood what Dutch Bros offers to its customers and communities. From the beginning, they helped us learn, grow, serve our customers and develop our broistas into amazing leaders. In 2008, I made a decision to stop selling franchises to anyone outside the existing Dutch Bros system and decided to grow from within using the leaders our franchise partners helped create. That shift was a game changer for us. In our 30th year in operation, Dutch Bros has expanded from that one pushcart to more than 470 drive-thru coffee locations in 11 states with over 16,500 people employed by us and our franchise partners.
Our vision for the company is simple: a bright future. That vision isn’t limited to Dutch Bros. It’s about the whole community and how we can be of value, not just to our customers’ communities but also to the communities of origin where we source our coffee. It’s about helping people develop and grow. We want to provide opportunities for driven culture cultivators who have the fire to become leaders and who then pass down our values to others. To demonstrate our ongoing commitment to community we plan to donate an amount equal to 1% of the net proceeds we receive from our initial public offering to charitable causes over the following 10 years.
In 2004, my brother Dane was diagnosed with ALS, a progressive disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Five years later, ALS would take Dane’s life. But it did not diminish the incredible inspiration I draw from my brother, to carry on and fulfill the dream we had in 1992. I have a personal mission statement that I share with everybody: I, Travis Boersma, see, hear, know and feel that the purpose of my life is to enjoy the journey, to maximize the moment, to be a loving, passionate, inspirational leader that defies the odds, to be a force for God and a force for good, and I hope to meet the man that I am someday when I die, not the man I could have been.
I am inspired by our people, our mission and all the work we’re doing in communities—I hope you are too. Welcome aboard, fasten your seatbelt—we’re on a rocket ship and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I hope you enjoy this experience as much as I do.
Travis Boersma
Co-Founder and Executive Chairman
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
This summary highlights selected information contained elsewhere in this prospectus. This summary does not contain all the information you should consider before investing in our Class A common stock. You should read this entire prospectus carefully, including “Risk Factors,” “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus, before making an investment decision. Unless otherwise indicated, references to our “common stock” include our Class A common stock, Class B common stock, Class C common stock and Class D common stock.
OUR COMPANY
“Dutch Bros is a fun loving, mind-blowing company making a massive difference, one cup at a time.”
Dutch Bros is a high growth operator and franchisor of drive-thru shops that focus on serving high QUALITY, hand-crafted beverages with unparalleled SPEED and superior SERVICE. Founded in 1992 by brothers Dane and Travis Boersma, Dutch Bros began with a double-head espresso machine and a pushcart in Grants Pass, Oregon. While espresso-based beverages are still at the core of what we do, Dutch Bros now offers a wide variety of unique, customizable cold and hot beverages that delight a broad array of customers. In 2020, approximately 82% of our beverages were served cold. We believe Dutch Bros is more than just the products we serve—we are dedicated to making a massive difference in the lives of our employees, customers and communities. This combination of hand-crafted and high-quality beverages, our unique drive-thru experience and our community-driven, people-first culture has allowed us to successfully open new shops and continue to share the “Dutch Luv.”
Today, we believe that Dutch Bros is one of the fastest-growing brands in the foodservice and restaurant industry in the United States by location count. In the past five and a half years, we have increased our shop count from 254 shops in seven states at the end of 2015 to 471 shops in 11 states as of June 30, 2021. As of June 30, 2021, 264 of our shops were franchised and 207 were company-operated. Company-operated shops generated a shop-level contribution margin, a non-GAAP financial measure, of 29% in 2020, prior to expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in highly attractive returns on our invested capital. While our current franchise partners continue to open new shops in their existing markets, the highly attractive financial returns generated by our new shops, coupled with our desire to ensure our people development and culture, have caused us to focus primarily on company-operated shops as we accelerate our new shop development.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and September 2020’s west coast wildfires, systemwide average unit volume (“AUV”) grew approximately 3% during 2020 to approximately $1.7 million. With an average check of approximately $7.50, we are busy from early morning through the end of the day to generate these AUVs. 2020 also represented our fourteenth consecutive year of positive same shop sales growth. In 2020, we generated $327.4 million of revenue, $5.7 million of net income, and $69.8 million of Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, resulting in an Adjusted EBITDA margin, a non-GAAP financial measure, of 21.3%. In the twelve months ended June 30, 2021, we generated $404.5 million of revenue, $6.3 million of net income, and $80.1 million of Adjusted EBITDA, resulting in an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 19.8%. Our Adjusted EBITDA grew from $39.6 million in 2018 to $80.1 million in the twelve months ended June 30, 2021.
The Dutch Bros Experience
Dutch Bros is entirely focused on delivering on its core values of quality, speed and service in every interaction we have. Every visit to Dutch Bros should feel like a celebration. Broistas are genuinely excited to serve our customers and interested in how they can make their day better. Runners greet customers before they get to the drive-thru window to personalize every order and, when needed, explain our menu. They use tablets to take orders, allowing broistas to sequence the crafting of beverages and manage car throughput in the drive-thru lane, ensuring that quality, speed and service remain consistent throughout the day. Broistas serve our beverages with a smile, an encouraging word or a high-five.
Our Broistas
We believe people are the key to our success, and broistas are the face of Dutch Bros. At Dutch Bros, we embrace a customer-first attitude and use every interaction during the drive-thru experience to connect with our customers. We are committed to attracting and retaining broistas who are passionate about delivering an awesome customer experience each and every day. That begins by hiring the right people. These people are then trained and provided support to enable them to remember our regular customers by name, recall their usual order, have treats ready for four-legged members of the family and know when to offer a complimentary drink to someone having a tough day. There is a hint of magic in the details of the Dutch Bros experience that has built our strong base of recurring, loyal customers and contributed to our sustained growth.
Our Menu
Dutch Bros honors and improves upon the “classics” while sitting on the cutting edge of flavor innovation. Our hand-crafted beverage-focused lineup features hot and cold espresso-based beverages, cold brew coffee products, our proprietary Dutch Bros. Blue Rebel energy drinks, tea, lemonade, smoothies and other beverages curated from the Dutch Bros “secret menu.” Dutch Bros. Blue Rebel can only be found at Dutch Bros shops. This popular afternoon pick-me-up serves as the base of many of our customized beverages and is the main driver of our afternoon daypart. The diversity of the menu is further expanded through customizations like adding “soft-top,” a sweet, creamy whipped topping, to almost any order. Our Private Reserve coffee is a 100% Arabica three bean blend sourced through our in-house coffee roasting facility and extracted using the finest La Marzocco machines to deliver shots of smooth, full-bodied espresso. You would be hard pressed to find the breadth of our unique and highly customized beverages at any other retailer, and we believe the variety, innovation and customization of our menu drives broad demographic appeal and balance throughout the day and across all geographies.
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Iced Tiger’s Blood Lemonade
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Birthday Cake Frost
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Blended Aftershock Rebel
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Golden Eagle Freeze
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Hot Annihilator
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Iced Caramelizer
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Iced Electric Berry Rebel
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Our Shops
Our business model is built around highly efficient drive-thrus, which place a premium on customer convenience without sacrificing the personal experience. Our new shops are typically 865 to 950 square feet, and we target lots that are at least 25,000 square feet to handle substantial car volume throughout the day. All our shops
deploy either a single or double drive-thru window with multiple feeder lanes for traffic flow. Most of shops also have walk-up ordering windows, party patios and escape lanes to prevent unnecessary congestion. Our shops generated best-in-class economics with 2020 systemwide AUVs of approximately $1.7 million and strong company-operated shop-level contribution margin of approximately 29%, prior to expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic, creating impressive returns on invested capital. As of December 31, 2020, 99% of our mature company-operated shops generated positive shop-level contribution, and 91% of shops open more than 15 months generated shop-level contribution margin above 20%.
Our Long-Term Franchise Partners
Historically, Dutch Bros used a franchising strategy alongside company-operated shop development to drive growth in select markets. Over time, as we decided to grow more from within, we only offered franchise partnership opportunities to the highest-quality employees within our network. In 2008, we stopped selling franchises to people that did not come from within our system. In 2017, we decided to stop franchising altogether and moved to a company-operated strategy with all operators recruited from within our system. While we maintain great relationships with our existing franchise partners and they continue to open new shops as they look to infill their high-demand markets, the majority of our growth is expected to continue to come from company-operated shops.
Our Commitment to Our Communities
Since our inception, we have been dedicated to giving back to the communities in which we serve, and we consider our brand to be a powerful platform for social impact. Today, we host three company-wide givebacks each year (“Dutch Luv,” “Drink One for Dane” and “Buck for Kids”) and our operators and franchise partners are empowered to create their own local, shop-specific giveback programs to build relationships within their communities. In 2020, Dutch Bros donated approximately $5.2 million across multiple causes, including $2.0 million to benefit COVID-19 first responders. A culture of philanthropy and giving back to build better communities permeates the entire Dutch Bros organization, energizing both our broistas and customers alike.
Our Growth
Despite being an established, time-tested brand, Dutch Bros is still in the early stages of rapid growth as we strategically expand our footprint in existing markets and enter new markets. We plan all our new shop growth around existing, high-performing Dutch Bros broistas ready to assume leadership roles and eventually become shop managers and then operators. We believe this ensures a consistent experience and extends our culture in all our shops and markets. In the first half of 2021, we successfully entered Texas and Oklahoma by promoting leaders from within and achieved record-breaking sales in these new markets. While it is still early, these shops, nearly 2,000 miles from our company headquarters in Oregon, have thus far demonstrated average shop sales above our systemwide sales. The professional development of our broistas helps drive our success and our compelling retention rates—82% of our shop managers have been with us for more than a year.
Over the last several years, we executed critical, infrastructure-building corporate investments to position us for future growth, investing more than $29 million since 2015 in various initiatives, including: our loyalty app, ERP and HRIS tools, an enterprise-based point of sale tool for all shops in the system, expansion of capacity in our Grants Pass, Oregon roasting facility and the addition of industry experts to our leadership team. We made these foundational investments in our organizational infrastructure and employees to support future new shop growth.
Our brand experience and deliberate approach to advancement from within has enabled strong and consistent growth and financial performance:
•Systemwide shops grew from 328 in seven states at the end of 2018 to 441 in nine states as of the end of 2020. This represents a 16% compound annual growth rate (“CAGR”);
•Company-operated shops grew from 37 at the beginning of 2018 to 182 as of December 31, 2020;
•Revenue grew from $186.0 million in 2018 to $327.4 million in 2020, representing a CAGR of 33%;
•Adjusted EBITDA grew from $39.6 million in 2018 to $69.8 million in 2020;
•Net income decreased from $21.2 million in 2018 to $5.7 million in 2020 as a result of the recognition of $35.1 million in non-cash equity-related expenses that were first expensed beginning in the fiscal year 2019. Going forward, we anticipate ongoing non-cash equity-related expenses from time-based vesting of Profits Interest Units outstanding prior to this offering. Previous expense recognition includes only this time-based vesting component of Profits Interest Units. The time-based vesting condition is typically over a five-year service period, subject to acceleration at the discretion of the Compensation Committee. Substantially all of the Profits Interest Units that we have issued to date vest upon the satisfaction of time-based and performance-based vesting conditions. For the performance-based vesting condition of Profits Interest Units outstanding prior to this offering, when the achievement of the predetermined performance criteria becomes probable, expense for that vesting will be fully recognized. The performance-based vesting condition is satisfied on the earlier of: (1) a change in control or (2) the effective date of the registration statement for our initial public offering. Non-cash equity-based compensation expense is recognized only for those Profits Interest Units that are expected to meet the time-based and performance-based vesting conditions. As of June 30, 2021, achievement of the performance-based vesting condition was not probable because the conditions noted above had not yet been satisfied; and
•Following this offering the performance-based vesting condition for Profits Interest Units will become probable. Therefore in the third quarter of 2021 we expect to recognize approximately $65.2 million of additional non-cash equity-related expenses, the vast majority of which relate to performance-based vesting (assuming a price per share equal to $19.00, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover of this prospectus). Time-based vesting of Profits Interest Units will continue to be ratably recognized each quarter through the final vesting period of the grants. The remaining time-based vesting expense to be recognized will be approximately $66.0 million (assuming a price per share equal to $19.00, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover of this prospectus).
COVID-19, WEST COAST WILDFIRES AND THE EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE OF OUR PEOPLE IN 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic made 2020 a challenging year for businesses, particularly in the foodservice and restaurant industries. Dutch Bros leadership once again leaned into our mission to make a massive difference and took immediate action to protect the health and safety of our employees and customers. That action included implementing all operating protocols dictated by state and local guidelines and instituting strict health and safety practices. In keeping with our people-first culture, we supported our employees by offering an additional $3 per hour in the form of “Thank You pay,” as well as paid COVID-related leave. We also supported the communities we serve by donating $2 million to first responders working to keep everyone safe through the pandemic.
Dutch Bros faced additional challenges in 2020 when wildfires swept through Oregon and nearby states, burning communities, impacting air quality and forcing shops to reduce staff or, in some instances, temporarily close. While it was a challenging environment, our drive-thru operating model proved highly resilient by providing our customers with a safe and convenient way to visit, buy a beverage and make a personal, human connection in a time of crisis. Despite the turmoil in 2020, we were able to post strong revenue growth of 37% in 2020, reflecting both positive same shop sales of 2% and 113 net new shop openings over the past from the beginning of 2019 through 2020.
2020 Monthly Same Shop Sales
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(1)In February 2020, Dutch Bros experienced a favorable rollover event, driven by unseasonably mild winter weather rolling over severe winter storms in February 2019.
(2)Each month, we have a popular customer event called a “sticker day” where customers receive a Dutch Bros sticker when they order a beverage. During the month of December 2020, we had four sticker days, compared to one sticker day in December 2019.
The challenging events of 2020 also provided an opportunity to accelerate our evolving digital transformation and improve on our highly popular paper stamp card loyalty program. In early 2021, Dutch Rewards was introduced exclusively through our new mobile app and within the first two months of its launch attracted approximately 1.6 million member activations, making it one of the most downloaded free mobile applications on the Apple platform in the Food & Drink category, behind only DoorDash and McDonald's. Dutch Rewards member activations have continued to grow to approximately 2.3 million as of June 30, 2021. The digital initiatives that come with Dutch Rewards have created a more streamlined experience for our customers while dramatically enhancing our insights into customers’ recurring purchase behavior.
OUR OPPORTUNITIES TO TAKE MARKET SHARE
Through a broad and customizable product offering, Dutch Bros provides customers with a wide variety of hot and cold beverages throughout the day. As a result, we believe we can capture share of any experience where customers seek to consume great beverages on the go. We see a market share opportunity within the approximately $36 billion coffee category, the approximately $36 billion convenience store business and the broader approximately $239 billion quick service restaurant (“QSR”) category where beverages are sold. Customers are increasingly
seeking new and differentiated beverages and the ability to customize these beverages with a multitude of flavor options. Customers look to Dutch Bros for the convenience of a drive-thru and the personal interaction they know they will get with a broista. We believe there are very few competitors of scale that sit at the intersection of quality and convenience and none that deliver the extraordinary Dutch Bros experience.
OUR COMPETITIVE STRENGTHS
We believe the following competitive strengths have been the key drivers of the success we have achieved over the past few decades and place Dutch Bros in a position of strength to grow in the future:
A Powerful, Authentic Brand that Shares the “Luv”
Since its founding, Dutch Bros has served millions of customers whose circumstances are often different but who share a common desire to connect. Whether in the form of a hand-crafted beverage customized just for you, a conversation or a community giveback, the Dutch Bros brand delivers.
•Fun-Loving. Culture is everything at Dutch Bros and every visit should be a celebration. Our broistas work hard and care deeply, creating a culture of fun and positivity for our customers and communities. We believe customers choose to make Dutch Bros part of their lives because of the hand-crafted drinks and the joy we bring to their everyday routines.
•Mind Blowing. Dutch Bros makes every visit an extraordinary experience. Customers are drawn to our unique mission-driven brand, products, customer service and people-first culture. Every experience is tailored for the customer, resulting in enthusiastic brand ambassadors. Those ambassadors generate strong word-of-mouth and a dedicated following on social media that extend our brand awareness beyond our geographic footprint.
•Making a Massive Difference. Dutch Bros was built on the dream of making a massive difference. We realize that dream through our philanthropy and commitment to our communities. Dutch Bros has created a powerful platform for social impact, hosting three annual company-wide anchor events, as
well as local givebacks. Company leadership, franchise partners and local operators are dedicated to building deeper connections within the communities we serve.
•One Cup at a Time. Dutch Bros offers up a wide-ranging product portfolio, hand-crafted and customized for every customer. We serve espresso-based coffee, cold brew, our proprietary Dutch Bros. Blue Rebel energy drink, smoothies, teas and lemonades in a variety of flavors, temperatures and blends. Every drink is made with quality products and created with the customer in mind.
We have built a disciplined brand strategy centered on people. We strive to inspire our employees, amplify our social impact, deliver convenience and friendly service through our shops and stay connected through our digital initiatives.
Strong People Systems that Drive Company Culture and Fuel Our Shop Growth
At Dutch Bros, we sell hand-crafted beverages, but our success is driven by our understanding that this is a relationship business. One of the most important relationships we have is with our employees. The strength of this relationship is demonstrated by outstanding retention where, as of June 30, 2021, 40% of our company-operated shop employees have been with Dutch Bros for more than a year, and 100% of shop managers for the 179 new systemwide shops opened since January 1, 2018 were existing broistas promoted from within. Our unwavering commitment to employees is exhibited through a focus on hiring the right people, leadership training, ongoing mentorship and the opportunity for longer-term careers with real prospects for advancement. Our employees are proud to be part of the Dutch Bros community and look forward to coming to work every day. We plan for all shops in new communities to be led by existing employees stepping up into leadership roles, making them critical to our future success.
We promote from within through the Dutch Bros Leadership Pathway program, which provides a clear path from broista to manager to operator. Operators have consistently lived and demonstrated our core values for years while proving they have a heart for leadership and mentorship, making them best positioned to operate new shops. As of the fourth quarter of 2020, we had over 200 qualified operators in our people pipeline with an average tenure of 6.5 years. Our fluid promotion pipeline draws from both our company and franchise partners’ employees. We provide an opportunity for qualified candidates to succeed by allowing franchise employees to grow through new company-operated shops alongside our company employees. Approximately 65% of our qualified candidates for promotion came from our franchise partners as of the fourth quarter of 2020.
Our Highly Engaged Customer Following
We believe our vibrant culture, the personal connections created by our broistas and an extensive menu help make Dutch Bros a frequent experience for our customers, many of whom visit multiple times a day. We have
proven our ability to succeed in a variety of markets and geographies, throughout the dayparts and to a wide demographic as shown in our diverse product and daypart mix below.
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(1)For the year ended December 31, 2020.
At Dutch Bros, we are always looking for ways to enhance engagement with our customers. In early 2021, we launched Dutch Rewards through our new mobile app. Unlike our legacy paper stamp card rewards program, Dutch Rewards provides customers the ability to earn points based on what they spend, rather than the number of visits. Dutch Rewards is designed to increase throughput while streamlining the process for customers and helping broistas focus more on creating connections. Our app lives up to our core value of speed—one scan of the app is all the customer needs to do to complete their transaction. Meanwhile, broistas have all the information they need to help blow the customer's mind. In the first five months of the app’s launch, approximately 2.3 million Dutch Rewards members activated accounts.
Customizable and Uniquely Curated Beverages With a Singular Focus on Drive-Thru Convenience
With nearly three decades focusing solely on beverages and drive-thrus, we believe Dutch Bros is the experiential leader in drive-thrus. We are capable of handling tremendous sales volumes throughout the day by getting customers through the line quickly and efficiently while maintaining a personal connection. Since our founding, we have focused on delivering three things:
•Quality in Everything We Do
Our menu is focused on quality and variety. We serve espresso-based coffee, cold brew, our proprietary Dutch Bros. Blue Rebel energy drinks, smoothies, teas and lemonades. We then offer customizable flavors, temperatures and blends that can be combined in a seemingly infinite number of ways. You tell us how you want your drink, not the other way around. We also offer a “secret menu” of unique beverages that give customers the chance to try something new. We ensure the quality of our coffee by roasting our private reserve coffee blend in-house at our own roasting facility.
•Speed is Critical
Convenience is key to making our brand highly accessible and we have always believed in the unique customer value proposition of our drive-thrus. This highly efficient, beverage-focused operating model provides a consistently rapid, on-the-go experience with enhanced personalization. We also invest in our digital capabilities to consistently offer best in class speed and customer convenience. Our reliability allows customers to make Dutch Bros a part of their everyday routines and drives brand loyalty.
•Service that is Genuinely Dutch Bros
Our broistas make each trip to Dutch Bros an incredible experience and add a personal touch to every visit. Whether they're taking orders in the line or handing drinks out the window, broistas are focused on two things—connecting with each customer and serving up a perfectly hand-crafted drink. Our drive-thru focus and line-busting models support that and are unique differentiators in the industry.
Highly Consistent and Highly Attractive Unit Economics
Our drive-thru model, dedicated to beverages, generates substantial throughput evidenced by outstanding sales volumes, consistent and strong shop-level contribution margin and high return on investment. In 2020, despite the challenges of COVID-19 and wildfires, our AUVs were approximately $1.7 million, which we believe is one of the highest for a beverage-focused concept, with an average check of approximately $7.50. The optimized new shop prototype we have built over the past several years is specifically designed to capture demand during peak hours, generating approximately 40% higher sales volumes than many of our older legacy locations. Our efficient shop prototype is approximately 865 to 950 square feet and we target at least 25,000 square foot lots to accommodate our robust drive-thru operations. The small building footprint provides increased flexibility in lot selection as we continue to seek the best locations in existing and new markets.
This flexible and capital-efficient real estate model targets total project costs per shop of approximately $1.35 million. Our focus is always on securing the best site, and depending on the lease type available, our typical cash investment ranges from a $0.5 million contribution in build-to-suit arrangements to a commitment of the entire project costs in the case of a ground lease. As illustrated in the table below, we target AUVs of $1.7 million and year-2 shop-level contribution margin of approximately 30%, which realize a year-2 cash-on-cash return of 35% to 75% depending on the lease arrangement noted above. The strength of these returns is one aspect of our strategic decision to focus more on company-operated shop growth going forward.
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Ground Lease
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Built-to-Suit
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($ in thousands)
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Year 2 Net Sales AUV
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$1,700
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Shop-level Contribution Margin(1)
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32%
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28%
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Shop-Level Contribution
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$545
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$475
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Investment
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$1,350
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$500
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Pre-Opening
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$135
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Total Cash Outlay
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$1,485
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$635
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Year 2 Cash on Cash Return
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35%
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75%
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(1)Reflects cash basis rent, and excludes any capital lease accounting adjustments.
Portable Model That Has Succeeded Across Geographies
While Dutch Bros may have started in a small town in Oregon, the brand and business model have demonstrated national portability, generating strong and consistent performance in a wide variety of markets. Dutch Bros has proven successful across 11 states as of June 30, 2021, with diverse demographics and geographies including Oregon, Washington, Idaho, California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma. We have continued to enhance and refine our drive-thru model and market development strategies, and the volumes we are achieving in our newest markets are at or above the volumes of our legacy markets. While it is
still early, our first shops opened in Texas and Oklahoma in the first half of 2021, nearly 2,000 miles from our company headquarters in Oregon, have thus far demonstrated average sales above those systemwide.
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2020 SYSTEMWIDE AUVs BY STATE
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NEW COMPANY SHOP UPDATE, 2021 TRENDS
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(1)Shops in Oregon are approximately 500 square feet, compared to a system average (excluding Oregon) of 650 square feet. Dutch Bros has also created and optimized a larger footprint store (865-950 square feet) to support higher throughput.
(2)Represents company-operated shops opened in 2020 and 2021. Calculation annualizes 2021 average weekly sales through June 30 and excludes each shop’s first four weeks. Assumes a uniform 10% discount rate to calculate net sales.
Engaged Co-Founder and Experienced Leadership Team
Our relentless commitment to excellence and family-oriented culture are driven by our passionate management team under the leadership of Co-Founder and Executive Chairman Travis “Trav” Boersma. Trav and his brother co-founded Dutch Bros with the goal of making a massive difference in the lives of employees and customers, alongside an uncompromising focus on quality and transcendent service, all while having fun. Trav is focused on ensuring the culture of Dutch Bros is maintained and enhanced as we grow, and he has surrounded himself with leaders with direct experience in beverage and retail. Joth Ricci, our President and Chief Executive Officer, has been with Dutch Bros for more than two years and has 21 years of coffee retail and beverage industry experience and 30 years of consumer products industry experience. Charles Jemley, our Chief Financial Officer, has been with Dutch Bros since January 2020 and has almost three decades of prior industry experience at Starbucks and Yum! Brands. Other members of our executive leadership team have been with Dutch Bros for over 12 years on average, bringing high growth, franchise and sector expertise.
The strength of our management team and the corporate culture they foster can be seen through our accolades: we have been ranked the #1 employer in The Oregonian’s top workplaces three years in a row. We believe our leadership team’s dynamic energy and family spirit has created a unique and supportive culture through which we can fulfill our mission to make a massive difference one cup at a time. The strength of our team extends well beyond our executives. We strive to ensure continuity in the execution of our strategy by training a pipeline of future leaders who are familiar with our mission and community focused culture and values.
OUR GROWTH STRATEGIES TO SHARE THE “DUTCH LUV”
Dutch Bros is in the very early stages of its growth story with tremendous potential. We intend to expand our business and positive community impact by executing the following growth strategies:
Continue to Attract and Develop Great People, Who Are Our Growth Capital
Dutch Bros has an uncompromising and consistent focus on building our brand, which we believe starts with our employees. We continuously invest in our team, by identifying quality members of the Dutch Bros family who exemplify the Dutch Bros personality at every level, from broistas to operators to executive management. We have invested in an online learning management software, Dutch Bros University, to preserve our core values and create and share best practices as we scale. We believe our training comes to life when our employees are
empowered to demonstrate and cultivate our culture and live our mission, every day. We aim to develop our employees with robust internal training and career advancement programs that supply Dutch Bros with a deep bench of talented operator candidates, striving for larger roles and embracing and maintaining our distinct culture as we grow.
In both new and existing markets, we reinforce our culture by promoting only veteran Dutch Bros broistas to lead every new shop. They are passionate about the culture, know how to successfully deliver the Dutch Bros experience and have real pride in their own career development. Our people systems are designed to maintain the Dutch Bros culture as we scale, enabling us to continue making a positive impact in new communities and continue providing career development opportunities for employees. We believe our talented employees are the “pace car” for our new shop growth and sustained success, and as such, we are committed to finding, training and retaining the best people. If we maintain and grow our pipeline of motivated broistas, finding the real estate will be the easy part of our growth.
This strategy’s success is exemplified by our successful shop opening in Lubbock, Texas. The Lubbock shop opened its doors in April 2021 and is managed by a broista-turned-operator who has been a part of the Dutch Bros family for almost eight years. Each successful opening is supported by broistas from existing locations who join together to reinforce Dutch Bros culture, train new employees and teach customers about the Dutch Bros menu. In 2021, we have hired approximately 50 new broistas for each new shop through in-person introductions and “Hiring Parties,” where the pool of candidates has exceeded 200 people on average. New hires participate in a 12-day training program and shadow our experienced broistas before permanently taking over the new shop as the traveling team members return to their home markets.
Open New Shops Wherever People Want Great Beverages
As of June 30, 2021, we had 471 shops across 11 states, 207 of which were company-operated and 264 of which were operated by our franchise partners. Based on our internal analysis and third-party research conducted by Quantitative Analysis, we believe there is long-term potential for at least 4,000 Dutch Bros locations in the United States. We currently have a strong new shop pipeline with approximately 250 new sites identified which is well in excess of our planned new company-operated stores to be opened in 2022 and 2023. These new openings are expected to be in both existing markets where there is unfulfilled consumer demand and new markets waiting to experience Dutch Bros. In considering new shop locations, we focus on detailed analytics that indicate that the revenue potential of the trade area meets our criteria for unit-level returns.
Our Real Estate Development team then prospects potential sites within the target trade zone to identify the best locations. We target lot sizes that allow for adequate traffic and customer flow and facilitate details like a double drive-thru with an escape lane on the site with proper curb appeal. Given our flexible footprint and the draw of the Dutch Bros brand, there are often many site locations within each market that we believe can deliver our desired target economics, allowing us to be both selective and adaptable to local real estate market conditions. Once a new site is developed, the shop opening process kicks off preparation for a friends and family night and grand opening day. These openings are special celebrations that mark the graduation of our career Dutch Bros broistas to operators, giving them the opportunity to introduce Dutch Bros to new communities.
•Build Scale within Our Existing Footprint
The lines at our existing shops, fourteen consecutive years of positive same shop sales growth and recent customer research all validate the significant demand for Dutch Bros growth in our existing markets. In the past three years, 75% of the shops that we have opened were in existing markets. Over the same period, we maintained positive same shop sales growth in these existing markets even as our number of shops in these markets increased almost 50%. To ensure the best and most consistent customer experience throughout the day, we proactively open strategic in-fill shops to both reach new customers and alleviate capacity constraints at nearby existing shops. While company-operated shop growth is expected to significantly outpace franchise shop growth in the future, we anticipate that our existing franchises will continue to grow by strategically in-filling locations within their markets. Many of our franchise partners have long runways for growth in their markets.
•Enter and Scale New Markets
We have demonstrated the relevance and portability of the Dutch Bros brand as evidenced by success in 11 U.S. states as of June 30, 2021, and we believe the whitespace for the Dutch Bros experience extends nationwide. Our brand strength, well-developed people pipeline, corporate infrastructure, existing shop performance and attractive unit economic model underpin our significant opportunity to execute our new market shop growth strategy. Prior to entering new markets, we develop a comprehensive market plan that plots a clear path for future development. As we develop the first sites, we are actively contemplating the next several sites. Each new Dutch Bros shop opening propels our brand awareness well beyond our existing shop footprint. Our recent new market shop openings in Texas and Oklahoma have performed at or above the volumes of our legacy markets.
Systemwide Shop Count as of June 30, 2021
Increase Brand Awareness and Encourage Deeper Customer Engagement
One of the strongest drivers of Dutch Bros brand awareness is word-of-mouth advocacy from our customers. Our commitment to our people encourages them to become enthusiastic brand ambassadors and we believe that their visible love for the brand is infectious. In a 2020 internal quantitative research study survey, 77% of respondents in our existing markets were aware of Dutch Bros and our advertising costs represented only 4% of total revenue in 2020. We believe this shows the opportunity to drive growth as customers in our existing and new markets continue to discover our brand.
We intend to enhance our digital and social media footprint to allow our passionate customers and crews to engage with Dutch Bros across multiple channels by sharing experiences with friends and family. To further support our customer engagement, we plan to continue building deep connections within the communities we serve. As part of that effort, we will always prioritize our social impact, bringing us closer to the people we serve.
The launch of our Dutch Bros Reward app in 2021 contributed to increased Dutch Bros brand awareness. Within the first two months of its launch the Dutch Bros Reward app attracted approximately 1.6 million member activations, making it one of the most downloaded free mobile applications on the Apple platform in the Food & Drink category, behind only DoorDash and McDonald's. Dutch Rewards member activations have continued to grow to approximately 2.3 million as of June 30, 2021. Our digital presence enables us to serve customers unique beverage-focused content, information related to our social impact initiatives and new ways to engage with Dutch
Bros. As a people-focused company, we believe the Dutch Rewards program provides an opportunity to connect with customers, learn more about them and enhance our relationships with them. The Dutch Bros app also allows us to learn from our interactions by gathering and collecting actionable business intelligence.
Invest in and Use Digital Technology to Improve the Customer Experience
At our core, we are in the people business and believe the purpose of technology should be to remove friction in our customer interactions, thereby providing opportunities to create deeper connections and a better service experience. We will continue to invest in digital and technology capabilities to improve the customer experience and better understand our customers’ needs through the following initiatives:
•Improve Speed and Efficiency
Service at Dutch Bros does not just happen at the window. We are in the early stages of integrating technology throughout our business to optimize speed and efficiency while maintaining the unique Dutch Bros experience. We will continue to invest in the right technologies to evolve our model to best serve our growing number of customers. Delivering beverages efficiently and building customer relationships is our priority.
•Menu Innovation Based on Customer Insights
Traditionally, our menu innovation has been driven by our product development team and our broistas, who are empowered to identify evolving customer preferences. We intend to build and leverage our customer data and insights to track and analyze transactions, including customized beverages, to refine our menu and “secret menu” offerings. Our evolving premium and customizable beverages increase guest spend, drive new business and encourage frequent visits among new and legacy customers.
Expand Margins Through Operating Leverage
Over the last several years, Dutch Bros has invested in corporate infrastructure to stay one step ahead of the growth trajectory we expect in shops and sales. We have flexibility around many of our input costs and we have developed a procurement system that allows for adaptability and scalability. The combination of our unique state-of-the-art coffee roasting facility in Grants Pass, Oregon and our strong relationships with several co-manufacturers provides us with the flexibility to increase our production capacity in a way that is both scalable and highly cost-effective. We expect to add additional capacity to support our expansion and supply chain long-term by investing in a second centrally located roasting facility in the Midwest region of the United States. We anticipate leveraging our corporate costs over time to enhance our margins, as we expect selling, general and administrative expenses to grow at a slower rate than our shop base and revenue. By optimizing our infrastructure and leveraging our scale efficiencies, we can further enhance our profitability as we grow our shop base.
Summary Risk Factors
Investing in our Class A common stock involves a high degree of risk because our business is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, as further described below. The occurrence of any such risks could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. The principal factors and uncertainties that make investing in our Class A common stock speculative or risky include, among others:
•Evolving consumer preferences and tastes may adversely affect our business.
•Our financial condition and quarterly results of operations are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, a number of factors, many of which are also largely outside our control and as such our results may fluctuate significantly and may not fully reflect the underlying performance of our business.
•We may not be able to compete successfully with other coffee shops, QSRs and convenience shops, including the growing number of coffee delivery options. Intense competition in the foodservice and restaurant industry could make it more difficult to expand our business and could also have a negative
impact on our operating results if customers favor our competitors or we are forced to change our pricing and other marketing strategies.
•Our failure to manage our growth effectively could harm our business and operating results.
•Our inability to identify, recruit and retain qualified individuals for our shops could slow our growth and adversely impact our ability to operate.
•Our shops are geographically concentrated in the Western United States, and we could be negatively affected by conditions specific to that region.
•Interruption of our supply chain of coffee, flavored syrups or other ingredients, coffee machines and other restaurant equipment or packaging could affect our ability to produce or deliver our products and could negatively impact our business and profitability.
•Increases in the cost of high-quality arabica coffee beans or other commodities or decreases in the availability of high-quality arabica coffee beans or other commodities could have an adverse impact on our business and financial results.
•We are increasingly dependent on information technology and our ability to process data in order to operate and sell our goods and services, and if we (or our vendors) are unable to protect against software and hardware vulnerabilities, service interruptions, data corruption, cyber-based attacks, ransomware or security breaches, or if we fail to comply with our commitments and assurances regarding the privacy and security of such data, our operations could be disrupted, our ability to provide our goods and services could be interrupted, our reputation may be harmed and we may be exposed to liability and loss of customers and business.
•Pandemics or disease outbreaks such as COVID-19 have had, and may continue to have, an effect on our business and results of operations.
•Our success depends substantially on the value of our brands and failure to preserve their value could have a negative impact on our financial results.
•Food safety and quality concerns may negatively impact our brand, business and profitability, our internal operational controls and standards may not always be met and our employees may not always act professionally, responsibly and in our and our customers’ best interests. Any possible instances or reports, whether true or not, of food and/or beverage-borne illness could reduce our sales.
•Changes in the availability of and the cost of labor could harm our business.
•Our culture has contributed to our success, and if we cannot maintain this culture as we grow, we could lose the high employee engagement fostered by our culture, which could harm our business.
•Our Co-Founder and Sponsor will continue to have significant influence over us after this offering, which could limit your ability to influence the outcome of matters submitted to stockholders for a vote.
•Upon the listing of our Class A common stock on the New York Stock Exchange, we will be a “controlled company” within the meaning of the New York Stock Exchange rules and, as a result, will qualify for, and intend to rely on, exemptions and relief from certain corporate governance requirements. You will not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to such requirements.
•Our growth strategy depends in part on opening new shops in existing and new markets. We may be unsuccessful in opening new shops or establishing new markets, which could adversely affect our growth.
•Our operating results and growth strategies are closely tied to the success of our franchise partners and we have limited control with respect to their operations. Additionally, our franchise partners’ interests may conflict or diverge with our interests in the future, which could have a negative impact on our business.
•We have identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting. If we are unable to remedy our material weakness, or if we fail to establish and maintain effective internal controls, we may be unable to produce timely and accurate financial statements, and we may conclude that our internal control over financial reporting is not effective, which could adversely impact our investors’ confidence and our Class A common stock price.
Organizational Structure
In connection with the consummation of this offering, we will effect certain reorganizational transactions subsequent to which we will conduct our business through what is commonly referred to as an “UP-C” structure, which is often used by partnerships and limited liability companies when they decide to undertake an initial public offering.
Following the consummation of the Reorganization Transactions and the Offering Transactions (as more fully described under “Organizational Structure”), we will be a holding company. Our sole material asset will be our equity interest in Dutch Bros OpCo which, through its direct and indirect subsidiaries, conducts all of our operations. Because Dutch Bros Inc. will be the sole managing member of Dutch Bros OpCo, we will indirectly operate and control all of the business and affairs (and will consolidate the financial results) of Dutch Bros OpCo and its subsidiaries.
Prior to the consummation of the Reorganization Transactions, the capital structure of Dutch Bros OpCo consists of two classes of membership interests: Common Units and Profits Interest Units.
In connection with the completion of this offering, we will complete a series of reorganization transactions, including: (i) the amendment and restatement of the Second LLC Agreement, to, among other things, effect a recapitalization in which (x) the outstanding Common Units are converted into Class A common units paired with an equal number of either Class B voting units or Class C voting units, and (y) the outstanding Profits Interest Units are converted into Class A common units; (ii) the amendment and restatement of the Dutch Bros Inc. certificate of incorporation to, among other things, authorize four classes of common stock; (iii) Dutch Bros Inc.’s acquisition of Class A common units and Class C voting units held by the Blocker Companies pursuant to the Blocker Mergers; (iv) the Pre-IPO OpCo Unitholders’ contribution of Class A common units, Class B voting units and Class C voting units to Dutch Bros Inc. in exchange for Class A common stock, Class B common stock and Class C common stock; and (v) Dutch Bros Inc.’s designation as managing member of Dutch Bros OpCo. See the sections titled “Organizational Structure—Reorganization Transactions” and “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions” for additional information.
Prior to the completion of the Offering Transactions, Dutch Bros Inc. will enter into two Tax Receivable Agreements: (i) the Exchange Tax Receivable Agreement with the Continuing Members and (ii) the Reorganization Tax Receivable Agreement with the Pre-IPO Blocker Holders. These Tax Receivable Agreements will provide for the payment by Dutch Bros Inc. to such Continuing Members and Pre-IPO Blocker Holders of 85% of the benefits, if any, that Dutch Bros Inc. is deemed to realize (calculated using certain assumptions) as a result of certain tax attributes and benefits covered by the Tax Receivable Agreements. See the sections titled “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Organizational Structure,” “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Agreements to be entered into in connection with this offering—Tax Receivable Agreements” for additional information regarding the Tax Receivable Agreements.
We intend to use $234.4 million of the net proceeds we receive from this offering to purchase newly issued Class A common units from Dutch Bros OpCo. We intend to use $140.6 million of the net proceeds (or $196.9 million if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) to purchase Class A common units from the Continuing Members and shares of Class D common stock from the Pre-IPO Blocker Holders, at a price per unit and price per share equal to the public offering price per share of Class A
common stock in this offering, less estimated underwriting discounts and commissions. See “Organizational Structure—Offering Transactions,” “Use of Proceeds” and “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Other Related Person Transactions—Purchase of Class A Common Units and Class D Common Stock.”
Subject to the terms and conditions of the Third LLC Agreement, the Continuing Members will have the right, from time to time following a lock-up period, to have Dutch Bros OpCo redeem their Class A common units for shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis or, in certain circumstances, a corresponding amount of cash, in either case, contributed to Dutch Bros OpCo by Dutch Bros Inc., unless Dutch Bros Inc. elects, in its sole discretion, to effect such transaction as a direct exchange with the relevant Continuing Member. Upon any such redemption or exchange of Class A common units, the corresponding shares of Class B common stock or Class C common stock held by such Continuing Member will be surrendered and immediately canceled. See “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Agreements to be entered into prior to this offering—Dutch Bros OpCo Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement” for additional information regarding such redemption and exchange rights.
Our Sponsor
Our Sponsor is a leading private equity firm focused exclusively on the branded consumer sector. Since its founding in 1987, our Sponsor has been an active investor in the food, beverage, restaurant, fitness, beauty, personal care, household, apparel & accessories and e-commerce sectors. Representative past and present partner companies include Planet Fitness, IT Cosmetics, REVOLVE, Duckhorn, BrewDog, Canyon Bicycles, Pabst, Backcountry, Power Stop, vitaminwater, thinkThin, popchips, Stumptown, Smashbox Cosmetics and e.l.f. Cosmetics.
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After the completion of this offering and application of the net proceeds therefrom, our Co-Founder, through its holdings of Class B common stock, will beneficially own approximately 74.4% of the combined voting power of our Class A common stock, Class B common stock, Class C common stock and Class D common stock (or approximtely 74.1% if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) and our Sponsor through its holdings of Class C common stock and Class D common stock, directly and indirectly through affiliated investment funds, will beneficially own approximately 22.2% of the combined voting power of our Class A common stock, Class B common stock, Class C common stock and Class D common stock (or approximately 22.1% if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock). Each share of Class A common stock entitling the holder to one vote, each share of Class B common stock entitling the holder to ten votes (for so long as the aggregate number of outstanding shares of our Class B common stock represents at least 5% of the aggregate number of our outstanding shares of common stock, and thereafter, one vote per share, provided that the number of votes per share may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as required to prevent the holders of Class B common stock from holding, in the aggregate, 80% or more of our aggregate voting power at any time) on all matters on which stockholders are entitled to vote generally, each share of Class C common stock entitling the holder to three votes (for so long as the aggregate number of outstanding shares of our Class C common stock and Class D common stock collectively represent at least 5% of the aggregate number of our outstanding shares of common stock, and thereafter, one vote per share) on all matters on which stockholders are entitled to vote generally and each share of Class D common stock entitling the holder to three votes (for so long as the aggregate number of outstanding shares of our Class C common stock and Class D common stock collectively represent at least 5% of the aggregate number of our outstanding shares of common stock, and thereafter, one vote per share upon the automatic conversion of our Class D common stock into shares of Class A common stock) on all matters on which stockholders are entitled to vote generally. As a result, we will be a “controlled company” within the meaning of the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance standards. Under these corporate governance standards, a company of which more than 50% of the voting power is beneficially owned by an individual, group or other company is a “controlled company” and may elect not to comply with certain corporate governance standards, including the requirements (1) that a majority of its board of directors consist of independent directors, (2) that its board of directors have a compensation committee that is composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities and (3) that its board of directors have a nominating and corporate governance committee that is composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter
addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities. Accordingly, you will not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all these corporate governance requirements. In the event that we cease to be a “controlled company” and our Class A common stock continues to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange, we will be required to comply with these provisions within the applicable transition periods.
Corporate Information
Our principal executive offices are located at 110 SW 4th Street, Grants Pass, Oregon 97526. Our telephone number is (541) 955-4700. Our website address is http://www.dutchbros.com. Information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and you should not consider information on our website to be part of this prospectus.
Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company
We are an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”). We may take advantage of certain exemptions from various public company reporting requirements, including not being required to have our internal control over financial reporting audited by our independent registered public accounting firm under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements and exemptions from the requirements of holding a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation and any golden parachute payments. We may take advantage of these exemptions for up to five years or until we are no longer an emerging growth company, whichever is earlier. We will cease to be an emerging growth company prior to the end of such five-year period if certain earlier events occur, including if we become a “large accelerated filer” as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act,”), our annual gross revenues exceed $1.07 billion or we issue more than $1.0 billion of non-convertible debt in any three-year period. In particular, in this prospectus, we have provided only two years of audited financial statements and have not included all of the executive compensation related information that would be required if we were not an emerging growth company. Accordingly, the information contained herein may be different than the information you receive from other public companies in which you hold stock. In addition, the JOBS Act provides that an “emerging growth company” can delay adopting new or revised accounting standards until those standards apply to private companies. We have elected to use the extended transition period under the JOBS Act. Accordingly, our financial statements may not be comparable to the financial statements of public companies that comply with such new or revised accounting standards.
See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to this Offering and Ownership of Our Class A Common Stock—We are an “emerging growth company,” and we intend to comply only with reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies. As a result, our Class A common stock could be less attractive to investors.”
The Offering
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Issuer
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Dutch Bros Inc.
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Class A common stock offered by Dutch Bros Inc.
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21,052,632 shares (plus up to an additional 3,157,894 shares if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock).
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Option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock
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We have granted the underwriters a 30-day option from the date of this prospectus to purchase up to 3,157,894 additional shares of our Class A common stock at the initial public offering price, less estimated underwriting discounts and commissions.
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Class A common stock outstanding after giving effect to this offering
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30,528,501 shares (or 33,686,395 shares if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock).
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Class A common stock outstanding after this offering assuming redemption of all Class A common units held by the Continuing Members and conversion of all shares of Class D common stock held by the Pre-IPO Blocker Holders, in each case, for Class A common stock
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165,112,162 shares.
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Voting power held by our Co-Founder and the Continuing Members in this offering after giving effect to this offering and application of the net proceeds therefrom
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approximately 97.7% (or approximately 97.3% if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock).
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Use of proceeds
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We estimate that the net proceeds to Dutch Bros Inc. from this offering, based on an assumed initial public offering price of $19.00 per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions, will be approximately $368.0 million (or $424.2 million if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock). Dutch Bros OpCo will reimburse Dutch Bros Inc. for or bear all the expenses payable by it in this offering. We estimate these offering expenses (excluding the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions) will be approximately $7.0 million.
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Dutch Bros Inc. intends to use the net proceeds from this offering (including from any exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock), based on an assumed initial public offering price of $19.00 per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, as follows:
•to purchase 13,157,895 newly issued Class A common units from Dutch Bros OpCo (which will remain unchanged if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) for approximately $234.4 million;
•to purchase 6,942,136 Class A common units (or 9,718,989 Class A common units if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) from the Continuing Members for approximately $123.7 million (or $173.1 million if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock); and
•to purchase 952,601 shares of Class D common stock (or 1,333,642 shares of Class D common stock if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) from the Pre-IPO Blocker Holders for approximately $17.0 million (or $23.8 million if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock).
Dutch Bros OpCo expects to use the proceeds it receives from Dutch Bros Inc. from this offering:
•to repay $198.8 million of outstanding borrowings under our credit facility; and
•to the extent there are remaining proceeds, for general corporate purposes.
Se See “Use of Proceeds.”
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Voting rights
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Each share of our Class A common stock entitles its holder to one vote on all matters to be voted on by stockholders generally.
Immediately following the consummation of this offering and application of the net proceeds therefrom:
•the Co-Founder will hold all the outstanding shares of our Class B common stock. The shares of Class B common stock will have no economic rights, but each share will entitle the holder to ten votes (for so long as the aggregate number of outstanding shares of our Class B common stock represents at least 5% of the aggregate number of our outstanding shares of common stock, and thereafter, one vote per share (provided that the number of votes per share may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as required to prevent the holders of Class B common stock from holding, in the aggregate, 80% or more of our aggregate voting power at any time) on all matters on which stockholders are entitled to vote generally;
•our Sponsor will hold all the issued and outstanding shares of our Class C common stock. The shares of Class C common stock will have no economic rights, but each share will entitle the holder to three votes (for so long as the aggregate number of outstanding shares of our Class C common stock and Class D common stock collectively represent at least 5% of the aggregate number of our outstanding shares of common stock, and thereafter, one vote per share) on all matters on which stockholders are entitled to vote generally; and
• the Pre-IPO Blocker Holders will hold all the issued and outstanding shares of our Class D common stock. The shares of Class D common stock will have the same economic rights as shares of Class A common stock, but each share will entitle the holder to three votes (for so long as the aggregate number of outstanding shares of our Class C and Class D common stock collectively represent at least 5% of the aggregate number of our outstanding shares of common stock, and thereafter, one vote per share upon the automatic conversion of our Class D common stock into shares of Class A common stock) on all matters on which stockholders are entitled to vote generally.
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Holders of outstanding shares of our Class A common stock, Class B common stock, Class C common stock and Class D common stock will vote as a single class on all matters on which stockholders are entitled to vote generally, except as otherwise required by law. See “Description of Capital Stock—Common Stock.”
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Pursuant to the terms of the Stockholders Agreement, our Sponsor, by virtue of its ownership of Class C common stock and pursuant to the terms of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, will have the right to designate and elect up to two members of the board of directors for so long as a specified percentage of shares of Class C common stock and Class D common stock remain outstanding as set forth in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation. See “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Stockholders Agreement” and “Description of Capital Stock—Anti-Takeover Provisions.”
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Dividend policy
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We have no current plans to pay dividends on our Class A common stock or Class D common stock and our ability to pay dividends on our common stock is limited by the covenants of the credit agreements governing our Senior Secured Credit Facility. See “Dividend Policy.” The declaration, amount and payment of any future dividends will be at the sole discretion of our board of directors. Our board of directors may take into account general economic and business conditions, our financial condition and operating results, our available cash and current and anticipated cash needs, capital requirements, contractual, legal, tax, and regulatory restrictions, and implications on the payment of dividends by us to our stockholders or by our subsidiaries (including Dutch Bros OpCo) to us, and such other factors as our board of directors may deem relevant. Holders of our Class B common stock and Class C common stock do not have any right to receive dividends, or to receive a distribution upon a liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of Dutch Bros Inc., with respect to their Class B common stock or Class C common stock.
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Dutch Bros Inc. is a holding company and has no material assets other than a controlling equity interest in Dutch Bros OpCo. The limited liability company agreement of Dutch Bros OpCo that will be in effect at the time of this offering provides that certain distributions to cover the taxes of the holders of Class A common units will be made based upon assumed tax rates and other assumptions provided in such limited liability company agreement. Additionally, in the event Dutch Bros Inc. declares any cash dividend, we intend to cause Dutch Bros OpCo to make distributions to Dutch Bros Inc., in an amount sufficient to cover such cash dividends declared by us. If Dutch Bros OpCo makes such distributions to Dutch Bros Inc., the Continuing Members will also be entitled to receive the respective equivalent pro rata distributions in accordance with their respective ownership of Class A common units. Prior to this offering, Dutch Bros OpCo distributed $200 million cash to the Pre-IPO OpCo Unitholders. See “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions.”
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Redemption and exchange rights of holders of Class A common units
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Prior to this offering, we will amend and restate the Second LLC Agreement so that the Continuing Members may, from time to time following a lock-up period (subject to the terms of the Third LLC Agreement), elect to have Dutch Bros OpCo redeem their Class A common units for shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis or, in certain circumstances, a corresponding amount of cash, in either case, contributed to Dutch Bros OpCo by Dutch Bros Inc., unless Dutch Bros Inc. elects, in its sole discretion, to effect such transaction as a direct exchange with the relevant Continuing Member. Upon any such redemption or exchange of Class A common units, the corresponding shares of Class B common stock or Class C common stock will be surrendered and immediately canceled. See “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Agreements to be entered into prior to this offering—Dutch Bros OpCo Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement.”
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Conversion of Class D common stock
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Pursuant to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, at the option of the holder, a share of Class D common stock may be converted into one share of Class A common stock. In addition, each share of Class D common stock will convert automatically into one share of Class A common stock upon any transfer, whether or not for value, except for certain affiliate transfers described in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation among the Sponsor, the Co-Founder and their respective affiliates as of the date of the consummation of this offering. Each share of Class D common stock will also automatically convert into one share of Class A common stock if, on the record date for any meeting of the stockholders, the aggregate number of outstanding shares of our Class C common stock and Class D common stock collectively is less than 5% of our outstanding shares of common stock. Once converted into Class A common stock, Class D common stock will not be reissued. See “Description of Capital Stock—Common Stock—Class D Common Stock.”
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Reserved Share Program
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At our request, an affiliate of BofA Securities, Inc. has reserved for sale, at the initial public offering price, up to 5% of the shares offered by this prospectus for sale to certain employees, business associates and individuals identified by our officers and directors who have expressed an interest in purchasing common stock in this offering. If these persons purchase reserved shares it will reduce the number of shares available for sale to the general public. Any reserved shares that are not so purchased will be offered by the underwriters to the general public on the same terms as the other shares offered by this prospectus. See “Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest)—Reserved Share Program.”
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Tax Receivable Agreements
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As described below under “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Agreements to be entered into in connection with this offering—Tax Receivable Agreements,” we entered into two Tax Receivable Agreements. We entered into (i) the Exchange Tax Receivable Agreement with the Continuing Members and (ii) the Reorganization Tax Receivable Agreement with the Pre-IPO Blocker Holders. These Tax Receivable Agreements provide for the payment by Dutch Bros Inc. to the Continuing Members and Pre-IPO Blocker Holders of 85% of the benefits, if any, that Dutch Bros Inc. is deemed to realize (calculated using certain assumptions) as a result of certain tax attributes and benefits covered by the Tax Receivable Agreements. See the sections titled “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Organizational Structure” and “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Agreements to be entered into in connection with this offering—Tax Receivable Agreements” for additional information regarding the Tax Receivable Agreements.
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Risk factors
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Investing in our Class A common stock involves a high degree of risk. See “Risk Factors” for a discussion of risks you should carefully consider before deciding to invest in our Class A common stock.
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Material U.S. federal income tax consequences to non-U.S. holders of our Class A common stock
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For a discussion of material U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to non-U.S. stockholders, see “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders of our Class A Common Stock.”
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Proposed NYSE trading symbol
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“BROS”
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In this prospectus, unless otherwise indicated, the number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding and the other information based thereon reflects 30,528,501 shares of Class A common stock outstanding immediately following this offering and does not reflect:
•3,157,894 shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock from us;
•118,344,409 shares of Class A common stock issuable upon redemption or exchange of 118,344,409 Class A common units that will be held by the Continuing Members immediately following this offering;
•16,239,252 shares of Class A common stock issuable upon conversion of 16,239,252 shares of Class D common stock that will be held by the Pre-IPO Blocker Holders immediately following this offering; and
•17,298,769 shares of Class A common stock that may be granted under our 2021 Equity Incentive Plan, which includes 9,423,239 restricted stock units (assuming an offering price of $19.00 per share of Class A common stock, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover of this prospectus; a decrease of $1.00 in the offering price would increase this number of restricted stock units by 523,513 and an increase of $1.00 in the offering price would decrease this number of restricted stock units by 471,162) to be awarded in connection with this offering.
If we issue and sell a number of shares of Class A common stock in excess of the number of shares set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, we expect to use the additional net proceeds to purchase additional Class A common units from the Continuing Members and additional shares of Class D common stock from the Pre-IPO
Blocker Holders, at a price per unit and price per share equal to the public offering price per share of Class A common stock in this offering, less the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions. Upon such purchase of Class A common units, and each future redemption or exchange of Class A common units, the corresponding shares of Class B common stock or Class C common stock, as applicable, will be surrendered and immediately canceled. As a result, the total numbers of outstanding shares of Class A common stock, Class A common units, as well as the relative percentages of equity ownership and voting power of the holders of Class A common stock, Class B common stock, Class C common stock and Class D common stock, will be adjusted accordingly from the information presented herein.
Summary Historical and Pro Forma Consolidated Financial and Other Data
The following tables present the summary historical consolidated financial data for Dutch Bros OpCo and its subsidiaries and the summary pro forma combined and consolidated financial data for Dutch Bros Inc. for the periods and at the dates indicated. Immediately following this offering, Dutch Bros Inc. will be a holding company, and its sole material asset will be a controlling equity interest in Dutch Bros OpCo. Dutch Bros Inc. will operate and control all the business and affairs of Dutch Bros OpCo and, through Dutch Bros OpCo and its subsidiaries, conduct our business. Following this offering, Dutch Bros OpCo will be the predecessor of Dutch Bros Inc. for financial reporting purposes. As a result, the consolidated financial statements of Dutch Bros Inc. will recognize the assets and liabilities received in the Reorganization Transactions at their historical carrying amounts, as reflected in the historical consolidated financial statements of Dutch Bros OpCo. Dutch Bros Inc. will consolidate Dutch Bros OpCo in its consolidated financial statements and will report non-controlling interests related to the Class A common units held by the Continuing Members in its consolidated financial statements. The summary historical consolidated statements of income data and summary historical consolidated statements of cash flows data presented below for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020 and the summary historical consolidated balance sheet data presented below as of December 31, 2019 and 2020 have been derived from the historical consolidated financial statements of Dutch Bros OpCo included elsewhere in this prospectus. The summary historical consolidated financial information of Dutch Bros OpCo as of June 30, 2021 and for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2021 was derived from the unaudited historical consolidated financial statements of Dutch Bros OpCo included elsewhere in this prospectus. The unaudited historical consolidated financial statements of Dutch Bros OpCo have been prepared on the same basis as the audited historical consolidated financial statements and, in our opinion, have included all adjustments, which include normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly in all material respects our financial position and results of operations data. The results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year.
The summary historical consolidated financial and other data of Dutch Bros Inc. has not been presented because Dutch Bros Inc. is a newly incorporated entity, has had no business transactions or activities to date, and had no assets or liabilities during the periods presented in this section.
Historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for any future period. You should read the summary historical consolidated financial data below, together with our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto, the audited consolidated financial statements of Dutch Bros Inc. and related notes thereto and our unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto, each included elsewhere in this prospectus, as well as “Organizational Structure,” “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined and Consolidated Financial Information,” “Selected Historical and Pro Forma Consolidated Financial and Other Data,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the other information appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.
The summary historical and pro forma consolidated financial and other data of Dutch Bros Inc. presented below have been derived from our unaudited pro forma combined and consolidated historical financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The summary unaudited pro forma combined and consolidated statements of income data for the year ended December 31, 2020 give effect to (i) the Reorganization Transactions and (ii) the Offering Transactions, each as if they had occurred on January 1, 2020. The summary unaudited pro forma combined and historical consolidated statements of income data for the six months ended June 30, 2021 give effect to (i) the Reorganization Transactions and (ii) the Offering Transactions, each as if they had occurred on January 1, 2020. The summary unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2021 gives effect to (i) the Reorganization Transactions and (ii) the Offering Transactions, each as if they had occurred on June 30, 2021. The summary unaudited combined and consolidated pro forma financial statements are presented for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the operating results or financial position that would have occurred if the relevant transactions had been consummated on the dates indicated, nor is it indicative of future operating
results or financial position. See “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined and Consolidated Financial Information” and “Organizational Structure.”
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Dutch Bros OpCo
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Dutch Bros OpCo
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Dutch Bros Inc.
Pro Forma(1)
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Year Ended December 31,
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Six Months Ended June 30,
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Year Ended December 31,
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Six Months Ended June 30,
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Historical Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) Data:
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2019
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2020
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2020
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2021
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2020
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2021
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($ in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
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Revenue
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Company-operated shops
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$
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151,543
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$
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244,514
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$
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109,072
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$
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180,887
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$
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244,514
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$
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180,887
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Franchising and other
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86,825
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82,899
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41,787
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47,106
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82,899
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47,106
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Total revenue
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238,368
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327,413
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150,859
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227,993
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327,413
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227,993
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Costs and expenses
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Cost of sales
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142,307
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211,659
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94,929
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148,809
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211,659
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148,809
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Selling, general and administrative
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65,764
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105,087
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48,300
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69,868
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|
|
171,197
|
|
|
124,844
|
|
Total costs and expenses
|
208,071
|
|
|
316,746
|
|
|
143,229
|
|
|
218,677
|
|
|
382,856
|
|
|
273,653
|
|
Income from operations
|
30,297
|
|
|
10,667
|
|
|
7,630
|
|
|
9,316
|
|
|
(55,443)
|
|
|
(45,660)
|
|
Other income (expense)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense, net
|
(2,346)
|
|
|
(3,736)
|
|
|
(1,700)
|
|
|
(2,855)
|
|
|
(2,742)
|
|
|
(2,195)
|
|
Other income (expense)
|
524
|
|
|
(363)
|
|
|
(316)
|
|
|
(58)
|
|
|
(363)
|
|
|
(58)
|
|
Total other income (expense)
|
(1,822)
|
|
|
(4,099)
|
|
|
(2,016)
|
|
|
(2,913)
|
|
|
(3,105)
|
|
|
(2,253)
|
|
Income before income taxes
|
28,475
|
|
|
6,568
|
|
|
5,614
|
|
|
6,403
|
|
|
(58,548)
|
|
|
(47,913)
|
|
Income tax expense
|
89
|
|
|
843
|
|
|
338
|
|
|
564
|
|
|
3,275
|
|
|
3,141
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
$
|
28,386
|
|
|
$
|
5,725
|
|
|
$
|
5,276
|
|
|
$
|
5,839
|
|
|
$
|
(61,823)
|
|
|
$
|
(51,054)
|
|
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(45,365)
|
|
|
$
|
(37,463)
|
|
Net loss attributable to Dutch Bros Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(16,458)
|
|
|
$
|
(13,591)
|
|
Basic and diluted net loss per share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(0.38)
|
|
|
$
|
(0.32)
|
|
Shares used in basic and diluted per share calculations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
42,934,394
|
|
|
42,934,394
|
|
__________________
(1)Pro forma figures give effect to the Offering Transactions and Reorganization Transactions, including this offering. See “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined and Consolidated Financial Information” for a detailed presentation of the unaudited pro forma information, including a description of the transactions and assumptions underlying the pro forma adjustments.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
Six Months Ended June 30,
|
Other Financial and Operational Data:
|
2019
|
|
2020
|
|
2020
|
|
2021
|
|
($ in thousands)
|
Number of shops
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Company-operated
|
118
|
|
|
182
|
|
|
146
|
|
|
207
|
|
Franchised
|
252
|
|
|
259
|
|
|
255
|
|
|
264
|
|
Total net-new shop openings
|
42
|
|
|
71
|
|
|
31
|
|
|
30
|
|
Average unit volume (AUV)(1)
|
$
|
1,635
|
|
|
$
|
1,679
|
|
|
$
|
1,643
|
|
|
$
|
1,766
|
|
Company-operated shops
|
$
|
1,460
|
|
|
$
|
1,524
|
|
|
$
|
1,451
|
|
|
$
|
1,654
|
|
Same shop sales growth(2)
|
2.0
|
%
|
|
2.0
|
%
|
|
0.5
|
%
|
|
8.2
|
%
|
Company-operated shops
|
2.3
|
%
|
|
0.8
|
%
|
|
(1.5
|
%)
|
|
9.6
|
%
|
Company-operated shop revenue(3)
|
$
|
151,543
|
|
|
$
|
244,514
|
|
|
$
|
109,072
|
|
|
$
|
180,887
|
|
Company-operated shop contribution(4)(5)
|
$
|
33,795
|
|
|
$
|
70,104
|
|
|
$
|
31,397
|
|
|
$
|
52,974
|
|
% of company-operated shop revenue
|
22
|
%
|
|
29
|
%
|
|
29
|
%
|
|
29
|
%
|
Adjusted EBITDA(5)
|
$
|
48,715
|
|
|
$
|
69,764
|
|
|
$
|
35,525
|
|
|
$
|
45,827
|
|
% of revenue
|
20
|
%
|
|
21
|
%
|
|
24
|
%
|
|
20
|
%
|
Systemwide sales(6)
|
$
|
566,642
|
|
|
$
|
687,238
|
|
|
$
|
329,732
|
|
|
$
|
413,250
|
|
__________________
(1)At Dutch Bros we track systemwide and company-operated shop AUVs. AUVs for any trailing twelve-month period consist of the net sales of systemwide and company-operated shops, respectively, for all shops that have been open for the entire 15-month measurement period. AUVs are calculated by dividing the total net sales by the total number of systemwide and company-operated shops, respectively, that were open for 15 months at the time of AUV calculation.
(2)Same shop sales growth reflects the change in year-over-year sales for the comparable shop base, which we define as shops open for 15 complete months or longer. For the years 2019 and 2020, we accounted for 77 and 89 shops in our company-operated comparable shop base, respectively, and 287 and 316 shops in our systemwide shop base, respectively. For the twelve months ended June 30, 2020, and June 30, 2021, there were 85 and 120 shops in our company-operated comparable shop base, respectively, and 316 and 355 shops in our systemwide shop base, respectively.
(3)Company-operated shop revenue represent the aggregate beverage sales in company-operated shops.
(4)Company-operated shop contribution, a non-GAAP financial measure, is defined as net sales less beverage, food and packaging costs, labor and other costs, including pre-opening costs.
(5)EBITDA, company-operated shop contribution and Adjusted EBITDA are included in this prospectus because they are key metrics used by management and our board of directors to assess our financial performance. EBITDA, company-operated shop contribution and Adjusted EBITDA are frequently used by analysts, investors and other interested parties to evaluate companies in our industry. EBITDA, company-operated shop contribution and Adjusted EBITDA are not GAAP measures of our financial performance and should not be considered as alternatives to net income as a measure of financial performance or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP. Company-operated shop contribution and Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items. These measures are also not intended to be measures of free cash flow for management’s discretionary use, as they do not reflect tax payments, debt service requirements and certain other cash costs that may recur in the future, including, among other things, cash requirements for working capital needs. Management compensates for these limitations by relying on our GAAP results in addition to using EBITDA, company-operated shop contribution and Adjusted EBITDA as supplemental measures. Our measures of EBITDA, company-operated shop contribution and Adjusted EBITDA are not necessarily comparable to similarly titled captions of other companies due to different methods of calculation. For a description of the items in Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income, see “Selected Historical and Pro Forma Consolidated Financial and Other Data—Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation.”
(6)Systemwide sales and systemwide same shop sales include company-operated shop revenue and sales at franchised shops during the comparable periods noted. As these metrics include sales reported to us by our non-consolidated franchise partners, these metrics should be considered as a supplement to, not a substitute for, our results as reported under GAAP.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:
|
Dutch Bros OpCo Actual
|
|
Dutch Bros Inc.
Pro Forma(1)
|
|
As of June 30, 2021
|
|
($ in thousands)
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
$
|
19,577
|
|
|
$
|
50,576
|
|
Total assets
|
285,227
|
|
|
419,085
|
|
Working capital(2)
|
(37,846)
|
|
|
(1,321)
|
|
Total liabilities
|
412,506
|
|
|
223,232
|
|
Total liabilities and members’ equity
|
285,227
|
|
|
419,085
|
|
_________________
(1)Pro forma figures give effect to the Offering Transactions and Reorganization Transactions, including this offering. See “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined and Consolidated Financial Information” for a detailed presentation of the unaudited pro forma information, including a description of the transactions and assumptions underlying the pro forma adjustments.
(2)Working capital is defined as total current assets, including cash and cash equivalents, minus total current liabilities.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
Six Months Ended June 30,
|
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Data:
|
2019
|
|
2020
|
|
2020
|
|
2021
|
|
($ in thousands)
|
Net cash flows provided by operating activities
|
$
|
56,702
|
|
|
$
|
53,549
|
|
|
$
|
20,888
|
|
|
$
|
56,199
|
|
Net cash flows used in investing activities
|
(39,948)
|
|
|
(45,570)
|
|
|
(14,430)
|
|
|
(36,386)
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
|
(12,680)
|
|
|
8,077
|
|
|
10,006
|
|
|
(31,876)
|
|
Net increase (decrease) in cash
|
4,074
|
|
|
16,056
|
|
|
16,464
|
|
|
(12,063)
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
|
11,510
|
|
|
15,584
|
|
|
15,584
|
|
|
31,640
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
|
15,584
|
|
|
31,640
|
|
|
32,048
|
|
|
19,577
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
Six Months Ended June 30,
|
|
2019
|
|
2020
|
|
2020
|
|
2021
|
|
($ in thousands)
|
Net income
|
$
|
28,386
|
|
|
$
|
5,725
|
|
|
$
|
5,276
|
|
|
$
|
5,839
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
9,670
|
|
|
15,537
|
|
|
7,089
|
|
|
11,031
|
|
Interest expense, net
|
2,346
|
|
|
3,736
|
|
|
1,700
|
|
|
2,855
|
|
Income tax expense
|
89
|
|
|
843
|
|
|
338
|
|
|
564
|
|
EBITDA
|
$
|
40,491
|
|
|
$
|
25,841
|
|
|
$
|
14,403
|
|
|
$
|
20,289
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity-based compensation(1)
|
$
|
6,758
|
|
|
$
|
35,087
|
|
|
$
|
13,557
|
|
|
$
|
22,982
|
|
COVID-19: “Thank you pay” and catastrophic leave(2)
|
—
|
|
|
4,942
|
|
|
3,024
|
|
|
2,556
|
|
COVID-19: Royalty abatement(3)
|
—
|
|
|
1,400
|
|
|
1,400
|
|
|
—
|
|
COVID-19: First responder donation(4)
|
—
|
|
|
2,000
|
|
|
2,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
Dutch rewards transition(5)
|
1,466
|
|
|
(3,669)
|
|
|
(42)
|
|
|
—
|
|
Dutchwear merchandising adjustment(6)
|
—
|
|
|
4,163
|
|
|
1,183
|
|
|
—
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
$
|
48,715
|
|
|
$
|
69,764
|
|
|
$
|
35,525
|
|
|
$
|
45,827
|
|
__________________
(1)In 2019, 2020 and the six months ended June 30, 2021, we recognized non-cash expenses related to the grant and vesting of Profits Interest Units in Dutch Bros OpCo to certain employees. These awards are accounted for in accordance with guidance prescribed for accounting for share based compensation. See Note 12 to the audited financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.
(2)During 2020 and the six months ended June 30, 2021, we incurred costs related to two separate programs established to support employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. We implemented a $3 per hour wage supplement program for shop employees who continued to come into work while their state or county was under a stay at home order or similar lockdown requirement. This program lasted in various markets until April 2021 and cost $3.9 million in 2020 and $2.0 million through June 30, 2021. We established a catastrophic leave policy that provided paid leave to employees who were required to quarantine due to in-shop exposures and could not work their regular hours, which cost $1.0 million in 2020 and $0.6 million through June 30, 2021. All COVID-19-related protocols, including catastrophic leave, will remain in effect until the end of the COVID-19 pandemic as determined by the appropriate government agency.
(3)In April 2020, we permitted franchise partners to skip one month of royalty payments to support their cash flow needs. We discontinued this support one month later in May 2020.
(4)During 2020, we made a specific, one-time donation to the First Responders First organization to support the acquisition and distribution of personal protective equipment for first responders.
(5)We recorded an expense related to our transition from our paper-based stamp card loyalty program to our current app-based loyalty program.
(6)During 2020, we incurred a series of one-time costs associated with the strategic decision to exit our internal merchandising business related to Dutch-branded goods such as mugs and cups. These costs include write-off and disposal of obsolete inventory and severance for staff dedicated to in-house support services related to our Dutchwear business.
RISK FACTORS
Investing in our Class A common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks described below, as well as the other information in this prospectus, including our consolidated financial statements, and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” before deciding whether to invest in our Class A common stock. The occurrence of any of the events or developments described below could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and growth prospects. In such an event, the market price of our Class A common stock could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment. Unless otherwise indicated, references in these risk factors to our business being harmed will include harm to our business, reputation, brand, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe are not material may also impair our business, financial condition, results of operations, and growth prospects.
Risks Related to Our Business
Evolving consumer preferences and tastes may adversely affect our business.
Dutch Bros’ continued success depends on our ability to attract and retain customers. Our financial results could be adversely affected by a shift in consumer spending away from Dutch Bros’ hand-crafted beverages, lack of customer acceptance of new products (including due to price increases necessary to cover the costs of new beverages or higher input costs), brand perception (such as the existence or expansion of our competitors), platforms (such as features of our mobile application and changes in our loyalty rewards programs and initiatives) and a reduction in individual car ownership, which in turn may reduce the usefulness and convenience of our drive-thru shops, or customers reducing their demand for our current offerings as new beverages are introduced. In addition, most of our beverages contain sugar, caffeine, dairy products, and other compounds, such as taurine and artificial coloring, the health effects of which are the subject of public and regulatory scrutiny, including the suggestion of linkages to a variety of adverse health effects. There is increasing consumer awareness of health risks that are attributed to ingredients we use, particularly in the United States, including obesity, increased blood pressure and heart rate, anxiety and insomnia, as well as increased consumer litigation based on alleged adverse health impacts of consumption of various food and beverage products. While we offer alternatives, including reduced sugar and sugar-free items, an unfavorable report on the health effects of sugar, caffeine or other ingredients in our products or changes in public perception of these ingredients could significantly reduce the demand for our beverages. A decrease in customer traffic as a result of these health concerns or negative publicity could significantly reduce the demand for Dutch Bros’ hand-crafted beverages and could harm our business.
Our financial condition and quarterly results of operations are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, a number of factors, many of which are also largely outside our control and as such our results may fluctuate significantly and may not fully reflect the underlying performance of our business.
Our quarterly results of operations and key metrics may vary significantly in the future as they have in the past, and period-to-period comparisons of our results of operations and key metrics may not be meaningful. Accordingly, the results of any one quarter should not be relied upon as an indication of future performance. Our quarterly results of operations and key metrics may fluctuate as a result of a variety of factors, many of which are outside of our control, and as a result, may not fully reflect the underlying performance of our business. Fluctuations in quarterly results may negatively impact the value of our securities. Factors that may cause fluctuations in our quarterly results of operations and key metrics include, without limitation, those listed elsewhere in this Risk Factors section and those listed below. Any one or more of the factors listed below or described elsewhere in this section could harm our business:
•increases in real estate or labor costs in certain markets;
•consumer preferences, including those described above;
•severe weather or other natural or man-made disasters affecting a large market or several closely located markets that may temporarily but significantly affect our business in such markets;
•especially in our large markets, labor discord or disruption, geopolitical events, social unrest, war, terrorism, political instability, acts of public violence, boycotts, hostilities and social unrest and other health pandemics that lead to avoidance of public places or cause people to stay at home; and
•adverse outcomes of litigation.
Our marketing programs may not be successful, and our new menu items and advertising campaigns may not generate increased sales or profits.
We incur costs and expend other resources in our marketing efforts on new menu items and advertising campaigns to raise brand awareness and attract and retain customers. These initiatives may not be successful, resulting in expenses incurred without the benefit of higher revenue. Additionally, some of our competitors have greater financial resources than we do, which enable them to spend significantly more on marketing and advertising and other initiatives than we can. Should our competitors increase spending on marketing and advertising and other initiatives or our marketing funds decrease for any reason, or should our advertising, promotions and new menu items be less effective than our competitors, there could be an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
We may not be able to compete successfully with other coffee shops, QSRs and convenience shops, including the growing number of coffee delivery options. Intense competition in the foodservice and restaurant industry could make it more difficult to expand our business and could also have a negative impact on our operating results if customers favor our competitors or we are forced to change our pricing and other marketing strategies.
The foodservice and restaurant industry is intensely competitive. We expect competition in this market to continue to be intense as we compete on a variety of fronts, including convenience, taste, price, quality, service and location. If our company-operated and franchised shops cannot compete successfully with other beverage and coffee shops, including Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks, other specialty coffee shops, drive-thru QSRs and the growing number of coffee delivery options in new and existing markets, we could lose customers and our revenue could decline. Our company-operated and franchised shops compete with national, regional and local coffee chains, QSRs, and convenience shops for customers, shop locations and qualified management and other staff. Compared to us, some of our competitors have substantially greater financial and other resources, have been in business longer, have greater brand recognition or are better established in the markets where our shops are located or are planned to be located. In some markets that we may grow into, there are already well-funded competitors in the drive-thru coffee or beverage business that may challenge our ability to grow into those regions. Any of these competitive factors may harm our business.
Additionally, if our competitors begin to evolve their business strategies and adopt aspects of the Dutch Bros business model, such as our drive-thru convenience and digital ordering, our customers may be drawn to those competitors for their beverage needs and our business could be harmed.
Our growth strategy depends in part on opening new shops in existing and new markets. We may be unsuccessful in opening new shops or establishing new markets, which could adversely affect our growth.
As of June 30, 2021, Dutch Bros had 471 shops across 11 states, of which 207 were company-operated and 264 were franchised. One of the key means to achieving our growth strategy will be through opening new shops and operating those shops on a profitable basis. We opened 59 new company-operated shops in 2020. In the first six months of 2021, we opened 22 new company-operated shops, and we plan to open an additional 56 new company-operated shops before the end of 2021. Our franchise partners opened 13 new franchise partner operated shops in 2020. In the first six months of 2021, our franchise partners opened eight new franchise partner operated shops and are projected to open an additional six new franchise partner operated shops before the end of 2021. Our ability to open new shops is dependent upon a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control, including our and our franchise partners’ ability to:
•identify available and suitable sites, specifically for drive-thru locations;
•compete for such sites;
•reach acceptable agreements regarding the lease of locations;
•obtain or have available the financing required to acquire and operate a shop, including construction and opening costs, which includes access to build-to-suit leases and ground lease construction arrangements;
•respond to unforeseen engineering or environmental problems with leased premises;
•avoid the impact of inclement weather, natural disasters and other calamities;
•hire, train and retain the skilled management and other employees necessary to meet staffing needs;
•obtain, in a timely manner and for an acceptable cost, required licenses, permits and regulatory approvals and respond effectively to any changes in local, state or federal law and regulations that adversely affect our and our franchise partners’ costs or ability to open new shops; and
•control construction and equipment cost increases for new shops and secure the services of qualified contractors and subcontractors in an increasingly competitive environment.
There is no guarantee that a sufficient number of suitable sites for shops will be available in desirable areas or on terms that are acceptable to us in order to achieve our growth plan. If we are unable to open new shops, or if existing franchise partners do not open new shops, or if shop openings are significantly delayed, our revenue or earnings growth could be adversely affected and our business may be harmed.
As part of our longer term growth strategy, we expect to enter into geographic markets in which we have little or no prior operating experience. The challenges of entering new markets include: adapting to local regulations or restrictions that may limit our ability to open new shops, restrict the use of certain branding or increase the cost of development; difficulties in hiring experienced personnel; unfamiliarity with local real estate markets and demographics; consumer unfamiliarity with our brand; and different competitive and economic conditions, consumer tastes and discretionary spending patterns that are more difficult to predict or satisfy than in our existing markets. Consumer recognition of our brand has been important in the success of our shops in our existing markets, and we will need to build this recognition in new markets. Shops we open in new markets may take longer to reach expected sales and profit levels on a consistent basis and may have higher construction, occupancy and operating costs than existing shops, thereby affecting our overall profitability. Any failure on our part to recognize or respond to these challenges may adversely affect the success of any new shops.
Due to brand recognition and logistical synergies, as part of our growth strategy, we also intend to open new shops in areas where we have existing shops. The operating results and comparable shop sales could be adversely affected due to close proximity with our other shops and market saturation.
New shops, once opened, may not be profitable or may close, and the increases in average per shop revenue and comparable sales that we have experienced in the past may not be indicative of future results.
Our results have been, and in the future may continue to be, significantly impacted by the timing of new shop openings, which is subject to a number of factors, many of which are outside of our control, including landlord delays, associated pre-opening costs and operating inefficiencies, as well as changes in our geographic concentration due to the opening of new shops. We have typically incurred the most significant portion of pre-opening expenses associated with a given shop within the three months preceding the opening of the shop. Our experience has been that labor and operating costs associated with a newly opened shop for the first several months of operation are materially greater than what can be expected after that time, both in aggregate dollars and as a percentage of sales. Our new shops commonly take three months or more to reach planned operating levels due to inefficiencies typically associated with new shops, including the training of new personnel, new market learning curves, inability to hire sufficient qualified staff, and other factors. We may incur additional costs in new markets, particularly for transportation and distribution, which may impact sales and the profitability of those shops. Accordingly, the volume and timing of new shop openings may have a material adverse impact on our profitability.
Although we target specified operating and financial metrics, new shops may never meet these targets or may take longer than anticipated to do so. Any new shop we open may never become profitable or achieve operating results similar to those of our existing shops, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Some of Dutch Bros’ shops open with an initial start-up period of higher than normal sales volumes and related costs, which subsequently decrease to stabilized levels. In new markets, the length of time before average sales for new shops stabilize is less predictable and can be longer as a result of our limited knowledge of these markets and consumers’ limited awareness of our brand. In addition, our AUV and comparable sales may not increase at the rates achieved over the past several years. Our ability to operate new shops profitably and increase average shop revenue and comparable shop sales will depend on many factors, some of which are beyond our control, including:
•consumer awareness and understanding of the Dutch Bros brand;
•general economic conditions, which can affect shop traffic, local labor costs and prices we pay for the beverage and other supplies we use;
•consumption patterns and beverage preferences that differ from region to region;
•changes in consumer preferences and discretionary spending;
•difficulties obtaining or maintaining adequate relationships with distributors or suppliers in new markets;
•increases in prices for commodities, including coffee, milk and flavored syrups;
•inefficiency in our labor costs as the staff gains experience;
•competition, either from our competitors in the beverage industry or our own shops;
•temporary and permanent site characteristics of new shops;
•changes in government regulation; and
•other unanticipated increases in costs, any of which could give rise to delays or cost overruns.
If our new shops do not perform as planned or close, our business and future prospects could be harmed. In addition, an inability to achieve our expected average shop revenue could harm our business.
Additionally, opening new shops in existing markets may negatively impact sales at our, and our franchise partners’, existing shops, even if it increases overall AUV in a region. The consumer target area of our shops varies by location, depending on a number of factors, including population density, other local retail and business attractions, area demographics and geography. As a result, the opening of a new shop in or near markets in which we or our franchise partners already have shops could adversely impact sales at these existing shops while growing the overall AUV in a region. Our core business strategy anticipates achieving an ideal AUV through multiple mid-volume shops in a single region to infill and reduce the number of high-volume shops in order to provide continued efficient service. However, existing shops could also make it more difficult to build our and our franchise partners’ consumer base for a new shop in the same market. Sales transfer between our shops may become significant in the future as we continue to expand our operations and could affect our sales growth, which could, in turn, harm our business.
As we expand, we may not be able to maintain our current average shop and our business may be harmed. Although we have specific target operating and financial metrics, new shops may not meet these targets or may take longer than anticipated to do so. Any new Dutch Bros shops we open may not be profitable or achieve operating results similar to those of our existing shops, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Our failure to manage our growth effectively could harm our business and operating results.
We have experienced rapid growth and increased demand for our products. The growth and expansion of our business and products may place a significant strain on our management, operational and financial resources. As we expand our business, it is important that we continue to maintain a high level of customer service and satisfaction which may place a significant strain on our management, sales and marketing, administrative, financial, and other resources. We may not be able to respond in a timely basis to all the changing demands that our planned expansion will impose on management and on our existing infrastructure, or be able to hire or retain the necessary management and broistas, which could harm our business. Further, if we are not able to continue to provide high quality customer service as a result of these demands, our reputation, as well as our business, including a decline in financial performance, could be harmed. If we experience a decline in financial performance, we may decrease the number of or discontinue new Dutch Bros shop openings, or we may decide to close shops that we are unable to operate in a profitable manner.
We are required to manage multiple relationships with various strategic partners, our franchise partners, customers, and other third parties. In the event of further growth of our operations or in the number of our third-party relationships, our existing management systems, financial and management controls and information systems may not be adequate to support our planned expansion and we may face challenges of integrating, developing, training, and motivating a rapidly growing employee base in our various shops and maintaining our company culture across multiple offices and shops. Our ability to manage our growth effectively will require us to continue to enhance our systems, procedures and controls and to locate, hire, train and retain management and broistas, particularly in new markets which may require significant capital expenditures.
Damage to our brand or reputation and negative publicity could negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our reputation and the quality of our Dutch Bros brand are critical to our business and success in existing markets and will be critical to our success as we enter new markets. We believe that we have built our reputation on the high quality of our hand-crafted beverages and service, our commitment to our customers and our strong employee culture, and we must protect and grow the value of our brand in order for us to continue to be successful. Any incident that erodes consumer loyalty for our brand could significantly reduce its value and damage our business.
We may, from time to time, be faced with negative publicity, regardless of its accuracy, relating to beverage quality; the safety, sanitation and welfare of our shops; customer complaints or litigation alleging illness or injury; health inspection scores; integrity of our or our suppliers’ food processing, employment practices and other policies, practices and procedures; or employee relationships and welfare or other matters. Negative publicity may adversely affect us, regardless of whether the allegations are substantiated or whether we are held to be responsible. In addition, the negative impact of adverse publicity relating to one shop may extend far beyond the shop involved, to affect some or all of our other shops, including our franchise partner shops. The risk of negative publicity is particularly great with respect to our franchise partner shops because we are limited in the manner in which we can regulate them, especially on a real-time basis, and negative publicity from our franchise partners’ shops may also significantly impact company-operated shops. A similar risk exists with respect to beverage businesses unrelated to us if customers mistakenly associate such unrelated businesses with our operations. Employee claims against us based on, among other things, wage and hour violations, discrimination, harassment or wrongful termination may also create not only legal and financial liability but negative publicity that could adversely affect us and divert our financial and management resources that would otherwise be used to benefit the future performance of our operations. These types of employee claims could also be asserted against us, on a co-employer theory, by employees of our franchise partners. A significant increase in the number of these claims or an increase in the number of successful claims could harm our business.
Additionally, there has been a marked increase in the use of social media platforms and similar devices, including blogs, social media websites and other forms of internet-based communications that provide individuals with access to a broad audience of consumers and other interested persons. The availability of information on social media platforms is virtually immediate as is its impact. Many social media platforms immediately publish the
content their subscribers and participants can post, often without filters or checks on accuracy of the content posted. The opportunity for dissemination of information, including inaccurate information, is seemingly limitless and readily available. Information concerning us may be posted on such platforms at any time. Information posted may be adverse to our interests or may be inaccurate, each of which may harm our performance, prospects or business. The harm may be immediate without affording us an opportunity for redress or correction.
Ultimately, the risks associated with any such negative publicity or incorrect information cannot be completely eliminated or mitigated and may harm our business.
Our inability to identify, recruit and retain qualified individuals for our shops could slow our growth and adversely impact our ability to operate.
Our success also depends substantially on the contributions and abilities of our broistas on whom we rely to give customers a superior experience and elevate our brand. At Dutch Bros, it’s about having fun and giving customers our special brand of “luv,” growing our people, and forming genuine relationships with our customers. Accordingly, our success depends in part upon our ability to attract, motivate and retain a sufficient number of qualified operators, all of whom come from within our system, and broistas to meet the needs of our existing shops and to staff new shops. Some of our broistas advance to become operators and when they do, their prior positions need to be filled. We aim to hire warm, friendly, motivated, caring, self-aware and intellectually curious individuals, who are excited and committed to championship performance, remarkable and enriching hospitality, embodying our culture and actively growing themselves and our brand. A sufficient number of qualified individuals to fill these positions and qualifications may be in short supply in some communities. Competition in these communities for qualified staff is high and will likely require us to pay higher wages and provide greater benefits, especially if there is continued improvement in regional or national economic conditions. We place a heavy emphasis on the qualification and training of our personnel and spend a significant amount of time and money on training our employees. Any inability to recruit and retain qualified individuals may result in higher turnover and increased labor costs, and could compromise the quality of our service, all of which could adversely affect our business. Any such inability could also delay the planned openings of new shops and could adversely impact our existing shops. Any such inability to retain or recruit qualified employees, increased costs of attracting qualified employees or delays in shop openings could harm our business.
Our expansion into new domestic markets may present increased risks, which could affect our profitability.
We plan to open additional company-operated Dutch Bros shops in domestic markets where we have little or no operating experience. The target consumer base of our shops varies by location, depending on a number of factors, including population density, other local coffee and convenience beverage distributors, area demographics and geography. Shops we open in new markets may take longer to reach expected sales and profit levels on a consistent basis. New markets may have competitive or regulatory conditions, consumer tastes and discretionary spending patterns that are more difficult to predict or satisfy than our existing markets. We may need to make greater investments than we originally planned in advertising and promotional activity in new markets to build brand awareness. We may find it more difficult in new markets to hire, motivate and keep qualified employees who share our values. We may also incur higher costs from entering new markets if, for example, we assign operators to manage comparatively fewer shops than we assign in more developed markets. Also, until we attain a critical mass in a market, the shops we do open will have reduced operating leverage. As a result, these new shops may be less successful or may achieve target operating profit margins at a slower rate than existing shops did, if ever. If we do not successfully execute our plans to enter new markets, our business could be harmed.
We are subject to the risks associated with leasing space subject to long-term non-cancelable lease and, with respect to the real property that we own, owning real estate.
Our leases generally have initial terms of 15 years with renewal options. Shop leases provide for a specified annual rent, typically at a fixed rate for the first five years with Consumer Price Index (“CPI”) increases and other escalators. Generally, our leases are “net” leases, which require us to pay all the cost of insurance, taxes, maintenance and utilities. We generally cannot terminate these leases without incurring substantial costs. Additional sites that we lease are likely to be subject to similar long-term non-cancelable leases. If an existing or future shop is
not profitable, and we decide to close it, we may nonetheless be committed to perform our obligations under the applicable lease including, among other things, paying the base rent for the balance of the lease term. In addition, as each of our leases expires, we may fail to negotiate renewals, either on commercially acceptable terms or at all, which could cause us to close shops in desirable locations. Also, because we sometimes purchase real property for various shop locations, we're subject to all the risks generally associated with owning real estate, including changes in the investment climate for real estate, demographic trends and supply or demand for the use of the shops, which may result from competition from similar restaurants in the area as well as strict, joint and several liability for environmental contamination at or from the property, regardless of fault.
Our operating results and growth strategies are closely tied to the success of our franchise partners and we have limited control with respect to their operations. Additionally, our franchise partners’ interests may conflict or diverge with our interests in the future, which could have a negative impact on our business.
As of June 30, 2021, approximately 56% of our shops were operated by Dutch Bros’ franchise partners and, because of this, we depend on the financial success and cooperation of our franchise partners for our success. Our franchise partners are independent business operators and are not our employees, and as such we have limited control over how our franchise partners run their businesses, and their inability to operate successfully could adversely affect our operating results.
We receive royalties, franchise fees, contributions to our marketing development fund, and other fees from our franchise partners. Additionally, we sell proprietary products to our franchise partners at a markup over our cost to produce. We have established operational standards and guidelines for our franchise partners; however, we have limited control over how our franchise partners’ businesses are run, including day to day operations. Even with these operation standards and guidelines, the quality of franchised Dutch Bros shops may be diminished by any number of factors beyond our control. Consequently, our franchise partners may not successfully operate shops in a manner consistent with our standards and requirements, such as quality, service and cleanliness, or may not hire and train qualified shop managers, broistas and other shop personnel or may not implement marketing programs and major initiatives such as shop remodels or equipment or technology upgrades, which may require financial investment. Even if such unsuccessful operations do not rise to the level of breaching the related franchise documents, they may be attributed by customers to our Dutch Bros brand and could have a negative impact on our business.
Our franchise partners may not be able to secure adequate financing to open or continue operating their Dutch Bros shops. If they incur too much debt or if economic or sales trends deteriorate such that they are unable to repay existing debt, our franchise partners could experience financial distress or even bankruptcy. If a significant number of our franchise partners become financially distressed, it could harm our operating results through reduced royalty revenue, marketing fees, and proprietary product sales and the impact on our profitability could be greater than the percentage decrease in these revenue streams.
While we are responsible for ensuring the success of our entire system of shops and for taking a longer term view with respect to system improvements, our franchise partners have individual business strategies and objectives, which might conflict with our interests. Our franchise partners may from time to time disagree with us and our strategies and objectives regarding the business or our interpretation of our respective rights and obligations under the franchise agreement and the terms and conditions of the franchise partner relationship. This may lead to disputes with our franchise partners and we expect such disputes to occur from time to time in the future as we continue to have franchises. Such disputes may result in legal action against us. To the extent we have such disputes, the attention, time and financial resources of our management and our franchise partners will be diverted from our shops, which could harm our business even if we have a successful outcome in the dispute.
Actions or omissions by our franchise partners in violation of various laws may be attributed to us or result in negative publicity that affects our overall brand image, which may decrease consumer demand for our products. Franchise partners may engage in online activity via social media or activity in their personal lives that negatively impacts public perception of our franchise partners’ or our operations or our brand as a whole. This activity may negatively affect franchise partners’ sales and in turn impact our revenue.
In addition, various state and federal laws govern our relationship with our franchise partners and our potential sale of a franchise. A franchise partner and/or a government agency may bring legal action against us based on the franchisee/franchisor relationships that could result in the award of damages to franchise partners and/or the imposition of fines or other penalties against us.
Our shops are geographically concentrated in the Western United States, and we could be negatively affected by conditions specific to that region.
As of June 30, 2021, our company-operated and franchised shops in the Western United States represent approximately 98% of our total shops, excluding our shops in Texas and Oklahoma. Adverse changes in demographic, unemployment, economic, regulatory or weather conditions in the Western United States have, and may continue, to harm our business. As a result of our concentration in this market, we have been, and in the future may be, disproportionately affected by these adverse conditions compared to other chain beverage shops with a national footprint. For example, in the second half of 2020, wildfires spread across most western states causing poor air quality which reduced consumers’ willingness to venture outside their homes and reduced our AUVs, and the current and any future wildfires may have a similar impact.
Interruption of our supply chain of coffee, flavored syrups or other ingredients, coffee machines and other restaurant equipment or packaging could affect our ability to produce or deliver our products and could negatively impact our business and profitability.
Any material interruption in our supply chain, such as material interruption of the supply of coffee, flavored syrups, dairy, coffee machines and other restaurant equipment or packaging for our proprietary products due to the casualty loss of any of our roasting plant, interruptions in service by our third-party logistic service providers or common carriers that ship goods within our distribution channels, trade restrictions, such as increased tariffs or quotas, embargoes or customs restrictions, pandemics, social or labor unrest, natural disasters or political disputes and military conflicts that cause a material disruption in our supply chain could have a negative material impact on our business and our profitability. For example, in 2005, our roasting facility burned and our costs increased as we replaced these operations by purchasing coffee from other roasters and paying for contract roasting to cover for the shortage in our own supply.
Additionally, most of our beverage and other products are sourced from a wide variety of domestic and international business partners and we rely on these suppliers to provide high quality products and to comply with applicable laws. For certain products, we may rely on one or very few suppliers, such as for our proprietary Dutch Bros. Blue Rebel energy drinks, where we rely on our relationship with Portland Bottling Co. to manufacture and bottle these drinks. Sales of Dutch Bros. Blue Rebel accounted for approximately 24% of our systemwide sales in 2020. Failures by Portland Bottling Co. or any of our other suppliers to meet our standards, provide products in a timely and efficient manner, or comply with applicable laws is beyond our control. Failures by a supplier could have a direct negative impact that would harm our business by reducing our and our franchise partners’ sales, which would reduce income from direct sales and royalties.
Increases in the cost of high-quality arabica coffee beans or other commodities or decreases in the availability of high-quality arabica coffee beans or other commodities could have an adverse impact on our business and financial results.
The availability and prices of coffee beans and other commodities are subject to significant volatility. We purchase, roast and sell high-quality whole bean arabica coffee beans and related coffee products. The high-quality arabica coffee of the quality we seek tends to trade on a negotiated basis at a premium above the “C” price. This premium depends upon the supply and demand at the time of purchase and the amount of the premium can vary significantly. Increases in the “C” coffee commodity price increase the price of high-quality arabica coffee and also impact our ability to enter into fixed-price purchase commitments. We frequently enter into supply contracts whereby the quality, quantity, delivery period and other negotiated terms are agreed upon, but the date, and therefore price, at which the base “C” coffee commodity price component will be fixed has not yet been established.
The supply and price of coffee we purchase can also be affected by multiple factors in the producing countries, such as weather (including the potential effects of climate change), natural disasters, crop disease, general
increase in farm inputs and costs of production, inventory levels, political and economic conditions and the actions of certain organizations and associations that have historically attempted to influence prices of green coffee through agreements establishing export quotas or by restricting coffee supplies. Speculative trading in coffee commodities can also influence coffee prices. Because of the significance of coffee beans to our operations, combined with our ability to only partially mitigate future price risk through purchasing practices and hedging activities, increases in the cost of high-quality arabica coffee beans could have a material adverse impact on our profitability. In addition, if we are not able to purchase sufficient quantities of green coffee due to any of the above factors or to a worldwide or regional shortage, we may not be able to fulfill the demand for our coffee, which could have a material adverse impact on our profitability.
We also purchase significant amounts of dairy products, particularly milk, to support the needs of our shops. Additionally, and although less significant to our operations than coffee or dairy, other commodities, including but not limited to plant-based “milks,” tea, sugar, syrups, energy and packaging material, such as plastics, corrugate, and canning materials, are important to our operations. Increases in the cost of dairy products and other commodities, such as petroleum which in turn may increase the cost of our packing materials, or lack of availability, whether due to supply shortages, delays or interruptions in processing, or otherwise, especially in international markets, could harm our business.
If we fail to offer high-quality customer experience, our business and reputation will suffer.
Numerous factors may impact a customer’s experience which may in turn impact the likelihood of such customer returning. Those factors include service, convenience, taste, price, quality, location of our shops and brand image. In addition to providing high quality hand-crafted beverages, we empower our employees to provide an enhanced customer experience. Our broistas put customer needs first and we give them the flexibility required to build genuine, meaningful connections that keep our customers returning for more. From remembering our regulars by name and knowing their customary order, to having treats ready for the four-legged members of the family, or by offering a free drink to someone having a rough day—there is a hint of magic in the details of the Dutch Bros experience that leads to recurring, loyal customers. As we grow, it may be difficult for us to identify, recruit, train and manage enough people with enough skill and talent to provide this enhanced customer experience.
If we fail to maintain adequate operational and financial resources, particularly if we continue to grow rapidly, we may be unable to execute our business plan or maintain high levels of service and customer satisfaction.
Our continuous growth and expansion has placed, and may continue to place, significant demands on our management and our operational and financial resources and in connection therewith, our organizational structure is becoming more complex as we scale our operational, financial, and management controls, as well as our reporting systems and procedures. As we continue to grow, we face challenges of integrating, developing, training, and motivating a rapidly growing employee base in our various shops and maintaining our company culture across multiple offices and shops. Certain members of our management have not previously worked together for an extended period of time, and some do not have prior experience managing a public company, which may affect how they manage our growth. If we fail to manage our anticipated growth and change in a manner that preserves the key aspects of our corporate culture, the quality of our beverages and services may suffer, which could negatively affect our brand and reputation and harm our ability to attract users, employees, and organizations.
To manage growth in our operations and personnel, we will need to continue to grow and improve our operational, financial, and management controls and our reporting systems and procedures. We will require significant capital expenditures and the allocation of valuable management resources to grow and change in these areas. Our expansion has placed, and our expected future growth will continue to place, a significant strain on our management, customer experience, research and development, sales and marketing, administrative, financial, and other resources.
In addition, as we expand our business, it is important that we continue to maintain a high level of customer service and satisfaction. As our customer base continues to grow, we will need to expand our customer service and other personnel, which will require more complex management and systems. If we are not able to continue to provide high levels of customer service, our reputation, as well as our business could be harmed.
We are increasingly dependent on information technology and our ability to process data in order to operate and sell our goods and services, and if we (or our vendors) are unable to protect against software and hardware vulnerabilities, service interruptions, data corruption, cyber-based attacks, ransomware or security breaches, or if we fail to comply with our commitments and assurances regarding the privacy and security of such data, our operations could be disrupted, our ability to provide our goods and services could be interrupted, our reputation may be harmed and we may be exposed to liability and loss of customers and business.
We rely on information technology networks and systems and data processing (some of which are managed by third-party service providers) to market, sell and deliver our products and services, to fulfill orders, to collect, receive, store, process, generate, use, transfer, disclose, make accessible, protect, secure, dispose of and share (“Process” or “Processing”) personal information, confidential or proprietary information, financial information and other information, to manage a variety of business processes and activities, for financial reporting purposes, to operate our business, to process orders, for legal and marketing purposes and to comply with regulatory, legal and tax requirements (“Business Functions”). These information technology networks and systems, and the Processing they perform, may be vulnerable to data security and privacy threats, cyber and otherwise. Moreover, the risk of unauthorized circumvention of our security measures or those of our third parties on whom we rely has been heightened by advances in computer and software capabilities and the increasing sophistication of hackers who employ complex techniques, including, without limitation, “phishing” or social engineering incidents, ransomware, extortion, account takeover attacks, denial or degradation of service attacks and malware. Further, breaches experienced by other companies may also be leveraged against us. For example, credential stuffing attacks are becoming increasingly common and sophisticated actors can mask their attacks, making them increasingly difficult to identify and prevent. We have technology security initiatives and disaster recovery plans in place to mitigate our risk to these vulnerabilities, but these measures may not be adequately designed or implemented to ensure that our operations are not disrupted or that data security breaches do not occur. If our information technology networks and systems or data processing suffers damage, security breaches, vulnerabilities, disruption or shutdown, and we do not effectively resolve the issues in a timely manner, they could cause a material adverse impact to, our Business Functions and our business, reputation and financial condition.
Hackers and data thieves are increasingly sophisticated and operate large-scale and complex automated attacks, which may remain undetected until after they occur. Despite our efforts to protect our information technology networks and systems, Processing and information, we may not be able to anticipate or to implement effective preventive and remedial measures against all data security and privacy threats. Our security measures may not be adequate to prevent or detect service interruption, system failure data loss or theft, or other material adverse consequences. No security solution, strategy or measures can address all possible security threats. Our applications, systems, networks, software and physical facilities could have material vulnerabilities, be breached or personal or confidential information could be otherwise compromised due to employee error or malfeasance, if, for example, third parties attempt to fraudulently induce our personnel or our customers to disclose information or user names and/or passwords, or otherwise compromise the security of our networks, systems and/or physical facilities. We cannot be certain that we will be able to address any such vulnerabilities, in whole or part, and there may be delays in developing and deploying patches and other remedial measures to adequately address vulnerabilities, and taking such remedial steps could adversely impact or disrupt our operations. We expect similar issues to arise in the future as our products and services are more widely adopted, and as we continue to expand the features and functionality of existing products and services and introduce new products and services.
An actual or perceived breach of our security systems or those of our third-party service providers may require notification under applicable data privacy regulations or for customer relations or publicity purposes, which could result in reputational harm, costly litigation (including class action litigation), material contract breaches, liability, settlement costs, loss of sales, regulatory scrutiny, actions or investigations, a loss of confidence in our business, systems and Processing, a diversion of management’s time and attention, and significant fines, penalties, assessments, fees and expenses.
The costs to respond to a security breach and/or to mitigate any security vulnerabilities that may be identified could be significant, our efforts to address these problems may not be successful. These costs include, but are not limited to, retaining the services of cybersecurity providers; compliance costs arising out of existing and future cybersecurity, data protection and privacy laws and regulations; and costs related to maintaining redundant
networks, data backups and other damage-mitigation measures. We could be required to fundamentally change our business activities and practices in response to a security breach or related regulatory actions or litigation, which could have an adverse effect on our business. Additionally, most jurisdictions have enacted laws requiring companies to notify individuals, regulatory authorities, and others of security breaches involving certain types of data. Such mandatory disclosures are costly, could lead to negative publicity, may cause our customers to lose confidence in the effectiveness of our security measures and require us to expend significant capital and other resources to respond to and/or alleviate problems caused by the actual or perceived security breach.
We may not have adequate insurance coverage for handling security incidents or breaches, including fines, judgments, settlements, penalties, costs, attorney fees and other impacts that arise out of incidents or breaches. If the impacts of a security incident or breach, or the successful assertion of one or more large claims against us that exceeds our available insurance coverage, or results in changes to our insurance policies (including premium increases or the imposition of large deductible or co-insurance requirements), it could harm our business. In addition, we cannot be sure that our existing insurance coverage will continue to be available on acceptable terms or that our insurers will not deny coverage as to all or part of any future claim or loss. Moreover, our privacy risks are likely to increase as we continue to expand, grow our customer base, and process, store, and transmit increasingly large amounts of personal and/or sensitive data.
Pandemics or disease outbreaks such as the COVID-19 pandemic have had, and may continue to have, an effect on our business and results of operations.
Pandemics or disease outbreaks such as the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted and are likely to continue to impact customer traffic at our Dutch Bros shops and may make it more difficult to staff our shops and, in more severe cases, may cause a temporary inability to obtain supplies and increase commodity costs. COVID-19 was officially declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020, and the virus, including the continued spread of highly transmissible variants of the virus, has impacted all global economies, and in the United States has resulted in varying levels of restrictions and shutdowns implemented by national, state, and local authorities.
Such viruses may be transmitted through human contact and airborne delivery, and the risk of contracting viruses could continue to cause employees or customers to avoid gathering in public places, which has had, and could further have, adverse effects on our customer traffic or the ability to adequately staff shops. We have been adversely affected when government authorities have imposed and continue to impose restrictions on public gatherings, human interactions, operations of restaurants or mandatory closures, seek voluntary closures, restrict hours of operations or impose curfews, restrict the import or export of products or if suppliers issue mass recalls of products. Additional regulation or requirements with respect to the compensation of our employees could also have an adverse effect on our business. Even if such measures are not implemented and a virus or other disease does not spread significantly within a specific area, the perceived risk of infection or health risk in such area may adversely affect our business, liquidity, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, different jurisdictions have seen varying levels of outbreaks or resurgences in outbreaks, and corresponding differences in government responses, which may make it difficult for us to plan or forecast an appropriate response.
Even though we have been deemed an “essential business” during this COVID-19 pandemic and have been allowed to remain in operation, even while some of our competitors were not, there is no guarantee that in the event of a future pandemic or resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic that we will receive the same designation. Regardless of our status as an essential business during the COVID-19 pandemic, our operations have been and we expect will be disrupted when employees or employees of our franchise partners were suspected of having COVID-19 or other illnesses since this required us or our franchise partners to quarantine some or all such employees and close and disinfect our impacted shops. If a significant percentage of our workforce or the workforce of our franchise partners are unable to work, including because of illness or travel or government restrictions, like quarantine requirements, in connection with pandemics or disease outbreaks, our operations may be negatively impacted, potentially materially adversely affecting our business, liquidity, financial condition or results of operations.
The COVID-19 pandemic and mitigation measures have also had an adverse impact on global economic conditions, which have had an adverse effect on our business and financial condition. Our sales and operating results may be affected by uncertain or changing economic and market conditions arising in connection with and in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including prolonged periods of high unemployment, inflation, deflation, prolonged weak consumer demand, a decrease in consumer discretionary spending, political instability or other changes. The significance of the operational and financial impact to us will depend on how long and widespread the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the corresponding response to contain the virus and treat those affected by it, prove to be.
Our success is heavily reliant on our franchise partners and the COVID-19 pandemic has caused and may continue to cause financial distress for certain franchise partners that have been or will be impacted. As a result of this distress, our franchise partners may not be able to meet their financial obligations as they come due, including the payment of royalties, rent or other amounts due to us. This has led to, and may continue to lead to, write-offs of amounts we have currently due from our franchise partners beyond amounts we have reserved, as well as decreased future collections from franchise partners. Additionally, in certain instances, we have offered grace periods for certain near-term payments due to us by our franchise partners who needed more access to capital and were in good standing with Dutch Bros. If we need to extend such grace periods again in the future, it will negatively impact our cash flows in the near-term and there is no guarantee that our franchise partners will ultimately pay amounts due. Additionally, our franchise partners may not be able to make payments to landlords, distributors and key suppliers, as well as payments to service any debt they may have outstanding. Franchise partners’ financial distress has also led to, and may continue to lead to, permanent shop closures and delayed or reduced new franchise partners development which would further harm our results and liquidity going forward. Further, in some cases, we are contingently liable for franchise partner lease or supplier obligations, and a failure by a franchise partner to perform its obligations under such lease could result in direct payment obligations for us.
We do not yet know the full extent of potential delays or impacts on our business, operations or the global economy as a whole. While there have recently been vaccines developed and administered, and the spread of COVID- 19 may eventually be contained or mitigated, we cannot predict the timing of the vaccine roll-out globally or the efficacy of such vaccines, and we do not yet know how customers or our franchise partners will operate in a post COVID-19 environment. In addition, new strains and variants of the virus have caused a resurgence and an increase in reported infection rates, particularly in areas with lower vaccination rates, which may impact the general economic recovery. There is no guarantee that a future outbreak of this or any other widespread epidemics will not occur, or that the global economy will recover, either of which could seriously harm our business fully recover. The ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic or a similar health epidemic on our business, operations or the global economy as a whole remains highly uncertain.
While we have developed and continue to develop plans to help mitigate the potential negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, these efforts may not be effective, and any protracted economic downturn will likely limit the effectiveness of our efforts. Accordingly, it is not possible for us to predict the duration and extent to which this will affect our business at this time.
Risks Related to Our Brands
Our success depends substantially on the value of our brands and failure to preserve their value could have a negative impact on our financial results.
Our success depends in large part upon our ability and our franchise partners’ ability to maintain and enhance our corporate reputation and the value and perception of our brands. Brand value is based in part on consumer perceptions on a variety of subjective qualities. To be successful in the future, particularly outside of the Western United States where the Dutch Bros brand may be less well-known, we believe we must preserve, grow and leverage the value of our brand across interactions.
Business incidents, whether isolated or recurring and whether originating from us or our business partners, that erode consumer trust can significantly reduce brand value, potentially trigger boycotts of our shops or result in civil or criminal liability and can have a negative impact on our financial results. Such incidents include actual or
perceived breaches of privacy, contaminated products, broistas infected with communicable diseases, such as COVID-19, or other potential incidents discussed in this risk factors section. The impact of such incidents may be exacerbated if they receive considerable publicity, including rapidly through social or digital media (including for malicious reasons) or result in litigation. Consumer demand for our products and our brand equity could diminish significantly if we, our employees, franchise partners or other business partners fail to preserve the quality of our products, act or are perceived to act in an unethical, illegal, racially-biased, unequal or socially irresponsible manner, including with respect to the sourcing, content or sale of our products, service and treatment of customers at Dutch Bros shops, or the use of customer data for general or direct marketing or other purposes. Additionally, if we fail to comply with laws and regulations, publicly take controversial positions or actions or fail to deliver a consistently positive consumer experience in each of our markets, including by failing to invest in the right balance of wages and benefits to attract and retain employees that represent the brand well or foster an inclusive and diverse environment, our brand value may be diminished.
Moreover, our success depends in large part upon our ability to maintain our corporate reputation. For example, the reputation of our Dutch Bros brand could be damaged by claims or perceptions about the quality or safety of our ingredients or beverages or the quality or reputation of our suppliers, distributors or franchise partners or by claims or perceptions that we, our franchise partners or other business partners have acted or are acting in an unethical, illegal, racially-biased or socially irresponsible manner or are not fostering an inclusive and diverse environment, regardless of whether such claims or perceptions are substantiated. Our corporate reputation could also suffer from negative publicity or consumer sentiment regarding Dutch Bros action or inaction or brand imagery, a real or perceived failure of corporate governance, or misconduct by any officer or any employee or representative of us or a franchise partner. Any such incidents (even if resulting from actions of a competitor or franchise partner) could cause a decline directly or indirectly in consumer confidence in, or the perception of, our Dutch Bros brand and/or our products and reduce consumer demand for our products, which would likely result in lower revenue and profits.
There has been an increased public focus, including from the United States federal and state governments, on environmental sustainability matters, including with respect to climate change, greenhouse gases, water resources, packaging and waste, animal health and welfare, deforestation and land use. We endeavor to conduct our business in a manner which reflects our priority of sustainable stewardship, including with respect to environmental sustainability matters, and we are working to manage the risks and costs to us, our franchise partners and our supply chain associated with these types of environmental sustainability matters. In addition, as the result of such heightened public focus on environmental sustainability matters, we may face increased pressure to provide expanded disclosure, make or expand commitments, set targets, or establish additional goals and take actions to meet such goals, in connection with such environmental sustainability matters. These matters and our efforts to address them could expose us to market, operational, reputational and execution costs or risks.
We may not be able to adequately protect our intellectual property, including trademarks, trade names, and service marks, which, in turn, could harm the value of our brand and adversely affect our business.
Our ability to implement our business plan successfully depends in part on our ability to further build brand recognition using our trademarks, service marks, proprietary products and other intellectual property, including our name and logos and the unique character and atmosphere of our Dutch Bros shops. We rely on U.S. trademark, copyright, and trade secret laws, as well as license agreements, nondisclosure agreements, and confidentiality and other contractual provisions to protect our intellectual property. Nevertheless, our competitors may develop similar menu items and concepts, and adequate remedies may not be available in the event of an unauthorized use or disclosure of our trade secrets and other intellectual property.
The success of our business depends on our continued ability to use our existing trademarks, trade names, and service marks to increase brand awareness and further develop our brand as we expand into new markets. We have registered and applied to register trademarks and service marks in the United States. We may not be able to adequately protect our trademarks and service marks, and our competitors and others may successfully challenge the validity and/or enforceability of our trademarks and service marks and other intellectual property. There can also be no assurance that pending or future U.S. trademark applications will be approved in a timely manner or at all, or that such registrations will effectively protect our brand names and trademarks.
Additionally, the steps we have taken to protect our intellectual property in the United States may not be adequate. If our efforts to maintain and protect our intellectual property are inadequate, or if any third party misappropriates, dilutes or infringes on our intellectual property, the value of our brand may be harmed, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and might prevent our brands from achieving or maintaining market acceptance. Even with our own franchise partners, whose activities are monitored and regulated through our franchise agreements, we face risk that they may refer to or make statements about our Dutch Bros brand that do not make proper use of our trademarks or required designations, that improperly alter trademarks or branding, or that are critical of our brand or place our brand in a context that may tarnish our reputation. This may result in dilution of, or harm to, our intellectual property or the value of our brand.
We may also from time to time be required to institute litigation to enforce our trademarks, service marks and other intellectual property. Such litigation could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and could negatively affect our sales, profitability and prospects regardless of whether we can successfully enforce our rights.
Third parties may oppose our trademark and service mark applications, or otherwise challenge our use of the trademarks and service marks. In the event that these or other intellectual property rights are successfully challenged, we could be forced to rebrand our products, which would result in loss of brand recognition and would require us to devote resources to advertising and marketing new brands. Third parties may also assert that we infringe, misappropriate or otherwise violate their intellectual property and may sue us for intellectual property infringement. Even if we are successful in these proceedings, we may incur substantial costs, and the time and attention of our management and other personnel may be diverted in pursuing these proceedings. If a court finds that we infringe a third party's intellectual property, we may be required to pay damages and/or be subject to an injunction. With respect to any third party intellectual property that we use or wish to use in our business (whether or not asserted against us in litigation), we may not be able to enter into licensing or other arrangements with the owner of such intellectual property at a reasonable cost or on reasonable terms.
Food safety and quality concerns may negatively impact our brand, business and profitability, our internal operational controls and standards may not always be met and our employees may not always act professionally, responsibly and in our and our customers’ best interests. Any possible instances or reports, whether true or not, of food and/or beverage-borne illness could reduce our sales.
Incidents or reports, whether true or not, of food-borne or water-borne illness or other food safety issues, food contamination or tampering, employee hygiene and cleanliness failures or improper employee conduct at our shops could lead to product liability or other claims. Such incidents or reports could negatively affect our brand and reputation as well as our business, revenue and profits. Similar incidents or reports occurring at coffee and convenience shops unrelated to us could likewise create negative publicity, which could negatively impact consumer behavior towards us.
We cannot guarantee to customers that our internal controls and training will be fully effective in preventing all food-borne illnesses. New illnesses resistant to our current precautions may develop in the future, or diseases with long incubation periods could arise, that could give rise to claims or allegations on a retroactive basis. One or more instances of food-borne illness in one of our company-operated or franchised shops could negatively affect sales at all our shops if highly publicized. This risk exists even if it were later determined that the illness was wrongly attributed to one of our shops. Additionally, even if food-borne illnesses were not identified at our shops, our sales could be adversely affected if instances of food-borne illnesses at other coffee and beverage chains were highly publicized.
If we or our franchise partners are unable to protect our customers’ credit and debit card data or confidential information in connection with process the same or confidential employee information, we could be exposed to data loss, litigation, liability and reputational damage.
Our business requires the collection, transmission and retention of large volumes of customer and employee data, including credit and debit card numbers and other personally identifiable information, in various information technology systems that we maintain and in those maintained by third parties with whom we contract to provide services. The integrity and protection of that customer and employee data is critical to us. Further, our customers and
employees have a high expectation that we and our service providers will adequately protect their personal information.
We currently accept payments using credit cards and debit cards and, as such, are subject to payment card association operating rules and certification requirements, including the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (“PCI-DSS”), which is a security standard applicable to companies like ours that collect, store or transmit certain data regarding credit and debit cards, holders and transactions. We are also subject to rules governing electronic funds transfers. Such rules could change or be reinterpreted to make it difficult or impossible for us to comply. If we (or a third party processing payment card transactions on our behalf) suffer a security breach affecting payment card information, we may have to pay onerous and significant fines, penalties and assessments arising out of the major card brands’ rules and regulations, contractual indemnifications or liability contained in merchant agreements and similar contracts, and we may lose our ability to accept payment cards for payment for our goods and services, which could materially impact our operations and financial performance.
The information, security and privacy requirements imposed by governmental regulation are increasingly demanding. Our systems may not be able to satisfy these changing requirements and customer and employee expectations or may require significant additional investments or time in order to do so. Efforts to hack or breach security measures, failures of systems or software to operate as designed or intended, viruses, operator error or inadvertent releases of data all threaten our and our service providers' information systems and records. A breach in the security of our information technology systems or those of our service providers could lead to an interruption in the operation of our systems, resulting in operational inefficiencies and a loss of profits. For example, in 2014, our online store and our customers were the victims of a security breach and as a result a few thousand of our customer’s personal information records were exposed. Additionally, a significant theft, loss or misappropriation of, or access to, customers’ or other proprietary data or other breach of our information technology systems could result in fines, legal claims or proceedings, including regulatory investigations and actions, or liability for failure to comply with privacy and information security laws, which could disrupt our operations, damage our reputation and expose us to claims from customers and employees, any of which could harm our business.
Risks Related to People and Culture
Changes in the availability of and the cost of labor could harm our business.
Our business could be harmed by increases in labor costs, including those increases triggered by regulatory actions regarding wages, scheduling and benefits, increased health care and workers’ compensation insurance costs, which, in a retail business such as ours, are our most significant costs. In particular, our broistas are paid wage rates at or based on the applicable federal or state minimum wage, and increases in the applicable minimum wage will increase labor costs. From time to time, legislative proposals are made to increase the minimum wage at the federal or state level. As federal, state or other applicable minimum wage rates increase, we may be required to increase not only the wage rates of minimum wage broistas or other employees, but also the wages paid to other hourly employees. We may not choose to increase prices in order to pass future increased labor costs on to customers, in which case our margins would be negatively affected. If we do not increase prices to cover increased labor costs, the higher prices could result in lower revenue, which may also reduce margins.
Furthermore, the successful operation of our business depends upon our, and our franchise partners’, ability to attract, motivate and retain a sufficient number of qualified employees. From time to time, there may be a shortage of qualified employees in certain of the communities in which we operate or expand to. Shortages may make it increasingly difficult and expensive to attract, train and retain the services of a satisfactory number of qualified employees, which could delay the planned openings of new company-operated and franchised shops and adversely impact the operations and profitability of existing shops. Furthermore, competition for qualified employees, particularly in markets where such shortages exist, could require us to pay higher wages, which could result in higher labor costs. Accordingly, if we and our franchise partners are unable to recruit and retain sufficiently qualified individuals, our business could be harmed.
Additionally, the growth of our business can make it increasingly difficult to locate and hire sufficient numbers of key employees, to maintain an effective system of internal controls for a dispersed chain and to train
employees to deliver consistently high-quality hand-crafted beverages and customer experiences, which could materially harm our business and results of operations. Furthermore, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we could experience a shortage of labor for shop positions as concern over exposure to COVID-19 and other factors could decrease the pool of available qualified talent for key functions. In addition, our wages and benefits programs, combined with the challenging conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, may be insufficient to attract and retain the best talent.
We depend on our executive officers and other key employees, and the loss of one or more of these employees or an inability to attract and retain other highly skilled employees could harm our business.
Our success depends largely upon the continued services of our executive officers and other key employees. We rely on our leadership team in the areas of marketing, sales, customer experience, and selling, general and administrative. From time to time, there may be changes in our executive management team resulting from the hiring or departure of executives, which could disrupt our business. The loss of one or more of our executive officers or key employees could harm our business. Changes in our executive management team may also cause disruptions in, and harm to, our business.
Dutch Bros continues to be led by our Executive Chairman and Co-Founder, Travis Boersma, who plays an important role in driving our culture, determining the strategy, and executing against that strategy across the company. If Mr. Boersma’s services became unavailable to Dutch Bros for any reason, it may be difficult or impossible for us to find an adequate replacement, which could cause us to be less successful in maintaining our culture and developing and effectively executing on our company strategies.
Our culture has contributed to our success, and if we cannot maintain this culture as we grow, we could lose the high employee engagement fostered by our culture, which could harm our business.
At Dutch Bros, we believe our people-first culture is a critical component of our success and customer loyalty. The success of this differentiated people-first culture and serving hand-crafted, high-quality beverages through the convenience of a premium drive-thru experience has helped us enter new markets and rapidly open new shops. We have invested substantial time and resources in developing pathways for our employees to create their own compelling future, which we believe has fostered the positive, people-first culture that defines our organization and is enjoyed by our customers. We have built out our leadership team with an expectation of protecting this culture, an emphasis on shared values and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. As we continue to develop the infrastructure to support our growth, we will need to maintain our culture among a larger number of employees dispersed in various geographic regions. Any failure to preserve our culture could negatively affect our future success, including our ability to retain and recruit personnel, and loss of customer loyalty.
Unionization activities may disrupt our operations and affect our profitability.
Although none of our employees are currently covered under collective bargaining agreements, our employees may elect to be represented by labor unions in the future. If a significant number of our employees were to become unionized and collective bargaining agreement terms were significantly different from our current compensation arrangements, it could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. In addition, a labor dispute involving some or all of our employees may harm our reputation, disrupt our operations and reduce our revenue, and resolution of disputes may increase our costs. Further, if we enter into a new market with unionized construction companies, or the construction companies in our current markets become unionized, construction and build out costs for new shops in such markets could materially increase.
Risks Related to Regulation and Litigation
Changes in statutory, regulatory, accounting, and other legal requirements, including changes in accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, could potentially impact our operating and financial results.
We are subject to numerous statutory, regulatory and legal requirements. Our operating results could be negatively impacted by developments in these areas due to the costs of compliance in addition to possible government penalties and litigation in the event of deemed noncompliance. Changes in the regulatory environment
in the area of food safety, privacy and information security, wage and hour laws, among others, could potentially impact our operations and financial results.
Generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) are subject to interpretation by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the SEC, and various bodies formed to promulgate and interpret appropriate accounting principles. A change in these principles or interpretations could have a significant effect on our reported financial results, and could affect the reporting of transactions completed before the announcement of a change.
Moreover, while we believe that we maintain insurance customary for businesses of our size and type, there are types of losses we may incur that cannot be insured against or that we believe are not economically reasonable to insure. Such losses could harm our business.
Fluctuations in our tax obligations and effective tax rate and realization of our deferred tax assets may result in volatility of our operating results and adversely affect our financial condition.
We are subject to taxes by the U.S. federal, state, and local tax authorities, and our tax liabilities will be affected by the allocation of expenses to differing jurisdictions. We record tax expense based on our estimates of future payments, which may include reserves for uncertain tax positions in multiple tax jurisdictions, and valuation allowances related to certain net deferred tax assets. At any one time, many tax years may be subject to audit by various taxing jurisdictions. The results of these audits and negotiations with taxing authorities may affect the ultimate settlement of these issues. We expect that throughout the year there could be ongoing variability in our quarterly tax rates as events occur and exposures are evaluated. Our future effective tax rates could be subject to volatility or adversely affected by a number of factors, including:
•changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities;
•expected timing and amount of the release of any tax valuation allowance;
•changes in tax laws, regulations or interpretations thereof; or
•future earnings being lower than anticipated in jurisdictions where we have lower statutory tax rates and higher than anticipated earnings in jurisdictions where we have higher statutory tax rates.
In addition, our effective tax rate in a given financial statement period may be materially impacted by a variety of factors including but not limited to changes in the mix and level of earnings, varying tax rates in the different jurisdictions in which we operate, fluctuations in the valuation allowance or by changes to existing accounting rules or regulations. Further, tax legislation may be enacted in the future which could negatively impact our current or future tax structure and effective tax rates. We may be subject to audits of our income, sales and other transaction taxes by U.S. federal, state, and local taxing authorities. Outcomes from these audits could have an adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.
We are subject to many federal, state and local laws with which compliance is both costly and complex.
The beverage industry is subject to extensive federal, state and local laws and regulations, including the recently enacted comprehensive health care reform legislation discussed above, those relating to building and zoning requirements and those relating to the preparation and sale of food and beverages or consumption. Such laws and regulations are subject to change from time to time. The failure to comply with these laws and regulations could adversely affect our operating results. Typically, licenses, permits and approvals under such laws and regulations must be renewed annually and may be revoked, suspended or denied renewal for cause at any time if governmental authorities determine that our conduct violates applicable regulations. Difficulties or failure to maintain or obtain the required licenses, permits and approvals could adversely affect our existing shops and delay or result in our decision to cancel the opening of new shops, which would adversely affect our business.
The development and operation of a shop depends, to a significant extent, on the selection of suitable sites for drive-thrus, which are subject to unique permitting, zoning, land use, environmental, traffic and other regulations
and requirements. We are also subject to licensing and regulation by state and local authorities relating to health, sanitation, safety and fire standards.
We are subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act and various other federal, state and local laws that regulate the wages and hours of employees. These laws commonly apply a strict liability standard so that even inadvertent noncompliance can lead to claims, government enforcement actions and litigation. These laws vary from state to state and are subject to frequent amendments and judicial interpretations that can require rapid adjustments to operations. Insurance coverage for violations of these laws is costly and sometimes is not available. Changes to these laws can adversely affect our business by increasing labor and compliance costs. The failure to comply with these laws could adversely affect our business as a result of costly litigation or government enforcement actions.
We are also subject to a variety of other employee relations laws including FMLA and state leave laws, employment discrimination laws, predictive scheduling laws, occupational health and safety laws and regulations and the NLRA, to name a few. Together, these many laws and regulations present a thicket of compliance obligations and liability risks. As we grow, we will need to continue to increase our compliance efforts in these areas, which may affect our results from operations. Changes to these laws and regulations may increase these costs beyond our expectations or predictions, which would adversely affect our business operations and financial results. Violations of these laws could lead to costly litigation or governmental investigation or proceedings.
We are subject to compliance obligations of the Food Safety Modernization Acts (“FSMA”). Under FSMA, we are required to develop and implement a Food Safety Plan for our roasting operations. While we are not currently required to implement a FSMA Food Safety Plan or a Hazard Analysis and Critical Points system (“HACCP”) in our shops, many states have required restaurants to develop and implement HACCP, and the United States government continues to expand the sectors of the food industry that must adopt and implement HACCP. Additionally, our suppliers may initiate or otherwise be subject to food recalls that may impact the availability of certain products, result in adverse publicity or require us to take actions that could be costly for us or otherwise impact our business.
We are subject to the Americans with Disabilities Act (the “ADA”), which, among other things, requires our shops to meet federally mandated requirements for the disabled. The ADA prohibits discrimination in employment and public accommodations on the basis of disability. Under the ADA, we could be required to expend funds to modify our shops to provide service to, or make reasonable accommodations for the employment of, disabled persons. In addition, our employment practices are subject to the requirements of the Immigration and Naturalization Service relating to citizenship and residency.
In addition, our franchise activities are subject to laws enacted by a number of states and rules and regulations promulgated by the Franchise Trade Commission (the “FTC”). Failure to comply with new or existing franchise laws, rules and regulations in any jurisdiction or to obtain required government approvals could negatively affect our licensing sales and our relationships with our licensees.
The impact of current laws and regulations, the effect of future changes in laws or regulations that impose additional requirements and the consequences of litigation relating to current or future laws and regulations, or our inability to respond effectively to significant regulatory or public policy issues, could increase our compliance and other costs of doing business and, therefore, have an adverse effect on our results of operations. Failure to comply with the laws and regulatory requirements of federal, state and local authorities could result in, among other things, revocation of required licenses, administrative enforcement actions, fines and civil and criminal liability. In addition, certain laws, including the ADA, could require us to expend significant funds to make modifications to our shops if we failed to comply with applicable standards. Compliance with all these laws and regulations can be costly and can increase our exposure to litigation or governmental investigations or proceedings.
We (and our vendors) are subject to stringent and changing laws, regulations, industry standards, related to data Processing, protection, privacy and security. The actual or perceived failure by us, our customers or vendors to
comply with such laws, regulations, industry standards, may harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
We Process personal information, confidential information and other information necessary to provide our products and service and ensure that they are delivered effectively, to operate our business, for legal and marketing purposes, and for other business-related purposes.
Data privacy and regulation of privacy, information security and Processing has become a significant issue in the United States. The legal and regulatory framework for privacy and security issues is rapidly evolving and is expected to increase our compliance costs and exposure to liability. There are numerous federal, state, local laws, orders, codes, regulations and regulatory guidance regarding privacy, information security and Processing (“Data Protection Laws”), the number and scope of which is changing, subject to differing applications and interpretations, and which may be inconsistent among jurisdictions, or in conflict with other rules, laws or Data Protection Obligations (defined below). We expect that there will continue to be new Data Protection Laws and Data Protection Obligations, and we cannot yet determine the impact such future Data Protection Laws may have on our business. Any significant change to Data Protection Laws and Data Protection Obligations, including without limitation, regarding the manner in which the express or implied consent of customers for Processing is obtained, could increase our costs and require us to modify our operations, possibly in a material manner, which we may be unable to complete and may limit our ability to store and process customer data and operate our business.
Data Protection Laws are, and are likely to remain, uncertain for the foreseeable future, and our actual or perceived failure to address or comply with these laws could: increase our compliance and operational costs; limit our ability to market our products or services and attract new and retain current customers; limit or eliminate our ability to Process; expose us to regulatory scrutiny, actions, investigations, fines and penalties; result in reputational harm; lead to a loss of customers; reduce the use of our products or services; result in litigation and liability, including class action litigation; cause to incur significant costs, expenses and fees (including attorney fees); cause a material adverse impact to business operations or financial results, and; otherwise result in other material harm to our business (“Adverse Data Protection Impact”).
We are or may also be subject to the terms of our external and internal privacy and security policies, codes, representations, certifications, industry standards, publications and frameworks (“Privacy Policies”) and contractual obligations to third parties related to privacy, information security and Processing, including contractual obligations to indemnify and hold harmless third parties from the costs or consequences of non-compliance with Data Protection Laws or other obligations (“Data Protection Obligations”).
We strive to comply with applicable Data Protection Laws, Privacy Policies and Data Protection Obligations to the extent possible, but we may at times fail to do so, or may be perceived to have failed to do so. Moreover, despite our efforts, we may not be successful in achieving compliance if our employees, partners or vendors do not comply with applicable Data Protection Laws, Privacy Policies and Data Protection Obligations. We may be subject to, and suffer an Adverse Data Protection Impact if we fail (or are perceived to have failed) to comply with applicable Data Protection Laws, Privacy Policies and Data Protection Obligations, if our Privacy Policies are, in whole or part, found to be inaccurate, incomplete, deceptive, unfair or misrepresentative of our actual practices. In addition, any such failure or perceived failure could result in public statements against us by consumer advocacy groups, the media or others, which may cause us material reputational harm. Our actual or perceived failure to comply with Data Protection Laws, Privacy Policies and Data Protection Obligations could also subject us to litigation, claims, proceedings, actions or investigations by governmental entities, authorities or regulators, which could result in an Adverse Data Protection Impact, including required changes to our business practices, the diversion of resources and the attention of management from our business, regulatory oversights and audits, discontinuance of necessary Processing or other remedies that adversely affect our business.
In the United States, these include rules and regulations promulgated under the authority of the Federal Trade Commission, the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, the California Consumer Privacy Act, or CCPA, and other state and federal laws relating to privacy and data security. The California Consumer Privacy Act (the “CCPA”), which among other things, establishes a privacy framework for covered businesses, including an expansive definition of personal data and data privacy rights. The CCPA provides
individual privacy rights for California residents and places increased privacy and security obligations on covered businesses processing personal data. The CCPA requires covered businesses to provide new disclosures to California residents and provide such individuals with ways to opt-out of certain sales of personal data. The CCPA also provides a private right of action and statutory damages for violations, including for data breaches. To the extent applicable to our business and operations, the CCPA may impact our business activities by increasing our compliance costs and potential liability with respect to personal information that we or third parties with whom we contract to provide services maintain about California residents. It is anticipated that the CCPA will be expanded on January 1, 2023, when the California Privacy Rights Act of 2020 (the “CPRA”) becomes operative. The CPRA will, among other things, give California residents the ability to limit use of certain sensitive personal data, further restrict the use of cross-contextual advertising, establish restrictions on the retention of personal data, expand the types of data breaches subject to the CCPA’s private right of action, provide for increased penalties for CPRA violations concerning California residents under the age of 16, and establish a new California Privacy Protection Agency to implement and enforce the law. These Data Protection Laws (such as the CCPA and CPRA) exemplify the vulnerability of our business to the evolving regulatory environment related to personal data.
Moreover, across the United States, laws and regulations governing data privacy and security continue to develop and evolve. For example, Virginia enacted the Consumer Data Protection Act (“CDPA”) that may impose obligations similar to or more stringent than those we may face under other Data Protection Laws. Compliance with the CPRA, the CCPA, the CDPA and any newly enacted privacy and data security laws or regulations may be challenging and cost- and time-intensive, and may require us to modify our data processing practices and policies and to incur substantial costs and potential liability in an effort to comply with such legislation. The Data Protection Laws, Privacy Policies and Data Protection Obligations to which we are subject may significantly affect our business activities and many of these obligations may contain ambiguous provisions creating uncertainty. Compliance with the requirements imposed by such Data Protection Laws and Data Protection Obligations may require us to revise our business practices, allocate more resources to privacy and security, and implement new technologies. Such efforts may result in significant costs to our business. Noncompliance could result in Adverse Data Protection Impact, including proceedings against us by governmental and regulatory entities, collaborators, individuals or others.
We rely on a variety of marketing techniques and practices, including email and social media marketing, online targeted advertising, and cookie-based Processing, to sell our products and services and to attract new customers, and we, and our vendors, are subject to various current and future Data Protection Laws and Data Protection Obligations that govern marketing and advertising practices. Governmental authorities continue to evaluate the privacy implications inherent in the use of third-party “cookies” and other methods of online tracking for behavioral advertising and other purposes, such as by regulating the level of consumer notice and consent required before a company can employ cookies or other electronic tracking tools or the use of data gathered with such tools. Additionally, some providers of consumer devices, web browsers and application shops have implemented, or announced plans to implement, means to make it easier for Internet users to prevent the placement of cookies or to block other tracking technologies, require additional consents or limit the ability to track user activity, which could if widely adopted result in the use of third-party cookies and other methods of online tracking becoming significantly less effective. Laws and regulations regarding the use of these cookies and other current online tracking and advertising practices or a loss in our ability to make effective use of services that employ such technologies could increase our costs of operations and limit our ability to acquire new customers on cost-effective terms, which, in turn, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
We and our franchise partners are subject to extensive government regulations that could result in claims leading to increased costs and restrict our ability to operate franchises.
We and our franchise partners are subject to extensive government regulation at the federal, state and local government levels, including by the FTC. These include, but are not limited to, regulations relating to the preparation and sale of beverages, zoning and building codes, franchising, land use and employee, health, sanitation and safety matters. We and our franchise partners are required to obtain and maintain a wide variety of governmental licenses, permits and approvals. Local authorities may suspend or deny renewal of our governmental licenses if they determine that our operations do not meet the standards for initial grant or renewal. Difficulty or
failure in obtaining them in the future could result in delaying or canceling the opening of new shops and thus could harm our business. Any such failure could also subject us to liability from our franchise partners.
Additionally, Congress has a legislation proposal in process that could shift more liability for franchise partner employment practices onto franchisors. The federal PROAct would codify the Browning-Ferris decision that redefined joint employment to include a broader category of conduct by the franchisor, thereby increasing the possibility of Dutch Bros being held liable for our franchise partners’ employment practices.
Beverage and restaurant companies have been the target of class action lawsuits and other proceedings that are costly, divert management attention and, if successful, could result in our payment of substantial damages or settlement costs.
Our business is subject to the risk of litigation by employees, customers, competitors, landlords or neighboring businesses, suppliers, franchise partners, stockholders or others through private actions, class actions, administrative proceedings, regulatory actions or other litigation. The outcome of litigation, particularly class action and regulatory actions, is difficult to assess or quantify. In recent years, beverage and restaurant companies have been subject to lawsuits, including class action lawsuits, alleging violations of federal and state laws regarding workplace and employment matters, discrimination and similar matters. A number of these lawsuits have resulted in the payment of substantial damages by the defendants. Similar lawsuits have been instituted from time to time alleging violations of various federal and state wage and hour laws regarding, among other things, employee meal deductions, overtime eligibility of assistant managers and failure to pay for all hours worked. While we have not been a party to any of these types of lawsuits in the past, there can be no assurance that we will not be named in any such lawsuit in the future or that we would not be required to pay substantial expenses and/or damages.
Occasionally, our customers file complaints or lawsuits against us alleging that we are responsible for some illness or injury they suffered at or after a visit to one of our shops, including actions seeking damages resulting from food-borne illness or accidents in our shops. We also could be subject to a variety of other claims from third parties arising in the ordinary course of our business, including contract claims. The beverage and restaurant industry has also been subject to a growing number of claims that their menus and actions have led to the obesity of certain of their customers.
Occasionally, we and our franchise partners are involved in disputes with neighbors, government officials and landlords over the lines of cars attempting to visit our shops. These disputes have led to the loss or changing of locations, changes to hours and operations and costly litigation. If we are unable to reach agreement in future disputes or to alleviate pressure on certain shops by building additional shops or making operational changes, we may be required to close locations or alter operations at some locations. Lost sales and royalty payments caused by such closures or alterations, plus increased expenses from litigation, would harm our business.
Regardless of whether any claims against us are valid or whether we are liable, claims may be expensive to defend and may divert time and money away from our operations. In addition, they may generate negative publicity, which could reduce customer traffic and sales. Although we maintain what we believe to be adequate levels of insurance, insurance may not be available at all or in sufficient amounts to cover any liabilities with respect to these or other matters. A judgment or other liability in excess of our insurance coverage for any claims or any adverse publicity resulting from claims could harm our business.
Legislation and regulations requiring the display and provision of nutritional information for our menu offerings, and new information or attitudes regarding diet and health or adverse opinions about the health effects of consuming our menu offerings, could affect consumer preferences and negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Government regulation and consumer eating habits may impact our business as a result of changes in attitudes regarding diet and health or new information regarding the health effects of consuming our menu offerings. These changes have resulted in, and may continue to result in, the enactment of laws and regulations that impact the ingredients and nutritional content of our menu offerings, or laws and regulations requiring us to disclose the nutritional content of our food offerings.
For example, a number of states, counties and cities have enacted menu labeling laws requiring multi-unit restaurant operators to disclose certain nutritional information to customers, or have enacted legislation restricting the use of certain types of ingredients in food sold at restaurants. Furthermore, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (the “PPACA”) establishes a uniform, federal requirement for certain restaurants to post certain nutritional information on their menus. Specifically, the PPACA amended the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to require certain chain restaurants to publish the total number of calories of standard menu items on menus and menu boards, along with a statement that puts this calorie information in the context of a total daily calorie intake. The PPACA also requires covered restaurants to provide to consumers, upon request, a written summary of detailed nutritional information for each standard menu item, and to provide a statement on menus and menu boards about the availability of this information. The PPACA further permits the FDA to require covered restaurants to make additional nutrient disclosures, such as disclosure of trans-fat content. An unfavorable report on, or reaction to, our menu ingredients, the size of our portions or the nutritional content of our menu items could negatively influence the demand for our offerings.
We cannot make any assurances regarding our ability to effectively respond to changes in consumer health perceptions or our ability to successfully implement the nutrient content disclosure requirements and to adapt our menu offerings to trends in drinking and consumption habits. The imposition of menu-labeling laws could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial position, as well as the beverage industry in general.
Risks Related to Our Organizational Structure
Dutch Bros Inc. is a holding company, its only material asset following this offering will be its interest in Dutch Bros OpCo, and Dutch Bros Inc. is accordingly dependent upon distributions from Dutch Bros OpCo to pay taxes and expenses (including payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements) and pay dividends.
Dutch Bros Inc. will be a holding company, and following this offering will have no material assets other than its ownership of OpCo Units. Dutch Bros Inc. has no independent means of generating revenue or cash flow, and its ability to pay taxes, operating expenses and dividends in the future, if any, will be dependent upon the financial results and cash flows of Dutch Bros OpCo and its subsidiaries and distributions received from Dutch Bros OpCo. There can be no assurance that Dutch Bros OpCo and its subsidiaries will generate sufficient cash flow to make such distributions, or that applicable state law and contractual restrictions, including negative covenants in our debt instruments, will permit such distributions.
We anticipate that Dutch Bros OpCo will continue to be treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, as such, generally will not be subject to any entity-level U.S. federal income tax. Instead, taxable income will be allocated to holders of Class A common units. Accordingly, Dutch Bros Inc. will incur income taxes on its allocable share of any net taxable income of Dutch Bros OpCo and will also incur expenses related to its operations, including payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements, which we expect could be significant. See “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Agreements to be entered into in connection with this offering—Tax Receivable Agreements.” Furthermore, Dutch Bros Inc.’s allocable share of Dutch Bros OpCo’s net taxable income will increase over time as the Continuing Members redeem or exchange their Class A common units for shares of Class A common stock or cash.
We intend, as its managing member, to cause Dutch Bros OpCo to make cash distributions to the holders of Class A common units, including us, in an amount sufficient to (i) fund their or our tax obligations in respect of allocations of taxable income from Dutch Bros OpCo and (ii) cover our operating expenses, including payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements. However, Dutch Bros OpCo’s ability to make such distributions may be subject to various limitations and restrictions, such as restrictions on distributions that would either violate any contract or agreement to which Dutch Bros OpCo is then a party, including debt agreements, or any applicable law, or that would have the effect of rendering Dutch Bros OpCo insolvent. In addition, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, liability for adjustments to a partnership’s tax return can be imposed on the partnership itself in certain circumstances, absent an election to the contrary. Dutch Bros OpCo could be subject to material liabilities pursuant to adjustments to its partnership tax returns if, for example, its calculations or allocations of taxable income or loss are incorrect, which also could limit its ability to make distributions to us.
If Dutch Bros Inc. does not have sufficient funds to pay taxes or other liabilities or to fund our operations, we may have to borrow funds, which could materially adversely affect our liquidity and financial condition and subject us to various restrictions imposed by any such lenders. To the extent that Dutch Bros Inc. is unable to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements for any reason, such payments generally will be deferred and will accrue interest until paid; provided, however, that nonpayment for a specified period may constitute a material breach of a material obligation under the Tax Receivable Agreements and therefore accelerate payments due under the Tax Receivable Agreements. See “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Agreements to be entered into in connection with this offering—Tax Receivable Agreements.” In addition, if Dutch Bros OpCo does not have sufficient funds to make distributions, Dutch Bros Inc.’s ability to declare and pay cash dividends will also be restricted or impaired. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to this Offering and Ownership of Our Class A Common Stock” and “Dividend Policy.”
Dutch Bros OpCo may make distributions of cash to us in excess of the amounts we use to make distributions to our stockholders and pay our expenses (including our taxes and payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements). To the extent we do not distribute such excess cash as dividends on our Class A and Class D common stock, the Continuing Members would benefit from any value attributable to such cash as a result of their ownership of Class A common stock upon a redemption or exchange of their Class A common units.
Distributions from Dutch Bros OpCo may in certain periods exceed our liabilities, including tax liabilities, obligations to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements, and other expenses. Our board of directors, in its sole discretion, will make any determination from time to time with respect to the use of any such excess cash so accumulated, which may include, among other uses, to pay dividends on its Class A common stock and Class D common stock. We will have no obligation to distribute such cash (or other available cash other than any declared dividend) to our stockholders. See “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Agreements to be entered into prior to this offering—Dutch Bros OpCo Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement.”
No adjustments to the exchange ratio of Class A common units for shares of our Class A common stock will be made as a result of either (i) any cash distribution by us or (ii) any cash that we retain and do not distribute to our stockholders. To the extent we do not distribute such cash as dividends on our Class A and Class D common stock and instead, for example, hold such cash balances, buy additional Class A common units or lend such cash to Dutch Bros OpCo, this may result in shares of our Class A common stock increasing in value relative to the Class A common units. The holders of Class A common units may benefit from any value attributable to such cash balances if they receive shares of Class A common stock on redemption or exchange of their Class A common units or if we acquire additional Class A common units (whether from Dutch Bros OpCo or from holders of Class A common units) at a price based on the market price of our Class A common stock at the time. See “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Agreements to be entered into prior to this offering—Dutch Bros OpCo Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement” and “Dividend Policy” for more information.
The Tax Receivable Agreements with the Continuing Members and Pre-IPO Blocker Holders require Dutch Bros Inc. to make cash payments to them in respect of certain tax benefits to which it may become entitled, and such payments may be substantial.
Prior to the completion of this offering, Dutch Bros Inc. will enter into two Tax Receivable Agreements. It will enter into (i) the Exchange Tax Receivable Agreement with the Continuing Members and (ii) the Reorganization Tax Receivable Agreement with the Pre-IPO Blocker Holders. These Tax Receivable Agreements will provide for the payment by Dutch Bros Inc. to such Continuing Members and Pre-IPO Blocker Holders of 85% of the benefits, if any, that Dutch Bros Inc. is deemed to realize (calculated using certain assumptions) as a result of certain tax attributes and benefits covered by the Tax Receivable Agreements. The Exchange Tax Receivable Agreement will provide for the payment by Dutch Bros Inc. to the Continuing Members of 85% of the benefits, if any, that Dutch Bros Inc. is deemed to realize (calculated using certain assumptions) as a result of (i) Dutch Bros Inc.’s allocable share of existing tax basis attributable to certain assets of Dutch Bros OpCo and its subsidiaries (including assets that will eventually be subject to depreciation or amortization once placed in service) at the time of any redemption or exchange of Class A common units (including in the Reorganization Transactions and Offering Transactions) which tax basis is allocated to such redeemed or exchanged Class A common units acquired by Dutch
Bros Inc., (ii) adjustments that will increase the tax basis of the tangible and intangible assets of the Dutch Bros OpCo and its Subsidiaries as a result of Dutch Bros Inc.’s taxable acquisition of Class A common units from the Continuing Members in the Offering Transactions and in connection with future redemptions or exchanges of Class A common units for shares of Class A common stock (or a corresponding amount of cash), (iii) disproportionate allocations (if any) of tax benefits to Dutch Bros Inc. under Section 704(c) of the Code as a result of Dutch Bros Inc.’s acquisition of Class A common units from Dutch Bros OpCo in the Offering Transactions and from former PI Unit holders in the Pre-IPO Exchanges and (iv) certain other tax benefits, including tax benefits attributable to payments under the Exchange Tax Receivable Agreement. The Reorganization Tax Receivable Agreement will provide for the payment by Dutch Bros Inc. to Pre-IPO Blocker Holders of 85% of the benefits, if any, that Dutch Bros Inc. is deemed to realize (calculated using certain assumptions) as a result of (i) existing tax basis and certain adjustments to the tax basis of certain assets of Dutch Bros OpCo and its subsidiaries, in each case, that are attributable to Class A common units acquired by Dutch Bros Inc. as a result of the Blocker Mergers, (ii) certain tax attributes of the Blocker Companies (including net operating losses, capital losses, research and development credits, work opportunity tax credits, excess Section 163(j) limitation carryforwards, charitable deductions, foreign Tax credits and any Tax attributes subject to carryforward under Section 381 of the Code), and (iii) certain other tax benefits, including tax benefits attributable to payments under the Reorganization Tax Receivable Agreement.
In each case, these increases in Dutch Bros Inc.’s allocable share of existing tax basis, the tax basis adjustments generated over time, and the application of Section 704(c) of the Code, may increase (for tax purposes) depreciation and amortization deductions allocated to Dutch Bros Inc. and, therefore, may reduce the amount of tax that Dutch Bros Inc. would otherwise be required to pay in the future. Actual tax benefits realized by Dutch Bros Inc. may differ from tax benefits calculated under the Tax Receivable Agreements as a result of the use of certain assumptions in the Tax Receivable Agreements, including the use of an assumed weighted-average state and local income tax rate to calculate tax benefits. The payment obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreements are an obligation of Dutch Bros Inc., but not of Dutch Bros OpCo. While the amount of existing tax basis, the anticipated tax basis adjustments, the application of Section 704(c) of the Code, and the actual amount and utilization of tax attributes, as well as the amount and timing of any payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements, will vary depending upon a number of factors, including the timing of redemptions and exchanges, the price of shares of our Class A common stock at the time of redemptions and exchanges, the extent to which such redemptions and exchanges are taxable, and the amount and timing of our income, we expect that as a result of the size of the transfers and increases in the tax basis of the tangible and intangible assets of Dutch Bros OpCo and our possible utilization of tax attributes, including existing tax basis attributable to Class A common units acquired at the time of this offering, the payments that Dutch Bros Inc. may make under the Tax Receivable Agreements may be substantial. The payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements are not conditioned upon continued ownership of Dutch Bros Inc. by the exchanging holders of Class A common units or the Pre-IPO Blocker Holders. See “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Agreements to be entered into in connection with this offering—Tax Receivable Agreements.”
Payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements will be based on the tax reporting positions that we determine, and the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) or another tax authority may challenge all or part of the tax basis increases, as well as other related tax positions we take, and a court could sustain such challenge. The Continuing Members and Pre-IPO Blocker Holders will not reimburse us for any payments previously made under the Tax Receivable Agreements if such basis increases or other tax benefits are subsequently disallowed, except that any excess payments made by Dutch Bros Inc. to the Continuing Members and Pre-IPO Blocker Holders will be netted against future payments that it might otherwise be required to make to them under the applicable Tax Receivable Agreements. However, a challenge to any tax benefits initially claimed may not arise for a number of years following the initial time of such payment or, even if challenged early, such excess cash payment may be greater than the amount of future cash payments that Dutch Bros Inc. might otherwise be required to make under the terms of the Tax Receivable Agreements and, as a result, there might not be sufficient future cash payments against which the prior payments can be fully netted. The applicable U.S. federal income tax rules are complex and factual in nature, and there can be no assurance that the IRS or a court will not disagree with our tax reporting positions. As a result, in certain circumstances Dutch Bros Inc. may make payments to the Continuing Members and Pre-IPO Blocker Holders under the Tax Receivable Agreements in excess of its actual cash tax savings. Therefore, payments could be made under the Tax Receivable Agreements in excess of the tax savings that we realize in respect of the tax
attributes with respect to the Continuing Members and Pre-IPO Blocker Holders that are the subject of the Tax Receivable Agreements. See “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Agreements to be entered into in connection with this offering—Tax Receivable Agreements.”
In certain cases, payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements may be accelerated and/or significantly exceed the actual benefits Dutch Bros Inc. realizes in respect of the tax attributes subject to the Tax Receivable Agreements.
Dutch Bros Inc.’s payment obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreements may be accelerated in the event of certain changes of control or certain material breaches of material obligations and will be accelerated in the event it elects to terminate the Tax Receivable Agreements early. The accelerated payments will relate to all relevant tax attributes that may subsequently be available to Dutch Bros Inc. The accelerated payments required in such circumstances will be calculated by reference to the present value (at a discount rate equal to the lesser of (i) 6.5% per annum and (ii) one year LIBOR, or its successor rate, plus 100 “basis points”) of all future payments that the Continuing Members and Pre-IPO Blocker Holders would have been entitled to receive under the Tax Receivable Agreements, and such accelerated payments and any other future payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements will utilize certain valuation assumptions, including that Dutch Bros Inc. will have sufficient taxable income to fully utilize the deductions arising from the increased tax deductions and tax basis and other benefits related to entering into the Tax Receivable Agreements and sufficient taxable income to fully utilize any remaining net operating losses subject to the Tax Receivable Agreements on a straight line basis over the shorter of the statutory expiration period for such net operating losses and the five-year period after the early termination or change of control.
Accordingly, it is possible that the actual cash tax benefits realized by Dutch Bros Inc. may be significantly less than the corresponding Tax Receivable Agreement payments or that payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements may be made years in advance of the actual realization, if any, of the anticipated future tax benefits. There may be a material negative effect on our liquidity if the payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements exceed the actual cash tax benefits that Dutch Bros Inc. realizes in respect of the tax attributes subject to the Tax Receivable Agreements and/or payments to us from Dutch Bros OpCo are not sufficient to permit Dutch Bros Inc. to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements after it has paid taxes and other expenses. Based upon certain assumptions described in greater detail below under “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Agreements to be entered into in connection with this offering—Tax Receivable Agreements,” we estimate that if Dutch Bros Inc. were to exercise its termination right immediately following this offering, the aggregate amount of these termination payments would be approximately $637.5 million. The foregoing number is merely an estimate and the actual payments could differ materially. We may need to incur additional indebtedness to finance payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements to the extent our cash resources are insufficient to meet our obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreements as a result of timing discrepancies or otherwise, and these obligations could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing certain mergers, asset sales, other forms of business combinations or other changes of control.
The acceleration of payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements in the case of certain changes of control may impair our ability to consummate change of control transactions or negatively impact the value received by owners of our Class A common stock.
The Tax Receivable Agreements provide that upon certain mergers, asset sales or other forms of business combination or certain other changes of control, Dutch Bros Inc.’s (or its successor’s) obligations with respect to the Tax Receivable Agreements would be based on certain assumptions, including that we (or our successor) would have sufficient taxable income to fully utilize the benefits arising from the increased tax deductions and tax basis and other benefits covered by the Tax Receivable Agreements. Consequently, it is possible, in these circumstances, that the actual cash tax savings realized by us may be significantly less than the corresponding tax benefit payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements. Dutch Bros Inc.’s accelerated payment obligations and/or assumptions adopted under the Tax Receivable Agreements in the case of a change of control may impair our ability to consummate a change of control transactions or negatively impact the value received by owners of our Class A common stock in a change of control transaction.
If we were deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as a result of our ownership of Dutch Bros OpCo, applicable restrictions could make it impractical for us to continue our business as contemplated and could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Under Sections 3(a)(1)(A) and (C) of the 1940 Act, a company generally will be deemed to be an “investment company” for purposes of the 1940 Act if (i) it is, or holds itself out as being, engaged primarily, or proposes to engage primarily, in the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities or (ii) it engages, or proposes to engage, in the business of investing, reinvesting, owning, holding or trading in securities and it owns or proposes to acquire investment securities having a value exceeding 40% of the value of its total assets (exclusive of U.S. government securities and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis. We do not believe that we are an “investment company,” as such term is defined in either of those sections of the 1940 Act.
Upon completion of the Reorganization Transactions, we will have control over Dutch Bros OpCo. As the sole managing member of Dutch Bros OpCo, Dutch Bros Inc. will control and operate Dutch Bros OpCo. On that basis, we believe that our interest in Dutch Bros OpCo is not an “investment security” as that term is used in the 1940 Act. However, if we were to cease participation in the management of Dutch Bros OpCo or if Dutch Bros OpCo itself becomes an investment company, our interest in Dutch Bros OpCo, as applicable, could be deemed an “investment security” for purposes of the 1940 Act.
We and Dutch Bros OpCo intend to conduct our operations so that we will not be deemed an investment company. If it were established that we were an unregistered investment company, there would be a risk that we would be subject to monetary penalties and injunctive relief in an action brought by the SEC, that we would be unable to enforce contracts with third parties, and that third parties could seek to obtain rescission of transactions undertaken during the period it was established that we were an unregistered investment company. If we were required to register as an investment company, restrictions imposed by the 1940 Act, including limitations on our capital structure and our ability to transact with affiliates, could make it impractical for us to continue our business as contemplated and could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Risks Related to this Offering and Ownership of Our Class A Common Stock
An active trading market for our Class A common stock may never develop or be sustained.
Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for any of our classes common stock. We intend to list our Class A common stock on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “BROS”. We cannot predict the extent to which investor interest in us will lead to the development of an active trading market on that exchange or otherwise or how liquid that market might become. An active public market for our Class A common stock may not develop or be sustained after this offering. If an active public market does not develop or is not sustained, it may be difficult for you to sell your shares of Class A common stock at a price that is attractive to you or at all. The initial public offering price for our Class A common stock has been determined through negotiations among us, the selling stockholders and the representatives of the underwriters and may not be indicative of the market price of our Class A common stock after this offering or to any other established criteria of the value of our business. If you purchase shares of our Class A common stock, you may not be able to resell those shares at or above the initial public offering price.
You will experience immediate and substantial dilution in the net tangible book value of the shares of Class A common stock you purchase in this offering.
The initial public offering price of our Class A common stock is substantially higher than the pro forma net tangible book value per share of our Class A common stock immediately after this offering. If you purchase shares of our Class A common stock in this offering, you will suffer immediate dilution of $17.88 per share, representing the difference between the assumed initial public offering price of $19.00 per share and our pro forma net tangible book value per share after giving effect to the sale of Class A common stock in this offering at the assumed initial public offering price of $19.00 per share. See “Dilution.”
Additional stock issuances (including pursuant to the redemption of Class A common units from our Continuing Members) could result in significant dilution to our stockholders and cause the trading price of our Class A common stock to decline.
We may issue our capital stock or securities convertible into our capital stock from time to time in connection with a financing, acquisition, investments or otherwise (including pursuant to the redemption of Class A common units from our Continuing Members). Additional issuances of our stock will result in dilution to existing holders of our stock. Any such issuances could result in substantial dilution to our existing stockholders and cause the trading price of our Class A common stock to decline.
In particular, following the issuance of shares of Class A common stock in connection with the redemption of Class A common units from our Continuing Members and the related cancellation of shares of our Class B common stock or Class C common stock, such shares of Class A common stock will have the same economic rights as other shares of Class A common stock.
The trading price of our Class A common stock may be volatile, and you could lose all or part of your investment.
Prior to this offering, there was no public market for shares of our Class A common stock. The initial public offering price of our Class A common stock will be determined through negotiation between us and the underwriters. This price does not necessarily reflect the price at which investors in the market will be willing to buy and sell shares of our Class A common stock following this offering. In addition, the trading price of our Class A common stock following this offering is likely to be volatile and could be subject to fluctuations in response to various factors, some of which are beyond our control. These fluctuations could cause you to lose all or part of your investment in our Class A common stock as you might be unable to sell your shares at or above the price you paid in this offering. Factors that could cause fluctuations in the trading price of our Class A common stock include the risk factors set forth in this section as well as the following:
•price and volume fluctuations in the overall stock market from time to time;
•volatility in the trading prices and trading volumes of technology stocks;
•changes in operating performance and stock market valuations of other technology companies generally, or those in our industry in particular;
•sales of shares of our Class A common stock by us or our stockholders;
•failure of securities analysts to maintain coverage of us, changes in financial estimates by securities analysts who follow our company, or our failure to meet these estimates or the expectations of investors;
•changes in our financial, operating or other metrics, regardless of whether we consider those metrics as reflective of the current state or long-term prospects of our business, and how those results compare to securities analyst expectations, including whether those results fail to meet, exceed or significantly exceed securities analyst expectations, particularly in light of the significant portion of our revenue derived from a limited number of customers;
•announcements by us or our competitors of new products or services;
•the public’s reaction to our press releases, other public announcements, and filings with the SEC;
•rumors and market speculation involving us or other companies in our industry;
•actual or anticipated changes in our results of operations or fluctuations in our results of operations;
•actual or anticipated developments in our business, our competitors’ businesses or the competitive landscape generally;
•litigation involving us, our industry or both, or investigations by regulators into our operations or those of our competitors;
•actual or perceived privacy or data security incidents;
•developments or disputes concerning our intellectual property or other proprietary rights;
•announced or completed acquisitions of businesses, applications, products, services or technologies by us or our competitors;
•new laws or regulations or new interpretations of existing laws or regulations applicable to our business;
•changes in accounting standards, policies, guidelines, interpretations or principles;
•any significant change in our management; and
•general political and economic conditions and slow or negative growth of our markets.
In addition, in the past, following periods of volatility in the overall market and in the market price of a particular company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against these companies. This litigation, if instituted against us, could result in substantial costs and a diversion of our management’s attention and resources.
The multi-class structure of our common stock as contained in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation has the effect of concentrating voting control with Continuing Members, limiting your ability to influence corporate matters.
Each share of our Class A common stock will entitle its holder to one vote on all matters on which stockholders are entitled to vote generally. Our shares of Class B common stock will have no economic rights but each share will entitle its holder to ten votes (or such lower number as required to prevent the holders of Class B common stock from holding, in the aggregate, 80% or more of the aggregate voting power of Dutch Bros at any time) for so long as the aggregate number of outstanding shares of our Class B common stock represents at least 5% of the total outstanding shares of common stock, and thereafter, one vote per share on all matters on which stockholders are entitled to vote generally. Immediately following the consummation of this offering, all our Class B common stock will be held by certain Continuing Members affiliated with our Co-Founder. Our shares of Class C common stock and Class D common stock will entitle its holder to three votes for each share (for so long as the aggregate number of outstanding shares of our Class C common stock and Class D common stock represents at least 5% of the total outstanding shares of common stock, and thereafter, one vote per share) on all matters on which stockholders are entitled to vote generally. Our shares of Class C common stock will have no economic rights but Class D common stock will have the same economic rights as shares of Class A common stock. Immediately following the consummation of this offering, all our Class C common stock will be held by certain Continuing Members affiliated with our Sponsor and all our Class D common stock will be held by the Pre-IPO Blocker Holders.
The difference in voting rights could adversely affect the value of our Class A common stock by, for example, delaying or deferring a change of control or if investors view, or any potential future purchaser of our company views, the superior voting rights of the Class B common stock, Class C common stock and Class D common stock to have value. Because of the ten-to-one voting ratio between our Class B common stock and our Class A common stock, and the three-to-one voting ratio between our Class C common stock and Class D common stock, on the one hand, and our Class A common stock on the other hand, the holders of our Class B common stock, Class C common stock and Class D common stock collectively will continue to control a majority of the combined voting power of our common stock and therefore be able to control all matters submitted to our stockholders so long as they collectively represent at least a majority of the total voting power. This concentrated control will limit or preclude the ability of holders of Class A common stock to influence corporate matters for the foreseeable future. For a description of our multi-class structure, see “Description of Capital Stock.”
FTSE Russell and Standard & Poor’s does not allow most newly public companies utilizing dual or multi-class capital structures to be included in their indices. Affected indices include the Russell 2000 and the S&P 500, S&P MidCap 400 and S&P SmallCap 600, which together make up the S&P Composite 1500. Also in 2017, MSCI, a leading stock index provider, opened public consultations on their treatment of no-vote and multi-class structures and temporarily barred new multi-class listings from certain of its indices; however, in October 2018, MSCI announced its decision to include equity securities “with unequal voting structures” in its indices and to launch a new index that specifically includes voting rights in its eligibility criteria. Under the announced policies, our multi-class capital structure would make us ineligible for inclusion in certain indices, and as a result, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds and other investment vehicles that attempt to passively track these indices will not be investing in our stock. In addition, we cannot assure you that other stock indices will not take similar actions. Given the sustained flow of investment funds into passive strategies that seek to track certain indices, exclusion from certain stock indices would likely preclude investment by many of these funds and would make our Class A common stock less attractive to other investors. As a result, the trading price and volume of our Class A common stock could be adversely affected.
Our Co-Founder and Sponsor will continue to have significant influence over us after this offering, which could limit your ability to influence the outcome of matters submitted to stockholders for a vote.
Immediately following this offering and application of the net proceeds therefrom, our Co-Founder will beneficially own approximately 74.4% of the combined voting power of our Class A common stock, Class B common stock, Class C common stock and Class D common stock (or approximately 74.1% if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) and our Sponsor, directly and through affiliated investment funds, will beneficially own approximately 22.2% of the combined voting power of our Class A common stock, Class B common stock, Class C common stock and Class D common stock (or approximately 22.1% if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock). Each share of Class A common stock entitling the holder to one vote, each share of Class B common stock entitling the holder to ten votes (for so long as the aggregate number of outstanding shares of our Class B common stock represents at least 5% of the total outstanding common stock, and thereafter, one vote per share, provided that the number of votes per share may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as required to prevent the holders of Class B common stock from holding, in the aggregate, 80% or more of our aggregate voting power at any time) and each share of Class C common stock and Class D common stock entitling the holder to three votes (for so long as the aggregate number of outstanding shares of our Class C common stock and Class D common stock represents at least 5% of the total outstanding common stock, and thereafter, one vote per share) on all matters on which stockholders are entitled to vote generally. Thus our Co-Founder and our Sponsor will exercise control over all corporate actions requiring stockholder approval, irrespective of how our other stockholders may vote, including the election and removal of directors and the size of our board of directors, any amendment of our certificate of incorporation or bylaws or the approval of any merger or other significant corporate transaction, including a sale of substantially all our assets.
In addition, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that the holders of Class C common stock, which our Sponsor and its affiliates will hold all of, are entitled to elect up to two members of our board of directors, voting as a separate class. The Stockholders Agreement similarly provides that we will agree to nominate to our board of directors individuals designated by our Sponsor, which will retain the right to designate up to two members of the board of directors for so long as the holders of shares of Class C common stock and Class D common stock are entitled to elect one or more members to the board of directors pursuant to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation. Our Sponsor may therefore have influence over management and substantial control over matters requiring stockholder approval, including the annual election of directors and significant corporate transactions, such as a merger or other sale of our company or its assets, following the closing of this offering and for the foreseeable future. It is possible that our Co-Founder’s and our Sponsor’s interests may not align with the interests of our other stockholders. See “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Agreements to be entered into in connection with this offering—Stockholders Agreement”
In addition, immediately following this offering and application of the net proceeds therefrom, our Co-Founder and Sponsor, as Continuing Members, will own approximately 71.7% of the Class A common units (or approximately 70.0% if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A
common stock). Because they hold their ownership interest in our business directly in Dutch Bros OpCo, rather than through Dutch Bros Inc., the Continuing Members may have conflicting interests with holders of shares of our Class A common stock. For example, if Dutch Bros OpCo makes distributions to Dutch Bros Inc., the non-managing members of Dutch Bros OpCo will also be entitled to receive such distributions pro rata in accordance with their ownership of Class A common units and their preferences as to the timing and amount of any such distributions may differ from those of our public stockholders. The Continuing Members may also have different tax positions from us that could influence their decisions regarding whether and when to dispose of assets, especially in light of the existence of the Tax Receivable Agreements that we will enter in connection with this offering, whether and when to incur new or refinance existing indebtedness and whether and when Dutch Bros Inc. should terminate the Tax Receivable Agreements and accelerate its obligations thereunder. In addition, the structuring of future transactions may take into consideration our pre-IPO owners’ tax or other considerations even where no similar benefit would accrue to us. See “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Agreements to be entered into in connection with this offering—Tax Receivable Agreements.”
Upon the listing of our Class A common stock on the New York Stock Exchange, we will be a “controlled company” within the meaning of the New York Stock Exchange rules and, as a result, will qualify for, and intend to rely on, exemptions and relief from certain corporate governance requirements. You will not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to such requirements.
Following this offering, certain affiliates of our Co-Founder will beneficially own approximately 74.4% of the combined voting power of our Class A common stock, Class B common stock, Class C common stock and Class D common stock (or approximately 74.1% if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock). As a result, we will be a “controlled company” within the meaning of the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance standards. Under these corporate governance standards, a company of which more than 50% of the voting power in the election of directors is held by an individual, group or another company is a “controlled company” and may elect not to comply with certain corporate governance requirements. For example, controlled companies are not required to have:
•a board that is composed of a majority of “independent directors,” as defined under the New York Stock Exchange rules;
•a compensation committee that is composed entirely of independent directors; and
•director nominations be made, or recommended to the full board of directors, by its independent directors, or by a nominations/governance committee that is composed entirely of independent directors.
Following this offering, we intend to utilize these exemptions. Accordingly, you will not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all the corporate governance requirements of the New York Stock Exchange.
Certain of our directors have relationships with our Sponsor, which may cause conflicts of interest with respect to our business.
Following this offering, two of our directors will be affiliated with our Sponsor. Our Sponsor-affiliated directors have fiduciary duties to us and, in addition, have duties to our Sponsor. As a result, these directors may face real or apparent conflicts of interest with respect to matters affecting both us and our Sponsor, whose interests may be adverse to ours in some circumstances.
Additionally, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that we renounce any interest or expectancy in, or in being offered an opportunity to participate in, business opportunities that are from time to time available to Sponsor and of its officers, directors, agents, stockholders, members, partners, affiliates and subsidiaries and each such party shall not have any obligation to offer us those opportunities unless presented to one of our directors or officers in his or her capacity as a director or officer.
We cannot predict the impact our multi-class structure may have on the market price of our Class A common stock.
We cannot predict whether our multi-class structure, combined with the concentrated control of our stockholders who held our capital stock prior to the completion of this offering, including our executive officers, employees, and directors and their affiliates, will result in a lower or more volatile market price of our Class A common stock or in adverse publicity or other adverse consequences. For example, as mentioned above certain index providers have announced restrictions on including companies with multiple class share structures in certain of their indices. Under the announced policies, our multi-class capital structure would make us ineligible for inclusion in many indices. Given the sustained flow of investment funds into passive strategies that seek to track certain indexes, exclusion from stock indexes would likely preclude investment by many of these funds and could make our Class A common stock less attractive to other investors. As a result, the market price of our Class A common stock could be adversely affected.
Future sales of shares of our Class A or Class D common stock cause the market price of our Class A common stock to decline.
Sales of a substantial number of shares of our Class A or Class D common stock (after converting to Class A common stock) in the public market following the completion of this offering, or the perception that these redemptions, exchanges or sales might occur, could depress the market price of our Class A common stock and could impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional equity securities. Many of our existing equity holders have substantial unrecognized gains on the value of the equity they hold based upon the price of this offering, and therefore they may take steps to sell their shares or otherwise secure the unrecognized gains on those shares.
Upon completion of this offering (subject to the terms of the Third LLC Agreement), based on the midpoint of the price range set forth on the front cover of this prospectus, an aggregate of 118,344,409 Class A common units may be redeemed in exchange for shares of our Class A common stock and an aggregate 16,239,252 shares of Class D common stock may be converted into shares of our Class A common stock. Any shares we issue upon redemption or exchange of Class A common units or upon the conversion of shares of Class D common stock, as applicable, will be “restricted securities” as defined in Rule 144 and may not be sold in the absence of registration under the Securities Act unless an exemption from registration is available, including the exemptions contained in Rule 144. We, our executive officers, our directors, the holders of all our Class D common stock, and the holders of substantially all our outstanding OpCo Units have agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not to dispose of or hedge any shares of our Class A common stock (including shares issued upon redemption or exchange of Class A common units or upon conversion of shares of Class D common stock, as applicable) or securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of our Class A common stock, including our Class B, Class C and Class D common stock, for the lock-up period following the date of this prospectus, except with certain underwriters’ prior written consent. See “Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest).”
Upon the expiration of the lock-up agreements described above, all such shares will be eligible for resale in the public market, subject, in the case of shares held by our affiliates, to volume, manner of sale, and other limitations under Rule 144.
Our trading price and trading volume could decline if securities or industry analysts do not publish research about our business, or if they publish unfavorable research.
Equity research analysts do not currently provide coverage of our Class A common stock, and we cannot assure that any equity research analysts will adequately provide research coverage of our Class A common stock after the listing of our Class A common stock on the New York Stock Exchange. A lack of adequate research coverage may harm the liquidity and trading price of our Class A common stock. To the extent equity research analysts do provide research coverage of our Class A common stock, we will not have any control over the content and opinions included in their reports. The trading price of our Class A common stock could decline if one or more equity research analysts downgrade our stock or publish other unfavorable commentary or research. If one or more
equity research analysts cease coverage of our company, or fail to regularly publish reports on us, the demand for our Class A common stock could decrease, which in turn could cause our trading price or trading volume to decline.
We will incur costs and demands upon management as a result of complying with the laws and regulations affecting public companies in the United States, which may harm our business.
As a public company listed in the United States, we will incur significant additional legal, accounting, and other expenses. In addition, changing laws, regulations, and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure, including regulations implemented by the SEC and the New York Stock Exchange, may increase legal and financial compliance costs and make some activities more time consuming. These laws, regulations and standards are subject to varying interpretations, and as a result, their application in practice may evolve over time as new guidance is provided by regulatory and governing bodies. We intend to invest resources to comply with evolving laws, regulations, and standards, and this investment may result in increased selling, general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management’s time and attention from revenue-generating activities to compliance activities. If, notwithstanding our efforts, we fail to comply with new laws, regulations, and standards, regulatory authorities may initiate legal proceedings against us and our business may be harmed.
These rules and regulations could also make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified persons to serve on our board of directors or our board committees or as executive officers. Our management and other personnel will devote a substantial amount of time to these compliance initiatives. As a result, management’s attention may be diverted from other business concerns, which could harm our business and operating results. We will need to hire more employees in the future to comply with these requirements, which will increase our costs and expenses.
Our management team and other personnel devote a substantial amount of time to new compliance initiatives and we may not successfully or efficiently manage our transition to a public company. To comply with the requirements of being a public company, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, we will need to undertake various actions, such as implementing new internal controls and procedures and hiring accounting or internal audit staff, which would require us to incur additional expenses and harm our results of operations.
Failure to comply with these rules might also make it more difficult for us to obtain certain types of insurance, including director and officer liability insurance, and we might be forced to accept reduced policy limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain the same or similar coverage. The impact of these events would also make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified persons to serve on our board of directors, on committees of our board of directors or as members of senior management.
We are an “emerging growth company,” and we intend to comply only with reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies. As a result, our Class A common stock could be less attractive to investors.
We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act, and for as long as we continue to be an emerging growth company, we may choose to take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements applicable to other public companies but not to emerging growth companies, including not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. We will remain an emerging growth company until the earlier of (1) the last day of the fiscal year (a) following the fifth anniversary of the completion of this offering, (b) in which we have total annual gross revenue of over $1.07 billion or (c) in which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer, which means the market value of our Class A common stock held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the prior June 30 and (2) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt during the prior three-year period. We cannot predict if investors will find our Class A common stock less attractive if we choose to rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our Class A common stock less attractive as a result of any choices to reduce future disclosure, there may be a less active trading market for our Class A common stock, and our stock price may be more volatile.
General Risks
Our quarterly results may fluctuate significantly and may not meet our expectations or those of investors or securities analysts.
Our quarterly results of operations, including the levels of our revenue, deferred revenue, working capital, and cash flows, may vary significantly in the future, such that period-to-period comparisons of our results of operations may not be meaningful. Our quarterly financial results may fluctuate due to a variety of factors, many of which are outside of our control and may be difficult to predict, including, but not limited to:
•the level of demand for our products;
•our ability to grow or maintain our dollar-based net retention rate, expand usage within organizations, and sell subscriptions;
•the timing and success of new features, integrations, capabilities, and enhancements by us to our products, or by our competitors to their products, or any other changes in the competitive landscape of our market;
•our ability to achieve widespread acceptance and use of our products;
•errors in our forecasting of the demand for our products, which would lead to lower revenue, increased costs, or both;
•security breaches, technical difficulties, or interruptions to our systems;
•pricing pressure as a result of competition or otherwise;
•the continued ability to hire high quality and experienced talent in a fiercely competitive environment;
•the timing of the grant or vesting of equity awards to employees, directors, or consultants;
•declines in the values of foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar;
•changes in, and continuing uncertainty in relation to, the legislative or regulatory environment;
•legal and regulatory compliance costs in new and existing markets;
•costs and timing of expenses related to the potential acquisition of businesses, talent, technologies, or intellectual property, including potentially significant amortization costs and possible write-downs;
•environmental matters, such as wildfires, and health epidemics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, influenza, and other highly communicable diseases or viruses;
•adverse litigation judgments, other dispute-related settlement payments, or other litigation-related costs; and
•general economic conditions in either domestic or international markets, including geopolitical uncertainty and instability and their effects on beverage purchases.
Any one or more of the factors above may result in significant fluctuations in our results of operations, which may negatively impact the trading price of our Class A common stock. You should not rely on our past results as an indicator of our future performance.
Our outstanding indebtedness could materially adversely affect our financial condition and our ability to operate our business, pursue our growth strategy, and react to changes in the economy or industry.
As of June 30, 2021, we had $198.8 million in principal amount of loans outstanding under our Senior Secured Facility and $25.0 million in revolving loans. Although we expect to use the proceeds from this offering to
pay down part of our loans, we will continue to have a significant amount of indebtedness. See “Use of Proceeds.” In addition, subject to certain restrictions under our Senior Secured Credit Facility, we may incur additional debt.
Our substantial debt could have important consequences to you, including the following:
•it may be difficult for us to satisfy our obligations, including debt service requirements under our outstanding debt, resulting in possible defaults on and acceleration of such indebtedness;
•our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, debt service requirements or other general corporate purposes may be impaired;
•a substantial portion of cash flow from operations may be dedicated to the payment of principal and interest on our debt, therefore reducing our ability to use our cash flow to fund our operations, capital expenditures, future business opportunities, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes;
•we are more vulnerable to economic downturns and adverse industry conditions and our flexibility to plan for, or react to, changes in our business or industry is more limited;
•our ability to capitalize on business opportunities and to react to competitive pressures, as compared to our competitors, may be compromised due to our level of debt; and
•our ability to borrow additional funds or to refinance debt may be limited.
Furthermore, all of our debt under our Senior Secured Credit Facility bears interest at variable rates. If these rates were to increase significantly, whether because of an increase in market interest rates or a decrease in our creditworthiness, our ability to borrow additional funds may be reduced and the risks related to our substantial debt would intensify.
Restrictions imposed by our outstanding indebtedness and any future indebtedness may limit our ability to operate our business, execute our growth strategy, and to finance our future operations or capital needs or to engage in other business activities.
In May 2021, we entered into a Credit Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent and other financial institutions as the lenders party thereto (referred to as the “Senior Secured Credit Facility” and further defined below), which restrict us from engaging in specified types of transactions. These covenants restrict our ability, among other things, to:
•incur additional debt;
•grant liens on assets;
•sell or dispose of assets;
•merge with or acquire other companies, or make other investments;
•liquidate or dissolve ourselves; engage in businesses that are not in a related line of business; or
•pay dividends or make other distribution
In addition, our Senior Secured Credit Facility contains financial covenants that require us not to exceed a maximum net lease-adjusted total leverage ratio and maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. Our ability to comply with these financial covenants can be affected by events beyond our control, and we may not be able to satisfy them. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Senior Secured Credit Facilities.”
A breach of any of the covenants in the Senior Secured Credit Facility could result in an event of default, which could trigger acceleration of our indebtedness and may result in the acceleration of or default under other debt we may incur in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and
financial condition. In the event of such event of default under our Senior Secured Credit Facility, the applicable lenders could elect to terminate their commitments and declare all outstanding loans, together with accrued and unpaid interest and any fees and other obligations, to be due and payable, and/or exercise their rights and remedies under the loan documents governing our Senior Secured Credit Facility or any applicable law. Our obligations under the Senior Secured Credit Facility are guaranteed by our subsidiaries and secured by substantially all of our and such subsidiary guarantors’ assets.
If we were unable to repay or otherwise refinance these loans when due, the applicable lenders could proceed against the collateral granted to them to secure such indebtedness, which could force us into bankruptcy or liquidation. In the event the applicable lenders accelerate the repayment of our loans, we and our subsidiaries may not have sufficient assets to repay such indebtedness. Any acceleration of amounts due under our Senior Secured Credit Facility or the exercise by the applicable lenders of their rights and remedies would likely have a material adverse effect on our business.
As a result of these restrictions, we may be:
•limited in how we conduct our business;
•unable to raise additional debt or equity financing to operate during general economic or business downturns; or
•unable to compete effectively or to take advantage of new business opportunities.
These restrictions may affect our ability to grow in accordance with our strategy.
Furthermore, the terms of any future indebtedness we may incur could have further additional restrictive covenants. We may not be able to maintain compliance with these covenants in the future, and in such event, we cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain waivers from the lenders or amend the covenants.
We have identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting. If we are unable to remedy our material weakness, or if we fail to establish and maintain effective internal controls, we may be unable to produce timely and accurate financial statements, and we may conclude that our internal control over financial reporting is not effective, which could adversely impact our investors’ confidence and our Class A common stock price.
Prior to this offering, we were a private company and had limited accounting and financial reporting personnel and other resources with which to address our internal controls and related procedures. In connection with the audit of our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2020, our management and auditors determined that a material weakness existed in the internal control over financial reporting due to limited accounting department personnel capable of appropriately accounting for complex transactions we undertake. Additionally, there were insufficient controls over the review and approval of manual journal entries, including appropriate segregation of duties. A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim consolidated financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. We are in the process of implementing measures designed to improve our internal control over financial reporting to remediate this material weakness. While we continue to take remediation steps, including hiring additional personnel subsequent to December 31, 2020, we continued to have a limited number of personnel with the level of GAAP accounting knowledge, specifically related to complex accounting transactions, commensurate with our financial reporting requirements. As such, we continued to have a material weakness in our control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020.
We cannot assure you that the measures we have taken to date, and are continuing to implement, will be sufficient to remediate the material weakness we have identified or avoid potential future material weaknesses. If the steps we take do not correct the material weakness in a timely manner, we will be unable to conclude that we maintain effective internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, there could continue to be a reasonable
possibility that a material misstatement of our financial statements would not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
If we fail to remediate our existing material weakness or identify new material weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting, if we are unable to comply with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in a timely manner, if we are unable to conclude that our internal controls over financial reporting are effective, or if our independent registered public accounting firm is unable to express an opinion as to the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting when we are no longer an emerging growth company, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports and the market price of our common stock could be negatively affected. As a result of such failures, we could also become subject to investigations by the New York Stock Exchange, the SEC or other regulatory authorities, and become subject to litigation from investors and stockholders, which could harm our reputation and financial condition or divert financial and management resources from our regular business activities.
A failure to establish and maintain an effective system of disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting, could adversely affect our ability to produce timely and accurate financial statements or comply with applicable regulations.
As a public company, we will be subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and the rules and regulations of the applicable listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange. We expect that the requirements of these rules and regulations will continue to increase our legal, accounting, and financial compliance costs, make some activities more difficult, time consuming, and costly, and place significant strain on our personnel, systems, and resources.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. We are continuing to develop and refine our disclosure controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we will file with the SEC is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms and that information required to be disclosed in reports under the Exchange Act, is accumulated and communicated to our principal executive and financial officers. We are also continuing to improve our internal controls over financial reporting. For example, as we have prepared to become a public company, we have worked to improve the controls around our key accounting processes and our quarterly close process, and we have hired additional accounting and finance personnel to help us implement these processes and controls. In order to maintain and improve the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, we have expended, and anticipate that we will continue to expend, significant resources, including accounting-related costs and investments to strengthen our accounting systems.
Our current controls and any new controls that we develop may become inadequate because of changes in conditions in our business. In addition, changes in accounting principles or interpretations could also challenge our internal controls and require that we establish new business processes, systems, and controls to accommodate such changes. We have limited experience with implementing the systems and controls that will be necessary to operate as a public company, as well as adopting changes in accounting principles or interpretations mandated by the relevant regulatory bodies. Additionally, if these new systems, controls or standards and the associated process changes do not give rise to the benefits that we expect or do not operate as intended, it could adversely affect our financial reporting systems and processes, our ability to produce timely and accurate financial reports or the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Moreover, our business may be harmed if we experience problems with any new systems and controls that result in delays in their implementation or increased costs to correct any post-implementation issues that may arise.
Further, weaknesses in our disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting may be discovered in the future. Any failure to develop or maintain effective controls or any difficulties encountered in their implementation or improvement could harm our results of operations or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations and may result in a restatement of our consolidated financial statements for prior periods. Any failure to implement and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting also could adversely affect the results of periodic management evaluations and annual independent registered public accounting firm attestation reports
regarding the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting that we will eventually be required to include in our periodic reports that will be filed with the SEC. Ineffective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial and other information, which would likely have a negative effect on the trading price of our Class A common stock. In addition, if we are unable to continue to meet these requirements, we may not be able to remain listed on the New York Stock Exchange. We are not currently required to comply with the SEC rules that implement Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and are therefore not required to make a formal assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting for that purpose. As a public company, we are required to provide an annual management report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting commencing with our second annual report on Form 10-K.
Our independent registered public accounting firm is not required to formally attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting until after we are no longer an “emerging growth company” as defined in the JOBS Act. At such time, our independent registered public accounting firm may issue a report that is adverse in the event it is not satisfied with the level at which our internal control over financial reporting is documented, designed or operating. Any failure to maintain effective disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting could harm our business, results of operations, and financial condition and could cause a decline in the trading price of our common stock. Changes in tax laws or regulations could be enacted or existing tax laws or regulations could be applied to us or our customers in a manner that could increase the costs of our products and harm our business.
We will have broad discretion in the use of net proceeds from this offering and may invest or spend the proceeds in ways with which you do not agree and in ways that may not yield a return.
We cannot specify with any certainty the particular uses of the net proceeds that we will receive from this offering. Our management will have broad discretion over the use of net proceeds from this offering, including for any of the purposes described in “Use of Proceeds,” and you will not have the opportunity as part of your investment decision to assess whether the net proceeds are being used appropriately. Investors may not agree with our decisions, and our use of the proceeds may not yield any return on your investment. Because of the number and variability of factors that will determine our use of the net proceeds from this offering, their ultimate use may vary substantially from their currently intended use. Our failure to apply the net proceeds of this offering effectively could impair our ability to pursue our growth strategy or could require us to raise additional capital.
We may engage in merger and acquisition activities, which would require significant management attention, disrupt our business, dilute stockholder value, and adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
As part of our business strategy to expand our product offerings and grow our business in response to changing technologies, customer demand, and competitive pressures, we have in the past and may in the future make investments or acquisitions in other companies, products or technologies. The identification of suitable acquisition candidates can be difficult, time-consuming, and costly, and we may not be able to complete acquisitions on favorable terms, if at all. These acquisitions may not ultimately strengthen our competitive position or achieve the goals of such acquisition, and any acquisitions we complete could be viewed negatively by customers or investors. We may encounter difficult or unforeseen expenditures in integrating an acquisition, particularly if we cannot retain the key personnel of the acquired company. In addition, if we fail to successfully integrate such acquisitions, or the assets, technologies or personnel associated with such acquisitions, into our company, the business and results of operations of the combined company would be adversely affected.
Acquisitions may disrupt our ongoing operations, divert management from their primary responsibilities, subject us to additional liabilities, increase our expenses, subject us to increased regulatory requirements, cause adverse tax consequences or unfavorable accounting treatment, expose us to claims and disputes by stockholders and third parties, and adversely impact our business, financial condition, and results of operations. We may not successfully evaluate or utilize the acquired technology and accurately forecast the financial impact of an acquisition transaction, including accounting charges. We may have to pay cash for any such acquisition which would limit other potential uses for our cash. If we incur debt to fund any such acquisition, such debt may subject us to material
restrictions in our ability to conduct our business, result in increased fixed obligations, and subject us to covenants or other restrictions that would decrease our operational flexibility and impede our ability to manage our operations. If we issue a significant amount of equity securities in connection with future acquisitions, existing stockholders’ ownership would be diluted.
We may need additional capital, and we cannot be sure that additional financing will be available.
Historically, we have financed our operations and capital expenditures primarily through sales of Dutch Bros OpCo Units that are convertible into our capital stock. In the future, we may raise additional capital through additional equity or debt financings to support our business growth, to respond to business opportunities, challenges or unforeseen circumstances, or for other reasons. On an ongoing basis, we are evaluating sources of financing and may raise additional capital in the future. Our ability to obtain additional capital will depend on our development efforts, business plans, investor demand, operating performance, the condition of the capital markets, and other factors. We cannot assure you that additional financing will be available to us on favorable terms when required, or at all. If we raise additional funds through the issuance of equity, equity-linked or debt securities, those securities may have rights, preferences or privileges senior to the rights of existing stockholders, and existing stockholders may experience dilution. Further, if we are unable to obtain additional capital when required, or are unable to obtain additional capital on satisfactory terms, our ability to continue to support our business growth or to respond to business opportunities, challenges, or unforeseen circumstances would be adversely affected.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation that will be in effect prior to the closing of this offering will provide that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware and, to the extent enforceable, the federal district courts of the United States of America will be the exclusive forums for substantially all disputes between us and our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers or employees.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation that will be in effect prior to the closing of this offering will provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is the exclusive forum for the following types of actions or proceedings under Delaware statutory or common law:
•any derivative claim or cause of action brought on our behalf;
•any claim or cause of action for a breach of fiduciary duty owed by any of our current or former directors, officers or other employees to us or our stockholders;
•any claim or cause of action against us or any of our current or former directors, officers or other employees arising out of or pursuant to any provision of the Delaware General Corporation Law, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or our amended and restated bylaws (as each may be amended from time to time);
•any claim or cause of action seeking to interpret, apply, enforce or determine the validity of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or our amended and restated bylaws (as each may be amended from time to time, including any right, obligation or remedy thereunder);
•any claim or cause of action as to which the Delaware General Corporation Law confers jurisdiction to the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware; and
•any claim or cause of action against us or any of our current or former directors, officers or other employees governed by the internal-affairs doctrine.
This provision would not apply to suits brought to enforce a duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or any other claim for which the U.S. federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. In addition, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation that will be in effect prior to the closing of this offering will provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the federal district courts of the United States of America shall be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint
asserting a cause or causes of action arising under the Securities Act, including all causes of action asserted against any defendant to such complaint. For the avoidance of doubt, this provision is intended to benefit and may be enforced by us, our officers and directors, the underwriters to any offering giving rise to such complaint, and any other professional entity whose profession gives authority to a statement made by that person or entity and who has prepared or certified any part of the documents underlying the offering. If a court were to find either choice of forum provision contained in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions. For example, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware recently determined that the exclusive forum provisions of federal district courts of the United States of America for resolving any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act is not enforceable.
These choice of forum provisions may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers, or other employees. While the Delaware courts have determined that such choice of forum provisions are facially valid, a stockholder may nevertheless seek to bring a claim in a venue other than those designated in the exclusive forum provisions, and there can be no assurance that such provisions will be enforced by a court in those other jurisdictions. We note that investors cannot waive compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.
Additionally, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation that will be in effect prior to the closing of this offering will provide that any person or entity holding, owning or otherwise acquiring any interest in any of our securities shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to these provisions.
Provisions in our corporate charter documents and under Delaware law may prevent or frustrate attempts by our stockholders to change our management or hinder efforts to acquire a controlling interest in us, and the market price of our Class A common stock may be lower as a result.
There are provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, as they will be in effect following this offering, that may make it difficult for a third party to acquire, or attempt to acquire, control of our company, even if a change in control was considered favorable by our stockholders.
Our charter documents will also contain other provisions that could have an anti-takeover effect, such as:
•permitting the board of directors to establish the number of directors and fill any vacancies and newly created directorships;
•providing that directors may only be removed pursuant to the provisions of Section 141(k) of the Delaware General Corporation Law;
•prohibiting cumulative voting for directors;
•the ability of the holders of our Class C common stock, voting as a separate class, to elect up to two directors, subject to the limitations set forth in our amended and restated certificate;
•requiring super-majority voting to amend some provisions in our amended and restated bylaws;
•authorizing the issuance of “blank check” preferred stock that our board of directors could use to implement a stockholder rights plan;
•eliminating the ability of stockholders to call special meetings of stockholders; and
•our multi-class common stock structure as described above.
Moreover, because we are incorporated in Delaware, we are governed by the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which prohibit a person who owns 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock from merging or combining with us for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person acquired in excess of 15% of our outstanding voting stock, unless the merger or combination is approved in a
prescribed manner. Any provision in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or our amended and restated bylaws or Delaware law that has the effect of delaying or deterring a change in control could limit the opportunity for our stockholders to receive a premium for their shares of our Class A common stock and could also affect the price that some investors are willing to pay for our Class A common stock.
We do not intend to pay dividends for the foreseeable future.
We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our capital stock, and we do not intend to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. We expect to retain future earnings, if any, to fund the development and growth of our business. Any future determination to pay dividends on our capital stock will be at the discretion of our board of directors. In addition, our ability to pay dividends on our Class A common stock and our Class D common stock is currently limited by the covenants of our Senior Secured Credit Facility and may be further restricted by the terms of any future debt or preferred securities. Holders of our Class B common stock and Class C common stock do not have any right to receive dividends, or to receive a distribution upon a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Dutch Bros Inc., with respect to their Class B common stock or Class C common stock. Accordingly, stockholders must rely on sales of their Class A common stock after price appreciation, which may never occur, as the only way to realize any future gains on their investments.
Catastrophic events may disrupt our business.
Labor discord or disruption, geopolitical events, social unrest, war, terrorism, political instability, acts of public violence, boycotts, hostilities and social unrest and other health pandemics that lead to avoidance of public places or cause people to stay at home could harm our business. Additionally, natural disasters or other catastrophic events may cause damage or disruption to our operations, international commerce, and the global economy, and thus could harm our business. In particular, the west coast wildfires and the COVID-19 pandemic, including the reactions of governments, markets, and the general public, may result in a number of adverse consequences for our business, operations, and results of operations, many of which are beyond our control. In the event of a major earthquake, hurricane or catastrophic event such as fire, power loss, telecommunications failure, cyber-attack, war or terrorist attack, we may be unable to continue our operations and may endure system interruptions, reputational harm, breaches of data security, and loss of critical data, all of which would harm our business, results of operations, and financial condition. In addition, the insurance we maintain would likely not be adequate to cover our losses resulting from disasters or other business interruptions.
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements about us and our industry that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this prospectus, including statements regarding our future results of operations or financial condition, business strategy and plans, and objectives of management for future operations are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “toward,” “will,” or “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the following:
•the COVID-19 pandemic and west coast wildfires and their impact on our business, operations, and the markets and communities in which we and our customers operate;
•our inability to successfully identify and secure appropriate sites and timely develop and expand our operations;
•our inability to protect our brand and reputation;
•our dependence on a small number of suppliers and a single roasting facility;
•our inability to protect against security breaches of confidential customer information;
•our expectations regarding our future operating and financial performance;
•the size of our addressable markets, market share, and market trends;
•our ability to compete in our industry;
•changes in consumer tastes and nutritional and dietary trends;
•our ability to effectively manage the continued growth of our workforce and operations;
•our inability to open profitable shops;
•our failure to generate projected same shop sales growth;
•the sufficiency of our cash, cash equivalents, and investments to meet our liquidity needs;
•our dependence on long-term non-cancelable leases;
•our relationship with our employees and the status of our workers;
•our inability to maintain good relationships with our franchising partners;
•the effects of seasonal trends on our results of operations;
•our vulnerability to global financial market conditions, including the continuing effects from the recent recession;
•our ability to attract, retain, and motivate skilled personnel, including key members of our senior management;
•our vulnerability to adverse weather conditions in local or regional areas where our shops are located;
•our realization of any benefit from the Tax Receivable Agreements and our organizational structure;
•the increased expenses associated with being a public company;
•our intended use of the net proceeds from this offering; and
•the other factors set forth under “Risk Factors” in this prospectus.
We caution you that the foregoing list may not contain all the forward-looking statements made in this prospectus.
You should not rely on forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. We have based the forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus primarily on our current expectations and projections about future events and trends that we believe may affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. The outcome of the events described in these forward-looking statements is subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors described in the section titled “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this prospectus. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all risks and uncertainties that could have an impact on the forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus. The results, events, and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements may not be achieved or occur, and actual results, events or circumstances could differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements.
In addition, statements that “we believe” and similar statements reflect our beliefs and opinions on the relevant subject. These statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this prospectus. While we believe such information provides a reasonable basis for these statements, such information may be limited or incomplete. Our statements should not be read to indicate that we have conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all relevant information. These statements are inherently uncertain, and investors are cautioned not to unduly rely on these statements.
The forward-looking statements made in this prospectus relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this prospectus to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this prospectus or to reflect new information, actual results, revised expectations or the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Our forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures or investments.
MARKET AND INDUSTRY DATA
This prospectus contains estimates and information concerning our industry, including market position and the size and growth rates of the markets in which we participate, that are based on industry publications and reports and other information from our internal sources. This information involves a number of assumptions and limitations, and you are cautioned not to give undue weight to these estimates. We have not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of the data contained in these industry publications and reports. The industry in which we operate is subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk due to a variety of factors, including those described in the section titled “Risk Factors.” These and other factors could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in these publications and reports.
Certain information in the text of this prospectus is contained in independent industry publications. The sources of these independent industry publications are provided below:
•Quantitative Analysis (commissioned by us); and
•Technomic Inc.’s 2021 Chain Restaurant Report.
Certain information included in this prospectus concerning our industry and the markets we serve, including our market share, is also based on our good-faith estimates derived from management's knowledge of the industry and other information currently available to us.
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
Organizational Structure Prior to this Offering and the Reorganization Transactions
The diagram below depicts our current organizational structure. This chart is provided for illustrative purposes only and does not purport to represent all legal entities within our organizational structure.
Organizational Structure Following this Offering and the Reorganization Transactions
The diagram below depicts our organizational structure immediately following the Reorganization Transactions and the Offering Transactions, assuming no exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock. This chart is provided for illustrative purposes only and does not purport to represent all legal entities within our organizational structure.
Immediately following this offering, Dutch Bros Inc. will be a holding company, and its sole material asset will be a controlling equity interest in Dutch Bros OpCo. As the sole managing member of Dutch Bros OpCo, Dutch Bros Inc. will operate and control all the business and affairs of Dutch Bros OpCo and, through Dutch Bros OpCo and its subsidiaries, conduct our business. Following this offering, Dutch Bros OpCo will be the predecessor of Dutch Bros Inc. for financial reporting purposes. As a result, the consolidated financial statements of Dutch Bros Inc. will recognize the assets and liabilities received in the reorganization at their historical carrying amounts, as reflected in the historical consolidated financial statements of Dutch Bros OpCo. Dutch Bros Inc. will consolidate Dutch Bros OpCo in its consolidated financial statements and will report non-controlling interests related to the OpCo Units held by the Continuing Members on its consolidated financial statements.
Investors participating in this offering will hold equity in Dutch Bros Inc. in the form of shares of our Class A common stock. The Continuing Members will hold all the issued and outstanding shares of our Class B common stock and Class C common stock. The shares of Class B common stock will have no economic rights, but each share will entitle the holder to ten votes (or such lower number as required to prevent the holders of Class B common stock from holding, in the aggregate, 80% or more of the aggregate voting power of Dutch Bros Inc. at any time) for so long as the aggregate number of outstanding shares of our Class B common stock represents at least 5% of the total outstanding shares of common stock, and thereafter, one vote per share, on all matters on which the stockholders of Dutch Bros Inc. are entitled to vote generally. The shares of Class C common stock will have no economic rights, but each share will entitle the holder to three votes (for so long as the aggregate number of outstanding shares of our Class C common stock and Class D common stock collectively represent at least 5% of the total outstanding shares of common stock and thereafter one vote) on all matters on which the stockholders of Dutch Bros Inc. are entitled to vote generally. The Pre-IPO Blocker Holders will hold all the issued and outstanding shares of our Class D common stock. The shares of Class D common stock will have the same economic rights as shares of Class A common stock, but each share will entitle the holder to three votes (for so long as the aggregate number of outstanding shares of our Class C common stock and Class D common stock collectively represent at least 5% of the
total outstanding shares of common stock and thereafter one vote) on all matters on which the stockholders of Dutch Bros Inc. are entitled to vote generally.
The voting power afforded to the Continuing Members by their shares of Class B common stock or Class C common stock, as applicable, will be automatically and correspondingly reduced as their shares of Class B common stock or Class C common stock are surrendered and immediately canceled in connection with the redemption or exchange of the corresponding Class A common units for shares of Class A common stock or cash, and the voting power afforded to Pre-IPO Blocker Holders will be automatically and correspondingly reduced as they transfer shares of Class D common stock, which, except in certain circumstances, will automatically convert into shares of Class A common stock. See “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Agreements to be entered into prior to this offering—Dutch Bros OpCo Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement” and “Description of Capital Stock.”
Our post-offering organizational structure is commonly referred to as an UP-C structure. This organizational structure will allow the Continuing Members to retain their equity ownership in Dutch Bros OpCo, an entity that is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, in the form of Class A common units. Investors in this offering, Pre-IPO OpCo Unitholders exchanging their Class A common units for Class A common stock in the Pre-IPO Exchanges, and the Pre-IPO Blocker Holders will, by contrast, hold their equity ownership in Dutch Bros Inc., a Delaware corporation that is a domestic corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, in the form of shares of Class A common stock or Class D common stock, as applicable. We believe that the Continuing Members will generally find it advantageous to continue to hold their equity interests in an entity that is not taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. One of these benefits is that future taxable income of Dutch Bros OpCo that is allocated to the Continuing Members will be taxed on a flow-through basis and therefore generally will not be subject to corporate income taxes at the entity level. Additionally, because the Continuing Members have the right to require Dutch Bros OpCo to redeem all or a portion of their Class A common units in exchange for shares of our Class A common stock or cash, our UP-C structure provides the Continuing Members with potential liquidity that holders of non-publicly traded limited liability companies are not typically afforded. Although no assurances can be given, we do not believe that our UP-C structure will give rise to any significant business or strategic benefit or detriment to us.
Incorporation of Dutch Bros Inc.
Dutch Bros Inc. was incorporated in Delaware in June 2021. Dutch Bros Inc. has not engaged in any business or other activities except in connection with its incorporation. Dutch Bros Inc.’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes four classes of common stock, Class A common stock, Class B common stock, Class C common stock and Class D common stock, each having the terms described in “Description of Capital Stock.” Holders of our Class A common stock, Class B common stock, Class C common stock and Class D common stock vote together as a single class on all matters presented to Dutch Bros Inc.’s stockholders for their vote or approval, other than amendments to Dutch Bros Inc.’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation to change the rights of the Class B common stock, Class C common stock or Class D common stock, which would require a vote of such class, except as otherwise required by law.
Reorganization Transactions
The Recapitalization, the Pre-IPO Exchanges, the designation of Dutch Bros Inc. as managing member of Dutch Bros OpCo, the IPO Exchanges, the entry into the Tax Receivable Agreements, and related transactions described below are collectively referred to as the “Reorganization Transactions.”
Recapitalization
The capital structure of Dutch Bros OpCo currently consists of two different classes of membership interests: Common Units and Profits Interest Units, as set forth in the Second LLC Agreement. Prior to the completion of this offering, the Second LLC Agreement will be amended and restated as the Third LLC Agreement, which, among other things, converts the outstanding Profits Interest Units into Class A common units and converts the outstanding Common Units into Class A common units paired with an equal number of either Class B voting
units or Class C voting units. We refer to this modification of Dutch Bros OpCo’s capital structure as the “Recapitalization.”
In connection with the Recapitalization, all outstanding, vested and unvested Profits Interest Units of Dutch Bros OpCo will be converted into Class A common units subject to substantially the same vesting schedule, with the exception of the Class A common units received upon conversion of the time-vesting Profits Interest Units granted in 2020 (which will instead vest in three annual installments occurring on January 1, 2022, January 1, 2023 and January 1, 2024, subject to the holder’s continued service to us through each vesting date). The number of Class A common units delivered in respect of each Profits Interest Unit will be determined based on the amount of proceeds that would be distributed in respect of such Profits Interest Unit if Dutch Bros OpCo were to be sold at a value derived from the initial public offering price and the proceeds distributed in accordance with the Second LLC Agreement. In connection with the Recapitalization, and concurrently with the conversion of Profits Interest Units, all outstanding Common Units of Dutch Bros OpCo will be converted into Class A common units, of which 71,408,045 will be paired with an equal number of Class B voting units and 71,122,983 will be paired with an equal number of Class C voting units. Immediately following the Recapitalization, but prior to the Offering Transactions described below, there will be 151,954,267 Class A common units, 71,408,045 Class B voting units and 71,122,983 Class C voting units of Dutch Bros OpCo issued and outstanding.
Pre-IPO Exchanges
Prior to the completion of this offering, Dutch Bros Inc. will form a new merger subsidiary with respect to each of the Blocker Companies, each of which will be entities treated as corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes, through which certain of our Pre-IPO Blocker Holders hold their interests in Dutch Bros OpCo. Following the Recapitalization, each merger subsidiary will merge with and into the respective Blocker Company in a reverse subsidiary merger, and, as part of the same transaction, the surviving Blocker Company will merge with and into Dutch Bros Inc. We refer to these mergers as the “Blocker Mergers.” In each Blocker Merger, the Pre-IPO Blocker Holders, as the 100% owners of such Blocker Company will receive an aggregate number of shares of Class D common stock equal to the number of Class A common units paired with Class C voting units held by such Blocker Company and certain rights under the Reorganization Tax Receivable Agreement. Following the Blocker Mergers, Dutch Bros Inc. will hold 26,667,722 outstanding Class A common units and a corresponding number of Class C voting units.
Immediately following the Blocker Mergers, the Pre-IPO OpCo Unitholders who received Class A common units in exchange for Profits Interest Units in the Recapitalization will contribute such Class A common units to Dutch Bros Inc. in exchange for a corresponding number of shares of Class A common stock and the Pre-IPO OpCo Unitholders who received Class B voting units and Class C voting units in the Recapitalization will contribute such Class B voting and Class C voting units to Dutch Bros Inc. in exchange for a corresponding number of shares of Class B common stock or Class C common stock, respectively. We refer to these contributions, together with the Blocker Mergers, as the “Pre-IPO Exchanges.”
Managing Member of Dutch Bros OpCo
The Third LLC Agreement will provide that the business and affairs of Dutch Bros OpCo will be solely managed by a “managing member” designated by holders of Class B voting units and Class C voting units, voting together as a single class. In any such vote, each Class B voting unit shall be entitled to ten votes and each Class C voting unit shall be entitled to three votes. Immediately following the Pre-IPO Exchanges, Dutch Bros Inc. will hold all Class B voting units and Class C voting units, and Dutch Bros Inc. will duly designate itself as the managing member of Dutch Bros OpCo.
IPO Exchanges
Immediately following the Pre-IPO Exchanges, certain of the Continuing Members will contribute a portion of their Class A common units, together with an equal number of shares of Class B common stock or Class C common stock, to Dutch Bros Inc. in exchange for the same number of shares of Class A common stock. We refer to these contributions as the “IPO Exchanges.” The shares of Class B common stock and Class C common stock received by Dutch Bros Inc. in the IPO Exchanges will be immediately canceled.
Tax Receivable Agreements
Prior to the completion of this offering, Dutch Bros Inc. will enter into two Tax Receivable Agreements. Dutch Bros Inc. will enter into (i) the Exchange Tax Receivable Agreement with the Continuing Members and (ii) the Reorganization Tax Receivable Agreement with the Pre-IPO Blocker Holders. These Tax Receivable Agreements will provide for the payment by Dutch Bros Inc. to the Continuing Members and Pre-IPO Blocker Holders of 85% of the benefits, if any, that Dutch Bros Inc. is deemed to realize (calculated using certain assumptions) as a result of existing and increased tax basis and certain other tax attributes and benefits covered by the Tax Receivable Agreements. These payment obligations are obligations of Dutch Bros Inc. and not of Dutch Bros OpCo. See “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Agreements to be entered into in connection with this offering—Tax Receivable Agreements” for additional information.
Offering Transactions
In connection with the completion of this offering, Dutch Bros Inc. intends to use a portion the proceeds it receives from this offering, net of estimated underwriting discounts and commissions, to purchase newly issued Class A common units from Dutch Bros OpCo at a purchase price per unit equal to the initial public offering price per share of Class A common stock in this offering, less estimated underwriting discounts and commissions. Assuming that the shares of Class A common stock to be sold in this offering are sold at $19.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the front cover of this prospectus, at the time of this offering, Dutch Bros Inc. will purchase from Dutch Bros OpCo 13,157,895 Class A common units for an aggregate of $234.4 million (which will remain unchanged if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock). The issuance and sale of such newly issued Class A common units by Dutch Bros OpCo to Dutch Bros Inc. will correspondingly dilute the ownership interests of the Pre-IPO OpCo Unitholders in Dutch Bros OpCo.
In addition, Dutch Bros Inc. intends to use an aggregate of $140.6 million of the net proceeds (or $196.9 million if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) to purchase Class A common units from the Continuing Members and shares of Class D common stock from the Pre-IPO Blocker Holders, at a price per unit and price per share equal to the initial public offering price per share of Class A common stock in this offering, less estimated underwriting discounts and commissions. Assuming that the shares of Class A common stock to be sold in this offering are sold at $19.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the front cover of this prospectus, at the time of this offering, Dutch Bros Inc. will purchase (i) 6,942,136 Class A common units from the Continuing Members (or 9,718,989 Class A common units if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock), for an aggregate of $123.7 million (or $173.1 million if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock), and (ii) 952,601 shares of Class D common stock from the Pre-IPO Blocker Holders (or 1,333,642 shares of Class D common stock if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) for an aggregate of $17.0 million (or $23.8 million if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock).
If the net proceeds from this offering are greater than the estimated net proceeds set forth herein, we expect to use the additional proceeds to purchase additional Class A common units from the Continuing Members and shares of Class D common stock from the Pre-IPO Blocker Holders, each at a price per unit and price per share equal to the public offering price per share of Class A common stock in this offering, less estimated underwriting discounts and commissions. If the net proceeds of this offering are less than the estimated net proceeds set forth herein, we expect to purchase fewer Class A common units Dutch Bros OpCo. See “Use of Proceeds” and “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Other Related Person Transactions—Purchase of Class A Common Units and Class D Common Stock.”
See “Principal Stockholders” for more information regarding the proceeds from this offering that will be paid to our directors and named executive officers.
Following this offering, Dutch Bros Inc. will hold a number of Class A common units of Dutch Bros OpCo that is equal to the aggregate number of shares of Class A common stock and Class D common stock that it has issued.
Dutch Bros OpCo expects to use the proceeds it receives from Dutch Bros Inc. in exchange for the issuance and sale of newly authorized Class A common units to repay outstanding loans and, to the extent there are remaining proceeds, for general corporate purposes. See “Use of Proceeds.”
We refer to the foregoing transactions as the “Offering Transactions.”
Following This Offering
As the sole managing member of Dutch Bros OpCo, Dutch Bros Inc. will have the right to determine if and when distributions will be made to the unitholders of Dutch Bros OpCo and the amount of any such distributions (subject to the requirements with respect to tax distributions described below). If Dutch Bros Inc. authorizes a distribution, such distribution will be made to the holders of Class A common units, including Dutch Bros Inc., pro rata in accordance with their respective ownership of Class A common units.
Dutch Bros OpCo will continue to be treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, as such, generally will not be subject to any entity-level U.S. federal income tax. Instead, taxable income will be allocated to holders of Class A common units, including Dutch Bros Inc. Accordingly, the holders of Class A common units will incur United States federal, state and local income taxes on their allocable share of any taxable income of Dutch Bros OpCo. Pursuant to the Third LLC Agreement, Dutch Bros OpCo generally will make cash distributions to the holders of Class A common units in an amount sufficient to fund their tax obligations in respect of the cumulative taxable income in excess of cumulative taxable losses of Dutch Bros OpCo that is allocated to them, to the extent previous tax distributions from Dutch Bros OpCo have been insufficient. These tax distributions will be computed based on an assumed U.S. federal, state and local tax rate, and will be distributed pro rata in accordance with the holders’ respective ownership of Class A common units. In addition to tax expenses, Dutch Bros Inc. also will incur expenses related to its operations, plus payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements, which Dutch Bros Inc. expects will be significant. Dutch Bros Inc. intends to cause Dutch Bros OpCo to make distributions or, in the case of certain expenses, payments in an amount sufficient to allow Dutch Bros Inc. to pay its taxes and operating expenses, including distributions to fund any ordinary course payments due under the Tax Receivable Agreements.
The Continuing Members will have the right, from time to time following a lock-up period, to have their Class A common units redeemed for shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis or, in certain circumstances, a corresponding amount of cash, at the election of Dutch Bros Inc. as managing member, subject to customary adjustments and the procedures set forth in the Third LLC Agreement. Such Class A common stock or cash will be contributed by Dutch Bros Inc. to Dutch Bros OpCo in exchange for Class A common units, unless, in its sole discretion, Dutch Bros Inc. elects to affect such exchange directly with the relevant Continuing Member. When a Class A common unit of Dutch Bros OpCo, is redeemed or exchanged for a share of Class A common stock of Dutch Bros Inc. or cash, a corresponding share of Class B common stock or Class C Common stock of Dutch Bros Inc., as applicable, will be surrendered and immediately canceled. The Third LLC Agreement will provide that as a general matter a Continuing Member will not have the right to redeem or exchange Class A common units if Dutch Bros Inc. determines that such redemption or exchange would be prohibited by law or regulation or would violate other agreements with us to which the Continuing Member is bound, including the Third LLC Agreement. Dutch Bros Inc. may impose additional restrictions on exchanges that it determines in good faith to be necessary or advisable so that Dutch Bros OpCo is not treated as a “publicly traded partnership” for U.S. federal income tax purposes. See “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Agreements to be entered into prior to this offering—Dutch Bros OpCo Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement.”
As a result of the transactions described above, upon completion of this offering and application of the net proceeds therefrom:
•Our Class A common stock will be held as follows:
◦21,052,632 shares (or 24,210,526 shares if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) held by investors in this offering; and
◦9,475,869 shares held by Pre-IPO OpCo Unitholders.
•Our Class B common stock (together with the same amount of Class A common units of Dutch Bros OpCo) will be held as follows:
◦67,422,246 (or 65,840,239 shares if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) shares held by Continuing Members.
•Our Class C common stock (together with the same amount of Class A common units of Dutch Bros OpCo) will be held as follows:
◦50,922,163 (or 49,727,317 shares if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) shares held by Continuing Members.
•Our Class D common stock will be held as follows:
◦16,239,252 (or 15,858,211 shares if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) shares held by Pre-IPO Blocker Holders.
•The combined voting power in Dutch Bros Inc. will be as follows:
◦3.4% held by investors in this offering and the Pre-IPO OpCo Unitholders holding only Class A common stock following the Pre-IPO Exchanges (or 3.8% if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock);
◦74.4% held by the Continuing Members that are holders of all the outstanding shares of Class B common stock (or 74.1% if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock);
◦16.9% held by the Continuing Members that are holders of all the outstanding shares of Class C common stock (or 16.8% if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock); and
◦5.4% held by Pre-IPO Blocker Holders, as holders of all the outstanding shares of Class D common stock (or 5.3% if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock).
•Dutch Bros OpCo’s Class A common units will be held as follows:
◦46,767,753 shares held by Dutch Bros Inc.; and
◦118,344,409 shares held by the Continuing Members (or 115,567,556 if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock).
•Dutch Bros OpCo’s Class B voting units will be held as follows:
◦71,408,045 held by Dutch Bros Inc.
•Dutch Bros OpCo’s Class C voting units will be held as follows:
◦71,122,983 held by Dutch Bros Inc.
USE OF PROCEEDS
We estimate that the net proceeds to Dutch Bros Inc. from this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $19.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions, will be approximately $368.0 million (or $424.2 million if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock). A $1.00 increase or decrease in the assumed initial public offering price of $19.00 per share would increase or decrease, as applicable, the net proceeds to Dutch Bros Inc. from this offering by approximately $19.7 million, assuming the number of shares offered by us remains the same as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions. An increase or decrease of 1,000,000 shares in the expected number of shares to be sold in the offering, assuming no change in the assumed initial public offering price per share, would increase or decrease, as applicable, the net proceeds to Dutch Bros Inc. from this offering by approximately $17.8 million. Dutch Bros OpCo will bear or reimburse Dutch Bros Inc. for all the expenses payable by it in this offering. We estimate these offering expenses (excluding estimated underwriting discounts and commissions) will be approximately $7.0 million.
Dutch Bros Inc. intends to use all the net proceeds from this offering (including from any exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock):
•to purchase 13,157,895 newly issued Class A common units (which will remain unchanged if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) from Dutch Bros OpCo for approximately $234.4 million;
•to purchase 6,942,136 Class A common units (or 9,718,989 Class A common units if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) from the Continuing Members for approximately $123.7 million (or $173.1 million if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock); and
•to purchase 952,601 shares of Class D common stock (or 1,333,642 shares Class D common stock if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) from the Pre-IPO Blocker Holders for approximately $17.0 million (or $23.8 million if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock).
If the net proceeds from this offering are greater than the estimated net proceeds set forth herein, we expect to use the additional proceeds to purchase additional Class A common units from the Continuing Members and additional shares of Class D common stock from the Pre-IPO Blocker Holders, at a price per unit and price per share equal to the public offering price per share of Class A common stock in this offering, less the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions. If the net proceeds of this offering are less than the estimated net proceeds set forth herein, we expect to purchase fewer Class A common units from Dutch Bros OpCo. See “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Other Related Person Transactions—Purchase of Class A Common Units and Class D Common Stock.”
Our purchases of Class A common units and Class D common stock will be made at a price per unit and price per share equal to the public offering price per share of Class A common stock in this offering, less estimated underwriting discounts and commissions. We intend to purchase the Class A common units from our Continuing Members and Class D common stock from the Pre-IPO Blocker Holders in order to increase the public float of our Class A common stock and provide liquidity to our Continuing Members and Pre-IPO Blocker Holders. Upon each such purchase of Class A common units from the Continuing Members, their corresponding shares of Class B common stock or Class C common stock will be surrendered and immediately canceled. The number of outstanding Class A common units of Dutch Bros OpCo will equal the aggregate number of our outstanding shares of Class A common stock, Class B common stock, Class C common stock and Class D common stock. See “Organizational Structure—Offering Transactions.”
The principal purposes of this offering are to increase our capitalization and financial flexibility, create a public market for our Class A common stock and facilitate our future access to the public capital markets.
We will only retain the net proceeds that are used to purchase newly issued Class A common units from Dutch Bros OpCo. We will not retain any of the net proceeds used to purchase Class A common units from the Continuing Members or shares of Class D common stock from the Pre-IPO Blocker Holders. See “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Other Related Person Transactions—Purchase of Class A Common Units and Class D Common Stock.”
Dutch Bros OpCo expects to use the proceeds it receives from Dutch Bros Inc. in exchange for the issuance and sale of newly issued Class A Common units to:
•to repay $198.8 million of outstanding borrowings under the Senior Secured Credit Facility; and
•to the extent there are remaining proceeds, for general corporate purposes.
Certain of the underwriters and/or their affiliates are lenders under the Senior Secured Credit Facility and, as such, may receive a portion of the net proceeds from this offering. Loans under the Senior Secured Credit Facility were used to make distributions to holders of OpCo Units prior to this offering and will mature and all amounts outstanding will be due and payable on May 12, 2026. The principal balance of the term loans amortizes each quarter at a rate between 2.5% and 12.5% per annum. Loans under the Senior Secured Credit Facility bear interest at a rate equal to either (a) the adjusted LIBOR rate plus an applicable spread ranging from 1.25% to 2.50% per annum based on our net lease-adjusted total leverage ratio or (b) an alternate base rate, plus an applicable spread ranging from 0.25% to 1.50% per annum based on our net lease-adjusted total leverage ratio.
DIVIDEND POLICY
We have no current plans to pay dividends on our Class A common stock or Class D common stock. Holders of our Class B common stock and Class C common stock do not have any right to receive dividends, or to receive a distribution upon a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Dutch Bros Inc., with respect to their Class B common stock and Class C common stock. The declaration, amount, and payment of any future dividends on shares of Class A common stock or Class D common stock will be at the sole discretion of our board of directors, and we may reduce or discontinue entirely the payment of such dividends at any time. Our board of directors may take into account general and economic conditions, our financial condition and operating results, our available cash and current and anticipated cash needs, capital requirements, contractual, legal, tax, and regulatory restrictions and implications on the payment of dividends by us to our stockholders or by our subsidiaries to us, and such other factors as our board of directors may deem relevant. In addition, our ability to pay dividends on our Class A common stock or Class D common stock may be limited by restrictions under the covenants of the Senior Secured Credit Facility, and may be further restricted by the terms of any future debt or preferred securities. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Senior Secured Credit Facilities.”
Dutch Bros Inc. is a holding company and has no material assets other than its ownership of OpCo Units. The limited liability company agreement of Dutch Bros OpCo that will be in effect at the time of this offering provides that certain distributions to cover the taxes of the holders of Class A common units will be made based upon assumed tax rates and other assumptions provided in the limited liability company agreement. See “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Agreements to be entered into prior to this offering—Dutch Bros OpCo Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement.” Additionally, in the event Dutch Bros Inc. declares any cash dividend, we intend to cause Dutch Bros OpCo to make distributions to Dutch Bros Inc., in an amount sufficient to cover such cash dividends declared by us. If Dutch Bros OpCo makes such distributions to Dutch Bros Inc., the Continuing Members will also be entitled to receive the respective equivalent pro rata distributions in accordance with their respective ownership of Class A common units. Prior to this offering, Dutch Bros OpCo distributed $200 million cash to the Pre-IPO OpCo Unitholders. See “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions” for additional information.
The agreements governing our credit facility contain a number of covenants that restrict, subject to certain exceptions, certain of our subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends to us. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Senior Secured Credit Facilities.”
Any financing arrangements that we enter into in the future may include restrictive covenants that limit our ability to pay dividends. In addition, Dutch Bros OpCo is generally prohibited under Delaware law from making a distribution to a member to the extent that, at the time of the distribution, after giving effect to the distribution, liabilities of Dutch Bros OpCo (with certain exceptions) exceed the fair value of its assets. Subsidiaries of Dutch Bros OpCo are generally subject to similar legal limitations on their ability to make distributions to Dutch Bros OpCo.
Since its formation in June 2021, Dutch Bros Inc. has not paid any dividends to holders of its outstanding common stock. In 2019 and 2020, Dutch Bros OpCo made cash distributions to equity holders in an aggregate amount of $6.6 million and $7.8 million, respectively.
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth our consolidated cash and cash equivalents and capitalization as of June 30, 2021:
•on a historical basis; and
•on a pro forma basis giving effect to the Reorganization Transaction, the Offering Transactions, including the sale and issuance of 21,052,632 shares of our Class A common stock by us in this offering, at the assumed public offering price of $19.00 per share, representing the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, and the application of the proceeds therefrom as described in “Use of Proceeds.”
You should read this table together with the other information contained in this prospectus, including “Organizational Structure,” “Use of Proceeds,” “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined and Consolidated Financial Information,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and our historical financial statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of June 30, 2021
|
($ in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
|
Dutch Bros OpCo Actual
|
|
Dutch Bros Inc. Pro Forma(1)(2)
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
$
|
19,577
|
|
|
$
|
50,576
|
|
Debt:
|
|
|
|
Credit facility(3)
|
$
|
223,750
|
|
|
$
|
25,000
|
|
Total debt
|
$
|
223,750
|
|
|
$
|
25,000
|
|
Equity:
|
|
|
|
Members’ equity (deficit)
|
$
|
(127,279)
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Preferred stock, $0.00001 par value per share, no shares authorized, issued or outstanding, actual; 20,000,000 shares authorized and no shares issued and outstanding, on a pro forma basis
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Class A common stock, $0.00001 par value per share, 400,000,000 shares authorized and no shares issued and outstanding, actual; and 400,000,000 shares authorized and 30,528,501 shares issued and outstanding on a pro forma basis
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Class B common stock, no par value, 144,000,000 shares authorized and no shares issued and outstanding, actual; and 144,000,000 shares authorized and 67,422,246 shares issued and outstanding on a pro forma basis(4)
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Class C common stock, no par value, 105,000,000 shares authorized and no shares issued and outstanding, actual; and 105,000,000 shares authorized and 50,922,163 shares issued and outstanding on a pro forma basis(5)
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Class D common stock, $0.00001 par value per share 42,000,000 shares
authorized and no shares issued and outstanding, actual; and 42,000,000
shares authorized and 16,239,252 shares issued and outstanding on a pro
forma basis(6)
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Additional paid-in capital
|
—
|
|
|
347,544
|
|
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)
|
—
|
|
|
(15,489)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-controlling interest
|
—
|
|
|
(136,202)
|
|
Total equity
|
$
|
(127,279)
|
|
|
$
|
195,853
|
|
Total capitalization
|
$
|
96,471
|
|
|
$
|
220,853
|
|
__________________
(1)To the extent we change the number of shares of Class A common stock sold by us in this offering from the shares we expect to sell or we change the initial public offering price from the $19.00 per share assumed initial public offering price, representing the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, or any combination of these events occurs, the net proceeds to us from this offering and each of pro forma total equity and total capitalization may increase or decrease. A $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price per share, assuming no change in the number of shares to be sold, would increase (decrease) the
net proceeds that we receive in this offering and each of pro forma total stockholders’ equity and total capitalization by approximately $19.7 million. An increase (decrease) of 1,000,000 shares in the expected number of shares to be sold in the offering, assuming no change in the assumed initial public offering price per share, would increase (decrease) our net proceeds from this offering and our pro forma total equity and total capitalization by approximately $17.8 million.
(2)The pro forma information in the balance sheet data above reflects the sale and issuance of 21,052,632 shares of our Class A common stock by us in the offering, at the assumed public offering price of $19.00 per share, representing the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
(3)On May 12, 2021, we entered into a credit agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent and other financial institutions as the lenders party thereto, consisting of a $200 million term loan credit facility, a $150 million revolving credit facility and an uncommitted incremental facility of up to $100 million. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Senior Secured Credit Facilities—JP Morgan Credit Facility” for additional information.
(4)The shares of Class B common stock will have no economic rights but each share will entitle the holder to ten votes (for so long as the aggregate number of outstanding shares of our Class B common stock represents at least 5% of the aggregate number of our outstanding shares of common stock, and thereafter, one vote per share, provided that the number of votes per share may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as required to prevent the holders of Class B common stock from holding, in the aggregate, 80% or more of our aggregate voting power at any time) on all matters on which stockholders are entitled to vote generally.
(5)The shares of Class C common stock will have no economic rights but each share will entitle the holder to three votes (for so long as the aggregate number of outstanding shares of our Class C common stock and Class D common stock collectively represent at least 5% of the aggregate number of our outstanding shares of common stock, and thereafter, one vote per share) on all matters on which stockholders are entitled to vote generally.
(6)The shares of Class D common stock will have the same economic rights as shares of Class A common stock, but each share will entitle the holder to three votes (for so long as the aggregate number of outstanding shares of our Class C common stock and Class D common stock collectively represent at least 5% of the aggregate number of our outstanding shares of common stock, and thereafter, one vote per share upon the automatic conversion of our Class D common stock into shares of Class A common stock) on all matters on which stockholders are entitled to vote generally.
DILUTION
If you invest in shares of our Class A common stock in this offering, your investment will be immediately diluted to the extent of the difference between the initial public offering price per share of Class A common stock and the pro forma net tangible book value per share of Class A common stock after this offering. Dilution results from the fact that the per share offering price of the shares of Class A common stock is substantially in excess of the pro forma net tangible book value per share attributable to our pre-offering owners.
Our pro forma net tangible book deficit as of June 30, 2021 was approximately $(138.6) million, or $(0.91) per share of Class A common stock. Pro forma net tangible book value represents the amount of total tangible assets less total liabilities. Pro forma net tangible book value per share of Class A common stock represents pro forma net tangible book value divided by the number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding, after giving effect to the Reorganization Transactions and assuming that all Continuing Members exchanged their Class A common units for newly issued shares of Class A common stock on a one-to-one basis, their corresponding shares of Class B common stock and Class C common stock were canceled, and all Pre-IPO Blocker Holders converted their shares of Class D common stock into an equal number of shares of Class A common stock.
After giving effect to the transactions described under “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined and Consolidated Financial Information,” including the application of the proceeds from this offering as described in “Use of Proceeds,” our pro forma net tangible book deficit as of June 30, 2021 would have been $183.5 million, or $1.12 per share of Class A common stock. This represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value (or a decrease in net tangible book deficit) of $2.03 per share of Class A common stock to our pre-IPO owners and an immediate dilution in net tangible book value of $17.88 per share of Class A common stock to investors in this offering.
The following table illustrates this dilution on a per share of Class A common stock basis assuming the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assumed initial public offering price per share of Class A common stock
|
|
|
$
|
19.00
|
|
Pro forma net tangible book value (deficit) per share of Class A common stock as of June 30, 2021
|
$
|
(0.91)
|
|
|
|
Increase in pro forma net tangible book value per share of Class A common stock attributable to investors in this offering
|
$
|
2.03
|
|
|
|
Pro forma net tangible book value (deficit) per share of Class A common stock after the offering
|
|
|
$
|
1.12
|
|
Dilution per share of Class A common stock to investors in this offering
|
|
|
$
|
17.88
|
|
We have presented dilution in pro forma net tangible book value per share of Class A common stock to investors in this offering assuming that all Continuing Members exchanged a portion of their Class A common units for newly issued shares of Class A common stock on a one-to-one basis, their corresponding shares of Class B common stock and Class C common stock were surrendered and immediately canceled, and all Pre-IPO Blocker Holders converted a portion their shares of Class D common stock into an equal number of shares of Class A common stock in order to more meaningfully present the dilutive impact on the investors in this offering.
A $1.00 increase in the assumed initial public offering price of $19.00 per share of our Class A common stock would increase our pro forma net tangible book value after giving effect to this offering by $19.7 million, or by $0.12 per share of our Class A common stock, assuming the number of shares offered by us remains the same and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions. A $1.00 decrease in the assumed initial public offering price per share would result in equal changes in the opposite direction.
The following table summarizes, on the same pro forma basis as of June 30, 2021, the total number of shares of Class A common stock purchased from us, the total cash consideration paid to us, and the average price per share of Class A common stock paid by our pre-IPO owners and by new investors purchasing shares of Class A common stock in this offering, assuming that all Continuing Members exchanged their Class A common units for newly issued shares of our Class A common stock on a one-to-one basis, their corresponding shares of Class B
common stock and Class C common stock were surrendered and immediately canceled, and all Pre-IPO Blocker Holders converted their shares of Class D common stock into an equal number of shares of Class A common stock.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares of Class A
Common Stock
Purchased
|
|
Total
Consideration
|
|
Average
Price Per
Share of Class A
Common Stock
|
|
Number
|
|
Percent
|
|
Amount
|
|
Percent
|
|
Pre-IPO owners
|
144,059,530
|
|
87.2
|
%
|
|
$
|
359,104,681
|
|
|
47.3
|
%
|
|
$
|
2.49
|
|
Investors in this offering
|
21,052,632
|
|
12.8
|
%
|
|
$
|
400,000,008
|
|
|
52.7
|
%
|
|
$
|
19.00
|
|
Total
|
165,112,162
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
$
|
759,104,689
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
|
Each $1.00 increase in the assumed offering price of $19.00 per share of our Class A common stock would increase total consideration paid by investors in this offering by $21.1 million, assuming the number of shares offered by us remains the same. A $1.00 decrease in the assumed initial public offering price per share of our Class A common stock would result in equal changes in the opposite direction.
If the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares is exercised in full, the number of shares held by new investors will be increased to 24,210,526, or approximately 14.7% of the total number of shares of Class A common stock.
The dilution information above is for illustrative purposes only. Our net tangible book value following the consummation of this offering is subject to adjustment based on the actual initial public offering price of our shares of Class A common stock and other terms of this offering determined at pricing. This table also does not reflect the 17,298,769 shares of Class A common stock that may be granted under our 2021 Equity Incentive Plan.
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED AND CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following unaudited pro forma combined and consolidated statements of income data for the year ended December 31, 2020 and for the six months ended June 30, 2021 give pro forma effect to the Offering Transactions and the Reorganization Transactions (collectively, the “Transactions”), as if the Transactions were completed on January 1, 2020. The unaudited pro forma combined and consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2021 gives effect to the Transactions as if the Transactions were completed on June 30, 2021.
The unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of income data as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020 and the unaudited pro forma combined and consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2021 present our consolidated financial position and results of operations to reflect (i) the Reorganization Transactions, (ii) the sale and issuance of Class A common stock pursuant to this offering, and (iii) the use of proceeds from this offering to repay $198.8 million of the Senior Secured Credit Facility.
As described in greater detail under the sections titled “Organizational Structure” and “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Agreements to be entered into in connection with this offering—Tax Receivable Agreements,” in connection with this offering, we entered into two Tax Receivable Agreements. We entered into (i) the Exchange Tax Receivable Agreement with the Continuing Members and (ii) the Reorganization Tax Receivable Agreement with the Pre-IPO Blocker Holders. These Tax Receivable Agreements provide for the payment by Dutch Bros Inc. to the Continuing Members and Pre-IPO Blocker Holders 85% of the benefits, if any, that Dutch Bros Inc. is deemed to realize (calculated using certain assumptions) as a result of certain tax attributes and benefits covered by the Tax Receivable Agreements. Due to the uncertainty in the amount and timing of future exchanges of Class A common units by the Continuing Members and Pre-IPO Blocker Holders, the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information assumes that no exchanges of Class A common units have occurred and therefore no increases in tax basis in Dutch Bros Inc.’s assets or other tax benefits that may be realized thereunder have been assumed in the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information. However, if all of the Continuing Members and Pre-IPO Blocker Holders were to exchange their Class A common units, we would recognize a deferred tax asset of approximately $103.7 million and a liability of approximately $73.6 million, assuming (v) all exchanges occurred on the same day, (w) a price of $19.00 per share of Class A common stock, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, (x) a constant corporate tax rate of 25.5%, (y) we will have sufficient taxable income to fully utilize the tax benefits, and (z) no material changes in tax law. For each 5% increase (decrease) in the amount of Class A common units exchanged by the Continuing Members and Pre-IPO Blocker Holders, our deferred tax asset would increase (decrease) by approximately $5.0 million, and the related liability would increase (decrease) by approximately $4.1 million, assuming that the price per share and corporate tax rate remain the same. These amounts are estimates and have been prepared for informational purposes only. The actual amount of deferred tax assets and related liabilities that we will recognize will differ based on, among other things, the timing of the exchanges, the price of shares of our Class A common stock at the time of the exchange, and the tax rates then in effect.
Dutch Bros OpCo’s historical consolidated financial information has been derived from its consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. Because Dutch Bro Inc. was formed on June 4, 2021 and had no material assets or results of operations until the completion of the Offering Transactions, its historical financial information is not included in the unaudited pro forma combined and consolidated financial information.
The unaudited pro forma combined and consolidated financial information was prepared in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X, using the assumptions set forth in the notes to the unaudited pro forma combined and consolidated financial information. The unaudited pro forma combined and consolidated financial information has been adjusted to give effect to events that are (i) directly attributable to the Transactions, (ii) factually supportable, and (iii) expected to have a continuing impact on the statements of income.
As a public company, we are implementing additional procedures and processes for the purpose of addressing the standards and requirements applicable to public companies. We expect to incur additional annual expenses related to these steps and, among other things, additional directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, director fees, reporting requirements of the SEC, transfer agent fees, hiring additional accounting, legal, and
administrative personnel, increased auditing and legal expenses, and other related costs. Due to the scope and complexity of these activities, the amount of these costs could increase or decrease materially and would be based on subjective estimates and assumptions that could not be factually supported. We have not included any pro forma adjustments related to these costs.
The unaudited pro forma combined and consolidated financial information is provided for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the operating results that would have occurred if the Transactions had been completed as of the dates set forth above, nor is it indicative of our future results. The unaudited pro forma combined and consolidated financial information also does not give effect to the potential impact of any anticipated synergies, operating efficiencies, or cost savings that may result from the Transactions or any integration costs that do not have a continuing impact.
The unaudited pro forma combined and consolidated financial information should be read together with “Organizational Structure,” “Capitalization,” “Selected Historical and Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Data,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and the historical financial statements of Dutch Bros OpCo and related notes thereto, each included elsewhere in this prospectus.
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED AND CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
AS OF JUNE 30, 2021
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro Forma Adjustments
|
|
|
|
Reorganization Transactions Adjustments
|
|
Offering Transactions Adjustments
|
|
Pro Forma Combined and Consolidated
|
|
June 30,
2021
|
|
($ in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
$
|
19,577
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
30,999
|
|
(1)
|
$
|
50,576
|
|
Accounts receivable, net
|
12,131
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
12,131
|
|
Inventories
|
13,262
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
13,262
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
|
4,324
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(824)
|
|
(3)
|
3,500
|
|
Total current assets
|
49,294
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
30,175
|
|
|
79,469
|
|
Deferred tax asset......................................................
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
103,683
|
|
(8)
|
103,683
|
|
Property and equipment, net
|
204,564
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
204,564
|
|
Intangibles, net
|
11,349
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
11,349
|
|
Goodwill
|
18,245
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
18,245
|
|
Other long-term assets
|
1,775
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,775
|
|
Total assets
|
$
|
285,227
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
133,858
|
|
|
$
|
419,085
|
|
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' DEFICIT
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
$
|
18,648
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
18,648
|
|
Accrued expenses
|
16,532
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
16,532
|
|
Other current liabilities
|
4,408
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
4,408
|
|
Deferred revenue
|
14,517
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
14,517
|
|
Line of credit
|
24,001
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
24,001
|
|
Current portion of capital lease obligations
|
2,684
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2,684
|
|
Current portion of long-term debt
|
6,350
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(6,350)
|
|
(1)(2)
|
—
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
87,140
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(6,350)
|
|
|
80,790
|
|
Deferred revenue, long term
|
5,071
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
5,071
|
|
Capital lease obligations, net of current portion
|
60,202
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
60,202
|
|
Long-term debt, net of current portion
|
191,745
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(191,745)
|
|
(1)(2)
|
—
|
|
Profits interest liability
|
64,827
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(64,827)
|
|
(4)
|
—
|
|
Deferred rent
|
2,945
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2,945
|
|
Other long-term liabilities
|
576
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
73,648
|
|
(8)
|
74,224
|
|
Total liabilities
|
412,506
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(189,274)
|
|
|
223,232
|
|
Commitments and contingencies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Temporary equity:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Redeemable common units (4,990,000 common units issued and outstanding at December 31, 2020 and June 30, 2021)
|
1,710,622
|
|
|
(1,710,622)
|
|
(5)
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Permanent equity:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Members' deficit (5,010,000 common units authorized, issued and outstanding at December 31, 2020 and June 30, 2021)
|
(1,837,901)
|
|
|
1,837,901
|
|
(5)
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Stockholders’ equity:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A common stock
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class B common stock
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Class C common stock
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Class D common stock
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Additional paid in capital
|
—
|
|
|
(15,401)
|
|
(5)
|
362,945
|
|
(6)
|
347,544
|
|
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(15,489)
|
|
(5)
|
(15,489)
|
|
Non-controlling interest
|
—
|
|
|
(111,878)
|
|
(5)
|
(24,324)
|
|
(5)
|
(136,202)
|
|
Total liabilities, temporary equity, permanent equity and stockholders’ equity
|
$
|
285,227
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
133,858
|
|
|
$
|
419,085
|
|
__________________
(1)Represents the gross proceeds from this offering, net of discounts and commissions, and offering-related payments, net of $2.4 million of offering costs paid as of June 30, 2021, as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross proceeds
|
$
|
400,000
|
|
Less: discounts & commissions
|
(25,000)
|
|
Net proceeds
|
375,000
|
|
Purchase of common units from Dutch Bros OpCo Continuing Members
|
(140,625)
|
|
Payment of current portion, long-term debt
|
(6,350)
|
|
Payment of long-term debt, net of current portion
|
(192,400)
|
|
Payment of non-underwriting offering costs
|
(4,626)
|
|
Net proceeds remaining
|
$
|
30,999
|
|
(2)Represents payment of long-term debt from the net proceeds from this offering. See note (1).
(3)Reflects the reclassification of prepaid offering costs from current assets to equity.
(4)Reflects the 490,668 vested Profits Interest Units in Dutch Bros OpCo outstanding as of this offering.
(5)Reflects reclassification of Dutch Bros OpCo’s historical members’ equity and redeemable common units to non-controlling interest as a result of the Reorganization Transactions. While Dutch Bros Inc. has 100.0% control of Dutch Bros OpCo, the owners of Dutch Bros OpCo possess 87.9% of the economic interests after the Reorganization Transactions.
Pro forma net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests as a result of the Offering Transaction is calculated as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Historical Members’ equity (deficit)
|
$
|
(127,279)
|
|
Non-controlling interest ownership immediately following the Reorganization Transactions
|
87.9
|
%
|
Total Member’s equity (deficit) allocable to non-controlling interest as a result of the Reorganization Transactions
|
$
|
(111,878)
|
|
|
|
Historical Members’ equity (deficit)
|
$
|
(127,279)
|
|
Reduction in non-controlling interest from the Offering Transactions
|
(14.5)
|
%
|
Change in historical member’s equity (deficit) allocable to non-controlling interest from the Offering Transactions
|
$
|
18,482
|
|
|
|
Pro forma retained earnings adjustment from the Offering Transactions
|
$
|
(58,336)
|
|
Non-controlling interest ownership immediately following the Offering Transactions
|
73.4
|
%
|
Pro forma retained earnings adjustment allocable to non-controlling interest as a result of the Offering Transactions
|
$
|
(42,806)
|
|
Total Members’ equity (deficit) allocable to non-controlling interest immediately following the Offering Transactions
|
$
|
(24,324)
|
|
(6)Reflects the pro forma impacts related to the Offering Transactions as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net proceeds from issuance of Class A common stock in excess of par value
|
$
|
375,000
|
|
Purchase of common units from Dutch Bros OpCo Continuing Members
|
(140,625)
|
|
Reclassification of profits interest liability
|
64,827
|
|
Stock-based compensation expense related to vesting of performance-based profits interest units
|
55,200
|
Adjustments related to the tax receivables agreements
|
30,035
|
|
Additional paid in capital allocable to non-controlling interests from offering (see note (5))
|
(18,482)
|
|
Capitalized IPO expenses
|
(3,010)
|
|
Total
|
$
|
362,945
|
|
(7)Reflects allocation to controlling and non-controlling interests of income statement impact for stock-based compensation expense related to vesting of performance-based profits interest units.
(8)Following the Reorganization Transactions, we will be subject to U.S. federal income taxes, in addition to state and local taxes, with respect to our allocable share of any net taxable income of Dutch Bros OpCo, which will result in higher income taxes. As a result, the pro forma balance sheet reflects an adjustment to our taxes assuming the federal rates currently in effect and the highest statutory rates apportioned to each state and local jurisdiction.
We recorded an adjustment to the deferred tax asset in the amount of $103.7 million related to Dutch Bros, Inc initial investment from the offering transaction, in addition to the future deductions attributable to the tax receivable agreement resulting from the Offering transactions described below.
Prior to the completion of this offering, Dutch Bros Inc. will enter into two Tax Receivable Agreements. It will enter into (i) the Exchange Tax Receivable Agreement with the Continuing Members and (ii) the Reorganization Tax Receivable Agreement with the Pre-IPO Blocker Holders. These Tax Receivable Agreements will provide for the payment by Dutch Bros Inc. to such Continuing Members and Pre-IPO Blocker Holders of 85% of the benefits, if any, that Dutch Bros Inc. is deemed to realize (calculated using certain assumptions) as a result of certain tax attributes and benefits covered by the Tax Receivable Agreements. The Exchange Tax Receivable Agreement will provide for the payment by Dutch Bros Inc. to the Continuing Members of 85% of the benefits, if any, that Dutch Bros Inc. is deemed to realize (calculated using certain assumptions) as a result of (i) Dutch Bros Inc.’s allocable share of existing tax basis attributable to certain assets of Dutch Bros OpCo and its subsidiaries (including assets that will eventually be subject to depreciation or amortization once placed in service) at the time of any redemption or exchange of Class A common units (including in the Reorganization Transactions and Offering Transactions) which tax basis is allocated to such redeemed or exchanged Class A common units acquired by Dutch Bros Inc., (ii) adjustments that will increase the tax basis of the tangible and intangible assets of the Dutch Bros OpCo and its Subsidiaries as a result of Dutch Bros Inc.’s taxable acquisition of Class A common units from the Continuing Members in the Offering Transactions and in connection with future redemptions or exchanges of Class A common units for shares of Class A common stock (or a corresponding amount of cash), (iii) disproportionate allocations (if any) of tax benefits to Dutch Bros Inc. under Section 704(c) of the Code as a result of Dutch Bros Inc.’s acquisition of Class A common units from Dutch Bros OpCo in the Offering Transactions and from former PI Unit holders in the Pre-IPO Exchanges and (iv) certain other tax benefits, including tax benefits attributable to payments under the Exchange Tax Receivable Agreement. The Reorganization Tax Receivable Agreement will provide for the payment by Dutch Bros Inc. to Pre-IPO Blocker Holders of 85% of the benefits, if any, that Dutch Bros Inc. is deemed to realize (calculated using certain assumptions) as a result of (i) existing tax basis and certain adjustments to the tax basis of certain assets of Dutch Bros OpCo and its subsidiaries, in each case, that are attributable to Class A common units acquired by Dutch Bros Inc. as a result of the Blocker Mergers, (ii) certain tax attributes of the Blocker Companies, and (iii) certain other tax benefits, including tax benefits attributable to payments under the Reorganization Tax Receivable Agreement. The tax receivable agreements will be accounted for as contingent liabilities, with amounts accrued when considered probable and reasonably estimable. We recorded an adjustment of $73.6 million in liabilities associated with the tax receivable agreements described above, based on our estimate of the aggregate amount that we will pay to the pre-IPO owners under the respective agreements. Within the deferred tax asset adjustment described above, $8.0 million is related to the future deductions attributed to the tax receivable agreement.
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED AND CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME (LOSS)
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021
|
|
Pro Forma Adjustments
|
|
Dutch Bros OpCo(1)
Actual
|
|
Reorganization Transactions Adjustments
|
|
Offering Transactions Adjustments
|
|
Pro Forma Combined and Consolidated
|
|
($ in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
|
Revenue
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Company-operated shops
|
$
|
180,887
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
180,887
|
|
Franchising and other
|
47,106
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
47,106
|
|
Total revenue
|
227,993
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
227,993
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Costs and expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of sales
|
148,809
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
148,809
|
|
Selling, general and administrative
|
69,868
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
54,976
|
|
(4)
|
124,844
|
|
Total costs and expenses
|
218,677
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
54,976
|
|
|
273,653
|
|
Income from operations
|
9,316
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(54,976)
|
|
|
(45,660)
|
|
Other income (expense)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense, net
|
(2,855)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
660
|
|
(5)
|
(2,195)
|
|
Other income (expense)
|
(58)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(58)
|
|
Total other income (expense)
|
(2,913)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
660
|
|
|
(2,253)
|
|
Income before income taxes
|
6,403
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(54,316)
|
|
|
(47,913)
|
|
Income tax expense(2)
|
564
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2,577
|
|
|
3,141
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
$
|
5,839
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
(56,893)
|
|
|
$
|
(51,054)
|
|
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests (3)(6)
|
|
|
5,132
|
|
|
(42,595)
|
|
|
(37,463)
|
|
Net income (loss) attributable to Dutch Bros Inc.
|
|
|
707
|
|
|
(14,298)
|
|
|
(13,591)
|
|
Basic and diluted net loss per share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(0.32)
|
|
Shares used in basic and diluted per share calculations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
42,934,394
|
|
__________________
(1)Dutch Bros Inc. was formed on June 4, 2021 and will have no results of operations until the completion of this offering. Therefore, its historical results of operations are not shown in a separate column in the unaudited pro forma combined and consolidated statements of operations or balance sheet.
(2)Dutch Bros OpCo is a limited liability company and is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As such, it is generally not subject to any entity-level U.S. federal income tax. Instead, income, expenses, gains and losses are reported on the returns of its members. Following the Reorganization Transactions, Dutch Bros Inc. will become subject to U.S. federal income taxes with respect to its allocable share of any U.S. taxable income of Dutch Bros OpCo. As a result, the unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of operations reflect adjustments to our income tax expense of $2.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021.
(3)Upon completion of the Reorganization Transactions, Dutch Bros Inc. will become the sole managing member of Dutch Bros OpCo. As a result, Dutch Bros Inc. will initially own approximately 12.1% of the economic interest in Dutch Bros OpCo, but will have 100.0% of the voting power and operate and control all the business and affairs of Dutch Bros OpCo. Immediately following the Reorganization Transactions and the Offering Transactions, the ownership percentage held by the non-controlling interests and the net income attributable to the non-controlling interests will represent approximately 73.4% of net income before income tax expense.
(4)Represents pro forma expense adjustments related to the Offering Transactions as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock-based compensation for the vesting of 490,668 performance-based profits interest units
|
$
|
55,200
|
|
Reversal of amortization expense of debt issuance costs previously recognized
|
(224)
|
|
Total
|
$
|
54,976
|
|
(5)Represents reduction of interest expense related to the repayment of the Senior Secured Term Loan created in order to facilitate a related dividend recapitalization in advance of the offering.
(6)Pro forma net income attributable to non-controlling interests as a result of the Reorganization Transactions is calculated as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Historical net income
|
$
|
5,839
|
|
Pro forma net income prior to the Reorganization Transactions
|
5,839
|
|
Non-controlling interest ownership immediately following the Reorganization Transactions
|
87.9
|
%
|
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest immediately following the Reorganization Transactions
|
$
|
5,132
|
|
Pro forma net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests as a result of the Offering Transaction is calculated as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma net income prior to the Reorganization Transactions
|
$
|
5,839
|
|
Reduction in non-controlling interest ownership due to the Offering Transactions
|
(14.5)
|
%
|
Reduction in net income attributable to non-controlling interest due to the Offering Transactions
|
$
|
(847)
|
|
|
|
Pro forma adjustments to net income (loss) from the Offering Transactions
|
$
|
(56,893)
|
|
Non-controlling interest ownership immediately following the Offering Transactions
|
73.4
|
%
|
Non-controlling interest in the pro forma adjustments to net income (loss) from the Offering Transactions
|
$
|
(41,748)
|
|
Total net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest immediately following the Offering Transactions
|
$
|
(42,595)
|
|
Upon completion of the Reorganization Transactions and Offering Transactions, Dutch Bros Inc. will own approximately 26.6% of the economic interest in Dutch Bros OpCo and will retain 100.0% of control of the management of Dutch Bros OpCo. Immediately following the Offering Transactions, the ownership percentage held by the non-controlling interest and the net loss attributable to the non-controlling interest will represent approximately 73.4% of the net loss. These amounts have been determined based on an assumption that the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock is not exercised. If the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock is exercised, the ownership percentage held by the non-controlling interest would decrease to 71.7%.
Pro forma net loss attributable to non-controlling interests as a result of the Offering Transactions is shown below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma net income prior to the Offering Transactions
|
$
|
5,839
|
|
Pro forma adjustments to net income from the Offering Transactions
|
(56,893)
|
|
Net loss
|
(51,054)
|
|
Non-controlling ownership interest immediately following the Offering Transactions
|
73.4
|
%
|
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest immediately following the Offering Transactions
|
$
|
(37,463)
|
|
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED AND CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME (LOSS)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Historical Year Ended December 31, 2020
|
|
Pro Forma Adjustments
|
|
Dutch Bros OpCo(1)
Actual
|
|
Reorganization Transactions Adjustments
|
|
Offering Transactions Adjustments
|
|
Pro Forma Combined and Consolidated
|
|
($ in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
|
Revenue
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Company-operated shops
|
$
|
244,514
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
244,514
|
|
Franchising and other
|
82,899
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
82,899
|
|
Total revenue
|
327,413
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
327,413
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Costs and expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of sales
|
211,659
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
211,659
|
|
Selling, general and administrative
|
105,087
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
66,110
|
|
(4)
|
171,197
|
|
Total costs and expenses
|
316,746
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
66,110
|
|
|
382,856
|
|
Income from operations
|
10,667
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(66,110)
|
|
|
(55,443)
|
|
Other income (expense)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense, net
|
(3,736)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
994
|
|
(5)
|
(2,742)
|
|
Other income (expense)
|
(363)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(363)
|
|
Total other income (expense)
|
(4,099)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
994
|
|
|
(3,105)
|
|
Income before income taxes
|
6,568
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(65,116)
|
|
|
(58,548)
|
|
Income tax expense(2)
|
843
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2,432
|
|
|
3,275
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
$
|
5,725
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
(67,548)
|
|
|
$
|
(61,823)
|
|
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests (3)(6)
|
|
|
5,032
|
|
|
(50,397)
|
|
|
(45,365)
|
|
Net income (loss) attributable to Dutch Bros Inc.
|
|
|
693
|
|
|
(17,151)
|
|
|
(16,458)
|
|
Basic and diluted net loss per share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(0.38)
|
|
Shares used in basic and diluted per share calculations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
42,934,394
|
|
__________________
(1)Dutch Bros Inc. was formed on June 4, 2021 and will have no results of operations until the completion of this offering. Therefore, its historical results of operations are not shown in a separate column in the unaudited pro forma combined and consolidated statements of operations or balance sheet.
(2)Dutch Bros OpCo is a limited liability company and is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As such, it is generally not subject to any entity-level U.S. federal income tax. Instead, income, expenses, gains and losses are reported on the returns of its members. Following the Reorganization Transactions, Dutch Bros Inc. will become subject to U.S. federal income taxes with respect to its allocable share of any U.S. taxable income of Dutch Bros OpCo. As a result, the unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of operations reflect adjustments to our income tax expense of $2.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2020.
(3)Upon completion of the Reorganization Transactions, Dutch Bros Inc. will become the sole managing member of Dutch Bros OpCo. As a result, Dutch Bros Inc. will initially own 12.1% of the economic interest in Dutch Bros OpCo, but will have 100.0% of the voting power and operate and control all the business and affairs of Dutch Bros OpCo. Immediately following the Reorganization Transactions and the Offering Transactions, the ownership percentage held by the non-controlling interests and the net income attributable to the non-controlling interests will represent approximately 73.4% of net income before income tax expense.
(4)Represents pro forma expense adjustments related to the Offering Transactions as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock-based compensation for the vesting of 490,668 performance-based profits interest units
|
$
|
61,200
|
|
IPO costs not capitalized to equity
|
3,990
|
|
Amortization expense of debt issuance costs recognized in full for term loans paid off
|
920
|
|
Total
|
$
|
66,110
|
|
(5)Represents reduction of interest expense related to the repayment of the Dutch Bros OpCo term loans.
(6)Pro forma net income attributable to non-controlling interests as a result of the Reorganization Transactions is calculated as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Historical net income
|
$
|
5,725
|
|
Pro forma net income prior to the Reorganization Transactions
|
5,725
|
|
Non-controlling interest ownership immediately following the Reorganization Transactions
|
87.9
|
%
|
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest immediately following the Reorganization Transactions
|
$
|
5,032
|
|
Pro forma net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests as a result of the Offering Transaction is calculated as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma net income prior to the Reorganization Transactions
|
$
|
5,725
|
|
Reduction in non-controlling interest ownership due to the Offering Transactions
|
(14.5)
|
%
|
Reduction in net income attributable to non-controlling interest due to the Offering Transactions
|
$
|
(830)
|
|
|
|
Pro forma adjustments to net income (loss) from the Offering Transactions
|
$
|
(67,548)
|
|
Non-controlling interest ownership immediately following the Offering Transactions
|
73.4
|
%
|
Non-controlling interest in the pro forma adjustments to net income (loss) from the Offering Transactions
|
$
|
(49,567)
|
|
Total net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest immediately following the Offering Transactions
|
$
|
(50,397)
|
|
Upon completion of the Reorganization Transactions and Offering Transactions, Dutch Bros Inc. will own approximately 26.6% of the economic interest in Dutch Bros OpCo and will retain 100.0% of control of the management of Dutch Bros OpCo. Immediately following the Offering transactions, the ownership percentage held by the non-controlling interest and the net loss attributable to the non-controlling interest will represent approximately 73.4% of the net loss. These amounts have been determined based on an assumption that the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock is not exercised. If the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock is exercised, the ownership percentage held by the non-controlling interest would decrease to 71.7%.
Pro forma net loss attributable to non-controlling interests as a result of the Offering Transactions is shown below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma net income prior to the Offering Transactions
|
$
|
5,725
|
|
Pro forma adjustments to net income from the Offering Transactions
|
(67,548)
|
|
Net loss
|
(61,823)
|
|
Non-controlling ownership interest immediately following the Offering Transactions
|
73.4
|
%
|
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest immediately following the Offering Transactions
|
$
|
(45,365)
|
|
SELECTED HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA
The following tables present the selected historical consolidated financial data for Dutch Bros OpCo and its subsidiaries and the selected pro forma combined and consolidated financial data for Dutch Bros Inc. for the periods and at the dates indicated. Immediately following this offering, Dutch Bros Inc. will be a holding company, and its sole material asset will be a controlling equity interest in Dutch Bros OpCo. Dutch Bros Inc. will operate and control all the business and affairs of Dutch Bros OpCo and, through Dutch Bros OpCo and its subsidiaries, conduct our business. Following this offering, Dutch Bros OpCo will be the predecessor of Dutch Bros Inc. for financial reporting purposes. As a result, the consolidated financial statements of Dutch Bros Inc. will recognize the assets and liabilities received in the reorganization at their historical carrying amounts, as reflected in the historical consolidated financial statements of Dutch Bros OpCo. Dutch Bros Inc. will consolidate Dutch Bros OpCo in its consolidated financial statements and will report non-controlling interests related to the Class A common units held by the Continuing Members on its consolidated financial statements.
The selected historical consolidated statements of income data and selected historical consolidated statements of cash flows data presented below for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020 and the selected historical consolidated balance sheet data presented below as of December 31, 2019 and 2020 have been derived from the historical consolidated financial statements of Dutch Bros OpCo included elsewhere in this prospectus. The selected historical consolidated financial information of Dutch Bros OpCo as of June 30, 2021 and for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2021 was derived from the unaudited historical consolidated financial statements of Dutch Bros OpCo included elsewhere in this prospectus. The unaudited historical consolidated financial statements of Dutch Bros OpCo have been prepared on the same basis as the audited historical consolidated financial statements and, in our opinion, have included all adjustments, which include normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly in all material respects our financial position and results of operations. The results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year.
The selected historical consolidated financial and other data of Dutch Bros Inc. has not been presented because Dutch Bros Inc. is a newly incorporated entity, has had no business transactions or activities to date, and had no assets or liabilities during the periods presented in this section.
Historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for any future period. You should read the selected historical consolidated financial data below, together with our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto, the audited consolidated financial statements of Dutch Bros Inc. and related notes thereto and our unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto, each included elsewhere in this prospectus, as well as “Summary—Summary Historical and Pro Forma Consolidated Financial and Other Data,” “Organizational Structure,” “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined and Consolidated Financial Information,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and the other information appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.
Historical Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dutch Bros OpCo
|
|
Dutch Bros Inc.
Pro Forma(1)
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
Six Months Ended June 30,
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
Six Months Ended June 30,
|
|
2019
|
|
2020
|
|
2020
|
|
2021
|
|
2020
|
|
2021
|
|
($ in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
|
Revenue
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Company-operated shops
|
$
|
151,543
|
|
|
$
|
244,514
|
|
|
$
|
109,072
|
|
|
$
|
180,887
|
|
|
$
|
244,514
|
|
|
$
|
180,887
|
|
Franchising and other
|
86,825
|
|
|
82,899
|
|
|
41,787
|
|
|
47,106
|
|
|
82,899
|
|
|
47,106
|
|
Total revenue
|
238,368
|
|
|
327,413
|
|
|
150,859
|
|
|
227,993
|
|
|
327,413
|
|
|
227,993
|
|
Costs and expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of sales
|
142,307
|
|
|
211,659
|
|
|
94,929
|
|
|
148,809
|
|
|
211,659
|
|
|
148,809
|
|
Selling, general and administrative
|
65,764
|
|
|
105,087
|
|
|
48,300
|
|
|
69,868
|
|
|
171,197
|
|
|
124,844
|
|
Total costs and expenses
|
208,071
|
|
|
316,746
|
|
|
143,229
|
|
|
218,677
|
|
|
382,856
|
|
|
273,653
|
|
Income from operations
|
30,297
|
|
|
10,667
|
|
|
7,630
|
|
|
9,316
|
|
|
(55,443)
|
|
|
(45,660)
|
|
Other income (expense)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense, net
|
(2,346)
|
|
|
(3,736)
|
|
|
(1,700)
|
|
|
(2,855)
|
|
|
(2,742)
|
|
|
(2,195)
|
|
Other income (expense)
|
524
|
|
|
(363)
|
|
|
(316)
|
|
|
(58)
|
|
|
(363)
|
|
|
(58)
|
|
Total other income (expense)
|
(1,822)
|
|
|
(4,099)
|
|
|
(2,016)
|
|
|
(2,913)
|
|
|
(3,105)
|
|
|
(2,253)
|
|
Income before income taxes
|
28,475
|
|
|
6,568
|
|
|
5,614
|
|
|
6,403
|
|
|
(58,548)
|
|
|
(47,913)
|
|
Income tax expense
|
89
|
|
|
843
|
|
|
338
|
|
|
564
|
|
|
3,275
|
|
|
3,141
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
$
|
28,386
|
|
|
$
|
5,725
|
|
|
$
|
5,276
|
|
|
$
|
5,839
|
|
|
$
|
(61,823)
|
|
|
$
|
(51,054)
|
|
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(45,365)
|
|
|
(37,463)
|
|
Net loss attributable to Dutch Bros Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(16,458)
|
|
|
(13,591)
|
|
Basic and diluted net loss per share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(0.38)
|
|
|
$
|
(0.32)
|
|
Shares used in basic and diluted per share calculations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
42,934,394
|
|
|
42,934,394
|
|
__________________
(1)Pro forma figures give effect to the Offering Transactions and Reorganization Transactions, including this offering. See “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined and Consolidated Financial Information” for a detailed presentation of the unaudited pro forma information.
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dutch Bros OpCo
|
|
Dutch Bros Inc.
Pro Forma(1)
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
As of
June 30,
|
|
As of
June 30,
|
|
2019
|
|
2020
|
|
2021
|
|
2021
|
|
($ in thousands)
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
$
|
15,584
|
|
|
$
|
31,640
|
|
|
$
|
19,577
|
|
|
$
|
50,576
|
|
Total assets
|
168,281
|
|
|
259,659
|
|
|
285,227
|
|
|
419,085
|
|
Working capital(2)
|
3,949
|
|
|
3,204
|
|
|
(37,846)
|
|
|
(1,321)
|
|
Total liabilities
|
90,266
|
|
|
183,669
|
|
|
412,506
|
|
|
223,232
|
|
Total liabilities and members’ equity
|
168,281
|
|
|
259,659
|
|
|
285,227
|
|
|
419,085
|
|
__________________
(1)Pro forma figures give effect to the Offering Transactions and Reorganization Transactions, including this offering. See “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined and Consolidated Financial Information” for a detailed presentation of the unaudited pro forma information.
(2)Working capital is defined as total current assets, including cash and cash equivalents, minus total current liabilities.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
Six Months Ended June 30,
|
|
2019
|
|
2020
|
|
2020
|
|
2021
|
|
($ in thousands)
|
Net cash flows provided by operating activities
|
$
|
56,702
|
|
|
$
|
53,549
|
|
|
$
|
20,888
|
|
|
$
|
56,199
|
|
Net cash flows used in investing activities
|
(39,948)
|
|
|
(45,570)
|
|
|
(14,430)
|
|
|
(36,386)
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
|
(12,680)
|
|
|
8,077
|
|
|
10,006
|
|
|
(31,876)
|
|
Net increase (decrease) in cash
|
4,074
|
|
|
16,056
|
|
|
16,464
|
|
|
(12,063)
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
|
11,510
|
|
|
15,584
|
|
|
15,584
|
|
|
31,640
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
|
15,584
|
|
|
31,640
|
|
|
32,048
|
|
|
19,577
|
|
Other Financial and Operating Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
Six Months Ended June 30,
|
|
2019
|
|
2020
|
|
2020
|
|
2021
|
($ in thousands)
|
Number of shops
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Company-operated
|
118
|
|
|
182
|
|
|
146
|
|
|
207
|
|
Franchised
|
252
|
|
|
259
|
|
|
255
|
|
|
264
|
|
Total net-new shop openings
|
42
|
|
|
71
|
|
|
31
|
|
|
30
|
|
Average unit volume (AUV)(1)
|
$
|
1,635
|
|
|
$
|
1,679
|
|
|
$
|
1,643
|
|
|
$
|
1,766
|
|
Company-operated shops
|
$
|
1,460
|
|
|
$
|
1,524
|
|
|
$
|
1,451
|
|
|
$
|
1,654
|
|
Same shop sales growth(2)
|
2.0
|
%
|
|
2.0
|
%
|
|
0.5
|
%
|
|
8.2
|
%
|
Company-operated shops
|
2.3
|
%
|
|
0.8
|
%
|
|
(1.5
|
%)
|
|
9.6
|
%
|
Company-operated shop revenue(3)
|
$
|
151,543
|
|
|
$
|
244,514
|
|
|
$
|
109,072
|
|
|
$
|
180,887
|
|
Company-operated shop contribution(4)(5)
|
$
|
33,795
|
|
|
$
|
70,104
|
|
|
$
|
31,397
|
|
|
$
|
52,974
|
|
% of Company-operated shop revenue
|
22
|
%
|
|
29
|
%
|
|
29
|
%
|
|
29
|
%
|
Adjusted EBITDA(5)
|
$
|
48,715
|
|
|
$
|
69,764
|
|
|
$
|
35,525
|
|
|
$
|
45,827
|
|
% of revenue
|
20
|
%
|
|
21
|
%
|
|
24
|
%
|
|
20
|
%
|
Systemwide sales(6)
|
$
|
566,642
|
|
|
$
|
687,238
|
|
|
$
|
329,732
|
|
|
$
|
413,250
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
__________________
(1)At Dutch Bros we track systemwide and company-operated shop AUVs. AUVs for any trailing twelve-month period consist of the net sales of systemwide and company-operated shops, respectively, for all shops that have been open for the entire 15-month measurement period. AUVs are calculated by dividing the total net sales by the total number of systemwide and company-operated shops, respectively, that were open for 15 months at the time of AUV calculation.
(2)Same shop sales growth reflects the change in year-over-year sales for the comparable shop base, which we define as shops open for 15 complete months or longer. For the years 2019 and 2020, we accounted for 77 and 89 shops in our company-operated comparable shop base, respectively, and 287 and 316 shops in our systemwide shop base, respectively. For the twelve months ended June 30, 2020, and June 30, 2021, there were 85 and 120 shops in our company-operated comparable shop base, respectively, and 316 and 355 shops in our systemwide shop base, respectively.
(3)Company-operated shop revenue represent the aggregate beverage sales in company-operated shops.
(4)Company-operated shop contribution, a non-GAAP financial measure, is defined as net sales less beverage, food and packaging costs, labor and other costs, including pre-opening costs.
(5)EBITDA, company-operated shop contribution and Adjusted EBITDA are included in this prospectus because they are key metrics used by management and our board of directors to assess our financial performance. EBITDA, company-operated shop contribution and Adjusted EBITDA are frequently used by analysts, investors and other interested parties to evaluate companies in our industry. EBITDA, company-operated shop contribution and Adjusted EBITDA are not GAAP measures of our financial performance and should not be considered as alternatives to net income as a measure of financial performance or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP. Company-operated shop contribution and Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items. These measures are also not intended to be
measures of free cash flow for management’s discretionary use, as they do not reflect tax payments, debt service requirements and certain other cash costs that may recur in the future, including, among other things, cash requirements for working capital needs. Management compensates for these limitations by relying on our GAAP results in addition to using EBITDA, company-operated shop contribution and Adjusted EBITDA as supplemental measures. Our measures of EBITDA, company-operated shop contribution and Adjusted EBITDA are not necessarily comparable to similarly titled captions of other companies due to different methods of calculation. For a description of the items in Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income, see “Selected Historical and Pro Forma Consolidated Financial and Other Data—Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation.”
(6)Systemwide sales and systemwide same shop sales include company-operated shop revenue and sales at franchised shops during the comparable periods noted. As these metrics include sales reported to us by our non-consolidated franchise partners, these metrics should be considered as a supplement to, not a substitute for, our results as reported under GAAP.
Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
Six Months Ended June 30,
|
|
2019
|
|
2020
|
|
2020
|
|
2021
|
|
($ in thousands)
|
Net income
|
$
|
28,386
|
|
|
$
|
5,725
|
|
|
$
|
5,276
|
|
|
$
|
5,839
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
9,670
|
|
|
15,537
|
|
|
7,089
|
|
|
11,031
|
|
Interest expense, net
|
2,346
|
|
|
3,736
|
|
|
1,700
|
|
|
2,855
|
|
Income tax expense
|
89
|
|
|
843
|
|
|
338
|
|
|
564
|
|
EBITDA
|
$
|
40,491
|
|
|
$
|
25,841
|
|
|
$
|
14,403
|
|
|
$
|
20,289
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity-based compensation(1)
|
$
|
6,758
|
|
|
$
|
35,087
|
|
|
$
|
13,557
|
|
|
$
|
22,982
|
|
COVID-19: “Thank you pay” and catastrophic leave(2)
|
—
|
|
|
4,942
|
|
|
3,024
|
|
|
2,556
|
|
COVID-19: Royalty abatement(3)
|
—
|
|
|
1,400
|
|
|
1,400
|
|
|
—
|
|
COVID-19: First responder donation(4)
|
—
|
|
|
2,000
|
|
|
2,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
Dutch rewards transition(5)
|
1,466
|
|
|
(3,669)
|
|
|
(42)
|
|
|
—
|
|
Dutchwear merchandising adjustment(6)
|
—
|
|
|
4,163
|
|
|
1,183
|
|
|
—
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
$
|
48,715
|
|
|
$
|
69,764
|
|
|
$
|
35,525
|
|
|
$
|
45,827
|
|
__________________
(1)In 2019, 2020 and the six months ended June 30, 2021, we recognized non-cash expenses related to the grant and vesting of Profits Interest Units in Dutch Bros OpCo to certain employees. These awards are accounted for in accordance with guidance prescribed for accounting for share based compensation. See Note 12 to the audited financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.
(2)During 2020 and the six months ended June 30, 2021, we incurred costs related to two separate programs established to support employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. We implemented a $3 per hour wage supplement program for shop employees who continued to come into work while their state or county was under a stay at home order or similar lockdown requirement. This program lasted in various markets until April 2021 and cost $3.9 million in 2020 and $2.0 million through June 30, 2021. We established a catastrophic leave policy that provided paid leave to employees who were required to quarantine due to in-shop exposures and could not work their regular hours, which cost $1.0 million in 2020 and $0.6 million through June 30, 2021. All COVID-19-related protocols, including catastrophic leave, will remain in effect until the end of the COVID-19 pandemic as determined by the appropriate government agency.
(3)In April 2020, we permitted franchise partners to skip one month of royalty payments to support their cash flow needs. We discontinued this support one month later in May 2020.
(4)During 2020, we made a specific, one-time donation to the First Responders First organization to support the acquisition and distribution of personal protective equipment for first responders.
(5)We recorded an expense related to our transition from our paper-based stamp card loyalty program to our current app-based loyalty program.
(6)During 2020, we incurred a series of one-time costs associated with the strategic decision to exit our internal merchandising business related to Dutch-branded goods such as mugs and cups. These costs include write-off and disposal of obsolete inventory and severance for staff dedicated to in-house support services related to our Dutchwear business.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes and other financial information included elsewhere in this prospectus. Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis or set forth elsewhere in this prospectus, including information with respect to our plans and strategy for our business, includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.
You should review the “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” sections of this prospectus for a discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in the following discussion and analysis.
Overview
Dutch Bros is a high growth operator and franchisor of drive-thru shops, and we believe we are one of the fastest-growing brands in the foodservice and restaurant industry in the United States by location count. We added nearly 200 shops over the last five years finishing 2020 with 441 shops in nine states, including Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Idaho and New Mexico. The year 2021 will mark the end of a third decade serving high QUALITY, hand-crafted beverages with unparalleled SPEED and superior SERVICE. Our aggressive growth plans continued into the first half of 2021 opening in two new markets—Texas and Oklahoma. While espresso-based beverages are still at the core of what we do, Dutch Bros now offers a wide variety of unique, customizable cold and hot beverages that delight a broad array of customers. In 2020, approximately 82% of our beverages were served cold. We believe Dutch Bros is more than just the products it serves, and our brand is dedicated to making a massive difference in the lives of our employees, customers and the communities in which we serve. This combination of hand-crafted and high-quality beverages, our differentiated drive-thru experience and our community-driven, people-first culture has allowed us to successfully open new shops and continue to share the “Dutch Luv.”
Dutch Bros is focused on delivering on our core values of quality, speed and service during every interaction at every shop. People are the key to our success, and the broista is the face of Dutch Bros. Broistas are genuinely excited to serve and are focused on how to make each customer’s day better. Whether you are fueling up on the way to work or grabbing some refreshment later in the day, we offer customized, hand-crafted beverages for every occasion during your day. Runners greet customers before the customer gets to the window to share our menu and help personalize every experience. Runners take orders with tablets, allowing broistas to sequence the crafting of beverages and to monitor car throughput in the drive-thru lane, which ensures quality, speed and service remain consistent throughout the day.
Our innovative, hand-crafted beverage-focused lineup features hot and cold espresso-based beverages, cold brew coffee products, proprietary Dutch Bros. Blue Rebel energy drinks, tea, lemonade, smoothies and other beverages curated from the Dutch Bros “secret menu.” You would be hard pressed to find the breadth of our unique and highly customized beverages at any other retailer, and we believe the variety, innovation and customization of our menu drives broad demographic appeal and balance throughout the day and across all geographies. Our business model is built around highly efficient drive-thrus but starts with a personalized greeting, not speaking to an inanimate menu board. This human interaction places a premium on customer convenience without bypassing the personality of our brand—the broista. For nearly 30 years we have fine-tuned this combination of speed with personalized service. Our new shop prototype is typically 865 to 950 square feet and in order to address the substantial volume of car traffic throughout the day given high AUV we target to develop our shops on sites that are at least 25,000 square feet. Almost all our shops deploy either a single or double drive-thru window, some including multiple lanes for more efficient ordering and escape lanes to prevent unnecessary congestion. Most of our shops also have walk-up ordering windows and open-air patios.
Shop Count(1)
__________________
(1)Shop count is as of December 31 of each year.
As of June 30, 2021, we had 471 shops across 11 states, 207 of which were company-operated and 264 of which were operated by our franchise partners. From 2018 to 2020 the number of company shops has doubled. While our current franchise partners continue to open new shops in their existing markets, the highly attractive financial returns generated by our new shops, coupled with our desire to ensure our people development and culture, have caused us to focus primarily on company-operated shops as we accelerate our new shop development.
In 2020, we generated $5.7 million in net income, which includes recognition of $35.1 million in non-cash equity-related expenses related to the vesting of Profits Interest Units. In 2020, we also generated $69.8 million of Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, and $327.4 million of revenue. In the twelve months ended June 30, 2021, we generated $6.3 million of net income, $80.1 million of Adjusted EBITDA, and $404.5 million of revenue. For a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income, see “Selected Historical and Pro Forma Consolidated Financial and Other Data—Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation.”
Our brand experience and deliberate approach to advancement from within has enabled strong and consistent growth while delivering excellent financial performance with the following highlights over the last several years:
Our positive 2020 results came despite the COVID-19 pandemic and the west coast wildfires that took place in September of that year. The 2020 calendar year also marked Dutch Bros’ fourteenth consecutive year of positive same shop sales, which demonstrates the brand’s resiliency and strength. Systemwide AUV continued to expand reaching approximately $1.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, approximately 3% growth over the prior year. In 2020 Company-operated shops generated a shop-level contribution margin of approximately 29%, prior to expenses directly related to COVID-19 pandemic, and when combined with high AUVs and an efficient shop buildout cost, resulted in attractive returns.
Since our inception, we have been dedicated to giving back to the communities in which we serve, and we consider our brand to be a powerful platform for social impact. Today, we host three company-wide givebacks each year (“Dutch Luv,” “Drink One for Dane” and “Buck for Kids”) and our operators and franchise partners are empowered to create their own local, shop-specific giveback programs to build relationships within their own communities. In 2020, Dutch Bros donated approximately $5.2 million across multiple causes, including $2 million to benefit COVID-19 first responders. A culture of philanthropy and giving back to build better communities permeates the entire Dutch Bros organization, energizing both our broistas and customers alike.
Impact of COVID-19 and Wildfires
The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting disruptions made 2020 a challenging year for businesses, particularly in the foodservice and restaurant industries. Dutch Bros took immediate action to protect the health and safety of our employees and customers including the implementation of all operating protocols dictated by state and local guidelines and instituting strict health and safety practices. In keeping with our people-first culture, we also supported our employees by offering an additional $3 per hour in the form of “Thank You pay,” as well as paid COVID-related leave. We also supported our local communities by donating $2 million to the First Responders First organization, which is focused on getting necessary protective equipment to first responders, contributing toward keeping everyone safe at the height of the pandemic. Fortunately, we did not experience any significant disruptions in our supply chain operations. We did actively build green coffee inventory for our roasting operations early in the pandemic in the event port operations experienced any disruptions. In the end, this did not become a significant issue for our roasting operations. As a result of all our actions during the pandemic during 2020, we incurred approximately $8.3 million in costs that we believe are uniquely and directly attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The impact of COVID-19 continues to evolve, and we cannot easily predict the future potential impacts of the pandemic on our business or operations or on the United States or global economy in general. This may include any recurrence of the disease, actions taken in response to the evolving pandemic, any ongoing effects on consumer demand and spending patterns or other impacts of the pandemic. Whether these or other currently unanticipated consequences of the pandemic are reasonably likely to materially affect our results of operations, cash flows or financial condition is yet to be determined. For additional details regarding the impact of COVID-19 on our business, see “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business—Pandemics or disease outbreaks such as the COVID-19 have had, and may continue to have, an effect on our business and results of operations.”
The wildfires that swept through the west coast in September 2020 added an additional challenge to the Dutch Bros business, burning communities, impacting air quality and forcing shops to reduce staff and, in some instances, close entirely until air quality improved. While it was a challenging environment, our drive-thru operating model proved resilient by providing our customers with a safe and convenient way to visit, buy a beverage and make a personal, human connection in a time of crisis.
2020 Monthly Same Shop Sales
__________________
(1.In February 2020, Dutch Bros experienced a favorable rollover event, driven by unseasonably mild winter weather rolling over severe winter storms in February 2019.
(2.Each month, we have a popular customer event called a “sticker day” where customers receive a Dutch Bros sticker when they order a beverage. During the month of December 2020, we had four sticker days, compared to one sticker day in December 2019.
Given Dutch Bros’ ability to thrive in challenging environments and our brand’s portability across a variety of markets, we continued to aggressively pursue our original new shop opening strategy in 2020 despite the COVID-19 pandemic and west coast wildfires, delivering a record 71 net-new openings.
The challenging events of 2020 also provided an opportunity to accelerate our evolving digital transformation and improve on our highly popular paper stamp card loyalty program. The digital initiatives that come with Dutch Rewards have created a more streamlined experience for our customers, including the ability to pay with the app, while dramatically enhancing our ability to capture consumer insights and behaviors. Given we have a significant portion of our total sales coming from Dutch Rewards members, digitizing the rewards experience offers broader insights we are just beginning to capture.
Growth Strategies and Outlook
With 471 total shops as of June 30, 2021, all located in states west of the Mississippi River, we believe ample opportunity exists for Dutch Bros to introduce the brand to millions of potential new customers in new markets as well as continue to expand convenience in existing markets. While our franchise partners continue to open new shops within their existing territories, most of our new shop growth is expected to be in the form of company-operated shops, given our infrastructure and people systems are well positioned to focus on the challenges of new market entry and provide the outstanding returns demonstrated by company-operated shops. Our market planning process identifies and prioritizes new shop opportunities in both new and existing markets. With the market plan established, our retail team builds an expansive and effective people pipeline in support of the plan’s growth
objectives. The success we are experiencing through the brand’s launch into multiple new states over the past few years, and specifically in 2021, gives us even greater optimism as we pursue our growth aspirations.
Dutch Bros is in the early stages of its growth story with tremendous potential. We intend to expand our business and positive community impact by executing the following growth strategies:
•Continue to Find and Develop Our People Who Are our Growth Capital - Dutch Bros has an uncompromising focus on building the brand in a consistent manner and that starts with our employees. We continuously invest in our team by identifying quality members of the Dutch Bros family who exemplify the Dutch Bros personality at every level, from broistas to operators to executive management. We have invested in an online learning management software, Dutch Bros University, to scale and preserve our core and stimulate progress of our systems, but that information truly comes to life through our employees who are dedicated to preserving our culture and living our mission. We aim to develop our employees with robust internal training and career advancement programs that continuously supply a deep bench of talented homegrown operators that strive for larger roles and embrace and maintain our distinct culture as we continue to grow.
•Open New Shops Wherever People Want Great Beverages - As of June 30, 2021, we had 471 shops across 11 states, 207 of which were company-operated and 264 of which were operated by our franchise partners. Based on our internal analysis and third-party research conducted by Quantitative Analysis, we believe there is long-term potential for at least 4,000 Dutch Bros locations in the United States. These new openings are expected to be in both existing markets where there is unfulfilled consumer demand and new markets waiting to experience Dutch Bros and primarily company-operated shops.
•Increase Brand Awareness and Encourage Deeper Customer Engagement - One of the strongest drivers of Dutch Bros brand awareness is word-of-mouth advocacy from our customers. Furthermore, our commitment to our people encourages them to become enthusiastic brand ambassadors and we believe that their visible love for the brand is infectious. In a 2020 survey, 77% of respondents in our existing markets were aware of Dutch Bros and our advertising costs represented only 4% of total revenues in 2020. We believe this is an opportunity to drive growth as customers in our existing and new markets continue to discover our brand.
•Invest in Digital and Technology to Improve the Customer Experience - At our core, we are in the people business and believe the purpose of technology should be to remove friction in our customer interactions, thereby providing opportunities to create deeper connections and a better service experience. In January 2021, Dutch Bros transitioned from a traditional rewards program to a digital rewards program. Under the new program, customers can order and pay for drinks and tip their broistas, which has created a more streamlined experience for our customers while dramatically enhancing our insight into customers’ recurring purchase behavior. We will continue to invest in digital and technology capabilities to improve the customer experience and better understand our customers’ needs through improved speed and efficiency, and menu innovation based on customer insights.
•Expand Margins Through Operating Leverage - Over the last several years, Dutch Bros has invested in corporate infrastructure to stay one step ahead of the growth trajectory we expect in shops and sales. We have flexibility around many of our input costs and we have developed a procurement system that allows for adaptability and scalability. The combination of our state-of-the-art coffee roasting facility in Grants Pass, Oregon and our strong relationships with several co-manufacturers provides us with the flexibility to increase our production capacity in a way that we believe is both scalable and highly cost-effective. We expect to add additional capacity to support our expansion and supply chain long-term by investing in a second centrally located roasting facility in the Midwest region of the United States. We anticipate leveraging our corporate costs over time to enhance our margins, as selling, general and administrative expenses grow at a slower rate than our shop base and revenue. By optimizing our
infrastructure and leveraging our scale efficiencies, we can further enhance our profitability as we grow our shop base.
Reorganization Transaction
In connection with the consummation of this offering, we will effect certain reorganizational transactions subsequent to which we will conduct our business through what is commonly referred to as an “UP-C” structure, which is often used by partnerships and limited liability companies when they decide to undertake an initial public offering.
Following the consummation of the Reorganization Transactions and the Offering Transactions (as more fully described under “Organizational Structure”), we will be a holding company. Our sole material asset will be our equity interest in Dutch Bros OpCo which, through its direct and indirect subsidiaries, conducts all of our operations. Because Dutch Bros Inc. will be the sole managing member of Dutch Bros OpCo, we will indirectly operate and control all of the business and affairs (and will consolidate the financial results) of Dutch Bros OpCo and its subsidiaries.
Prior to the consummation of the Reorganization Transactions, the capital structure of Dutch Bros OpCo consists of two classes of membership interests: Common Units and Profits Interest Units.
In connection with the completion of this offering, we will complete a series of reorganization transactions, including: (i) the amendment and restatement of the Second LLC Agreement, to, among other things, effect a recapitalization in which (x) the outstanding Common Units are converted into Class A common units paired with an equal number of either Class B voting units or Class C voting units, and (y) the outstanding Profits Interest Units are converted into Class A common units; (ii) the amendment and restatement of the Dutch Bros Inc. certificate of incorporation to, among other things, authorize four classes of common stock; (iii) Dutch Bros Inc.’s acquisition of Class A common units and Class C voting units held by the Blocker Companies pursuant to the Blocker Mergers; (iv) the Pre-IPO OpCo Unitholders’ contribution of Class A common units, Class B voting units and Class C voting units to Dutch Bros Inc. in exchange for Class A common stock, Class B common stock and Class C common stock; and (v) Dutch Bros Inc.’s designation as managing member of Dutch Bros OpCo. See the sections titled “Organizational Structure—Reorganization Transactions” and “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions” for additional information.
Prior to the completion of the Offering Transactions, Dutch Bros Inc. will enter into two Tax Receivable Agreements: (i) the Exchange Tax Receivable Agreement with the Continuing Members and (ii) the Reorganization Tax Receivable Agreement with the Pre-IPO Blocker Holders. These Tax Receivable Agreements will provide for the payment by Dutch Bros Inc. to such Continuing Members and Pre-IPO Blocker Holders of 85% of the benefits, if any, that Dutch Bros Inc. is deemed to realize (calculated using certain assumptions) as a result of certain tax attributes and benefits covered by the Tax Receivable Agreements. See the sections titled “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Organizational Structure,” “Organizational Structure,” and Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Agreements to be entered into in connection with this offering—Tax Receivable Agreements,” for additional information regarding the Tax Receivable Agreements.
After the completion of this offering and applications of the net proceeds therefrom, our Co-Founder and Sponsor will beneficially own approximately 96.6% of the combined voting power of our Class A common stock, Class B common stock, Class C common stock and Class D common stock (or approximately 96.2% if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock), with each share of Class A common stock entitling the holder to one vote, each share of Class B common stock entitling the holder to ten votes (for so long as the aggregate number of outstanding shares of our Class B common stock represents at least 5% of the aggregate number of our outstanding shares of common stock, and thereafter, one vote per share, provided that the number of votes per share may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as required to prevent the holders of Class B common stock from holding, in the aggregate, 80% or more of our aggregate voting power at any time) on all matters on which stockholders are entitled to vote generally, each share of Class C common stock entitling the holder to three votes (for so long as the aggregate number of outstanding shares of our Class C common stock and Class D common stock collectively
represent at least 5% of the aggregate number of our outstanding shares of common stock, and thereafter, one vote per share) on all matters on which stockholders are entitled to vote generally and each share of Class D common stock entitling the holder to three votes (for so long as the aggregate number of outstanding shares of our Class C common stock and Class D common stock collectively represent at least 5% of the aggregate number of our outstanding shares of common stock, and thereafter, one vote per share upon the automatic conversion of our Class D common stock into shares of Class A common stock) on all matters on which stockholders are entitled to vote generally. See “Description of Capital Stock—Common Stock.”
Key Performance Indicators and Non-GAAP Financial Measures
To evaluate our business effectively and make the best decisions for Dutch Bros’ future, we focus on a variety of key performance indicators and financial measures. These measures include systemwide shop sales as a measure of overall brand impact and momentum, company-operated shop revenue, new shop openings, AUVs, same shop sales growth, company-operated shop contribution, Adjusted EBITDA and growth in rewards members.
To supplement our consolidated financial statements, which are prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP we use certain non-GAAP financial measures, as described below, to understand and evaluate our core operating performance. These non-GAAP financial measures, which may be different than similarly titled measures used by other companies, are presented to enhance investors’ overall understanding of our financial performance and should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information about our financial performance, enhance the overall understanding of our past performance and future prospects and allow for greater transparency with respect to important measures used by our management for financial and operational decision making. We are presenting these non-GAAP financial measures to assist investors in seeing our financial performance using a management view and because we believe that these measures provide an additional tool for investors to use in comparing our core financial performance over multiple periods with other companies in our industry.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
Six Months Ended June 30,
|
|
2019
|
|
2020
|
|
2020
|
|
2021
|
|
($ in thousands)
|
Number of shops
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Company-operated
|
118
|
|
|
182
|
|
|
146
|
|
|
207
|
|
Franchised
|
252
|
|
|
259
|
|
|
255
|
|
|
264
|
|
Total net new shop openings
|
42
|
|
|
71
|
|
|
31
|
|
|
30
|
|
Average unit volume (AUV)(1)
|
$
|
1,635
|
|
|
$
|
1,679
|
|
|
$
|
1,643
|
|
|
$
|
1,766
|
|
Company-operated shops
|
$
|
1,460
|
|
|
$
|
1,524
|
|
|
$
|
1,451
|
|
|
$
|
1,654
|
|
Same shop sales growth(2)
|
2.0
|
%
|
|
2.0
|
%
|
|
0.5
|
%
|
|
8.2
|
%
|
Company-operated shops
|
2.3
|
%
|
|
0.8
|
%
|
|
(1.5
|
%)
|
|
9.6
|
%
|
Company-operated shop revenue(3)
|
$
|
151,543
|
|
|
$
|
244,514
|
|
|
$
|
109,072
|
|
|
$
|
180,887
|
|
Company-operated shop contribution(4)(5)
|
$
|
33,795
|
|
|
$
|
70,104
|
|
|
$
|
31,397
|
|
|
$
|
52,974
|
|
% of Company-operated shop revenue
|
22
|
%
|
|
29
|
%
|
|
29
|
%
|
|
29
|
%
|
Adjusted EBITDA(6)
|
$
|
48,715
|
|
|
$
|
69,764
|
|
|
$
|
35,525
|
|
|
$
|
45,827
|
|
% of revenue
|
20
|
%
|
|
21
|
%
|
|
24
|
%
|
|
20
|
%
|
Systemwide sales
|
$
|
556,642
|
|
|
$
|
687,238
|
|
|
$
|
329,732
|
|
|
$
|
413,250
|
|
__________________
(1)At Dutch Bros we track systemwide and company-operated shop AUVs. AUVs for any trailing twelve-month period consist of the net sales of systemwide and company-operated shops, respectively, for all shops that have been open for the entire 15-month measurement period. AUVs are calculated by dividing the total net sales by the total number of systemwide and company-operated shops, respectively, that were open for 15 months at the time of AUV calculation.
(2)Same shop sales growth reflects the change in year-over-year sales for the comparable shop base, which we define as shops open for 15 complete months or longer. For the years 2019 and 2020, we accounted for 77 and 89 shops in our company-operated comparable shop base, respectively, and 287 and 316 shops in our systemwide shop base, respectively. For the twelve months ended June 30,
2020, and June 30, 2021, there were 85 and 120 shops in our company-operated comparable shop base, respectively, and 316 and 355 shops in our systemwide shop base, respectively.
(3)Company-operated shop revenue represent the aggregate beverage sales in company-operated shops.
(4)Company-operated shop contribution, a non-GAAP financial measure, is defined as net sales less beverage, food and packaging costs, labor and other costs, including pre-opening costs.
(5)EBITDA, company-operated shop contribution and Adjusted EBITDA are included in this prospectus because they are key metrics used by management and our board of directors to assess our financial performance. EBITDA, company-operated shop contribution and Adjusted EBITDA are frequently used by analysts, investors and other interested parties to evaluate companies in our industry. EBITDA, company-operated shop contribution and Adjusted EBITDA are not GAAP measures of our financial performance and should not be considered as alternatives to net income as a measure of financial performance or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP. Company-operated shop contribution and Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items. These measures are also not intended to be measures of free cash flow for management’s discretionary use, as they do not reflect tax payments, debt service requirements and certain other cash costs that may recur in the future, including, among other things, cash requirements for working capital needs. Management compensates for these limitations by relying on our GAAP results in addition to using EBITDA, company-operated shop contribution and Adjusted EBITDA as supplemental measures. Our measures of EBITDA, company-operated shop contribution and Adjusted EBITDA are not necessarily comparable to similarly titled captions of other companies due to different methods of calculation. For a description of the items in Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income, see “Selected Historical and Pro Forma Consolidated Financial and Other Data—Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation.”
(6)Systemwide sales and systemwide same shop sales include company-operated shop revenue and sales at franchised shops during the comparable periods noted. As these metrics include sales reported to us by our non-consolidated franchise partners, these metrics should be considered as a supplement to, not a substitute for, our results as reported under GAAP.
New Shop Openings
New shop openings reflect the number of shops opened during a particular reporting period, prior to any closures. Before we open new shops, we incur pre-opening costs, as described below. In 2021, we anticipate opening approximately 90 shops for the system as a whole, of which approximately 80 shops we anticipate will be company-operated shops. The opening of new shops has been and is expected to continue to be the primary driver of revenue growth. The total number of new shops per year and the timing of shop openings has, and will continue to have, an impact on our results of operations. New shops typically experience robust sales in the early weeks, given a well-orchestrated protocol leading up to and including our grand opening celebration.
Our opening protocol for new shops includes a set of one-time marketing efforts (including active social media), hiring parties, friends and family night and promotional activities in the opening days of the launch to create an opportunity for that great first impression. New shops often experience a start-up period, including a series of one-time costs directly related to the opening, with considerable sales volumes during the introductory month, which then modestly stabilize to ongoing run rate levels. Accounting for initial opening expenses, our new shops typically achieve profitability in three to four months. We do not include shops in the comparable shop base until they have been open for 15 complete months or longer. We expect this trend will continue for the foreseeable future as we continue to open and expand into new markets. As a result of the pre-opening expenses, margins can be lower in the first three months and then also tend to normalize as well. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business—New shops, once opened, may not be profitable or may close, and the increases in average per shop revenue and comparable sales that we have experienced in the past may not be indicative of future results.”
Average Unit Volume (AUV)
At Dutch Bros we track systemwide and company-operated shop AUVs. AUVs for any twelve-month period consist of the net sales of systemwide and company-operated shops, respectively, for all shops that have been open for the entire 15-month measurement period. AUVs are calculated by dividing the total net sales by the total number of systemwide and company-operated shops, respectively, that were open for 15 months at the time of AUV calculation.
Same Shop Sales Growth
Same shop sales growth reflects the change in year-over-year sales for the comparable shop base, which we define as shops open for 15 complete months or longer. For the years 2018, 2019 and 2020, there were 71, 77, and 89 shops in our company-operated comparable shop base, respectively, and 266, 287 and 316 shops in our systemwide shop base, respectively. For the twelve months ended June 30, 2020, and June 30, 2021, there were 85
and 120 shops in our company-operated comparable shop base, respectively, and 316 and 355 shops in our systemwide shop base, respectively.
At Dutch Bros, we execute a comprehensive market-entry plan for new shop openings, planning our entry across several shops in sequence to optimize sales volumes across shops and ensure reliable and repeatable, high-quality customer service. We are thoughtful in not allowing individual shop volumes to rise too high in order to assure our key customer facing tenets, Speed, Quality and Service, are executed consistently. Therefore, we plan for and willingly accept a certain level of sales transfer from an existing shop in a market to subsequent shops as they open. Sales transfer between shops as we sequence through our market plan is a strategic and normal part of our market entry strategy as our focus is on delivering great customer service and growing sales and profits across an entire market as opposed to maximizing an individual shop. We believe this strategy alleviates operating pressure on the existing shops that may be running beyond capacity and experience in a given new market and allows each shop to settle then grow to its optimal potential and volume. We expect to continue this approach as we expand into new markets and infill existing markets.
Company-operated Shop Revenue
Company-operated shop revenue represents the aggregate beverage and food sales in company-operated shops. Company-operated shop revenue in any period is directly influenced by the number of open shops, the operating weeks in such period, and same shop sales.
Company-operated Shop Contribution
Company-operated shop contribution is defined as net sales less beverage, food and packaging costs, labor and other costs, including pre-opening costs. Company-operated shop contribution is an important measure in our evaluation of performance and profitability of each shop. We review this on both an individual and aggregate basis.
Adjusted EBITDA
We use Adjusted EBITDA as a supplemental performance measure. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income before depreciation and amortization, interest expense and provision for income taxes, adjusted for the impact of certain non-cash and other items that we do not consider in our evaluation of ongoing operating performance. These items include equity-based compensation expense, non-cash deferred rent charges as well as certain non-recurring charges. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA allows for a more consistent measurement of ongoing trends and performance in the business without the impact of one-time or other non-recurring items.
Adjusted EBITDA as presented in this prospectus is a supplemental measure of our performance that is neither required by, nor presented in accordance with, GAAP. In the future we may incur expenses or charges such as those added back to calculate Adjusted EBITDA. Our presentation of Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or nonrecurring items. For a description of the items in Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, to net income, see “Selected Historical and Pro Forma Consolidated Financial and Other Data—Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation.”
Systemwide Sales
Systemwide sales and systemwide same shop sales include company-operated shop revenue and sales at franchised shops during the comparable periods noted. As these metrics include sales reported to us by our non-consolidated franchise partners, these metrics should be considered as a supplement to, not a substitute for, our results as reported under GAAP.
Growth in Rewards Members
In January 2021, we launched Dutch Rewards, a digitally based rewards program, available exclusively through the Dutch Rewards app. While it is relatively early in the life of the program, we track performance in several ways, including, but not limited to our total number of members and their spend. As of June 30, 2021, we had approximately 2.3 million member activations of our Dutch Rewards app.
Components of Our Results of Operations
Revenue
We generate revenue through three activities—sales at company-operated shops, through our franchising partnerships and e-commerce sales through our website.
Company-operated Shops
Company-operated shop revenue represents the aggregate sales in company-operated shops. Company-operated shop revenue in any period is directly influenced by the number of days open in such a period, the number of open shops, and same shop sales.
Franchising and Other
We receive revenue in the form of royalties paid in conjunction with sales from our franchised shops, initial franchise development fees, marketing contributions, and the sale of certain products to our franchise partners, primarily our proprietary blend of coffee beans and our proprietary Dutch Bros. Blue Rebel energy drink. Other revenue consists of proceeds from the sale through our website of single-serve coffee pods, ground coffee, coffee beans, mugs, gift cards, and historically, apparel.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales includes costs associated with generating revenue within our company-operated shops, franchising operations, and e-commerce.
Beverage, Food and Packaging
Beverage, food and packaging costs include the direct costs associated with beverage, food and packaging of our menu items within our company-operated shops. The components of beverage, food and packaging costs are variable by nature, change with sales volume, impacted by menu mix, and subject to increases or decreases in commodity costs.
Labor Costs
Labor costs include company-operated shop-level hourly and management wages, bonuses, payroll taxes, workers' compensation expenses and medical benefits within our company-operated shops. As with other variable expense items, we expect labor costs to grow as our company-operated shop revenue grows. Factors that influence labor costs include minimum wage and payroll tax legislation, the costs of providing health care and the performance of our company-operated shops.
Occupancy and Other Costs
Occupancy costs consist of company-operated shop-level occupancy expenses (including rent, and certain local taxes), within our company-operated shops. Other costs consist of marketing expenses, utilities and other operating expenses incidental to operating our company-operating shops, such as non-perishable supplies, credit card fees, property insurance, and repairs and maintenance.
Pre-opening Costs
Included in the categories listed above we recognize pre-opening costs, which are costs incurred prior to the opening of new company-operated shops. We devote substantial resources to facilitating strong openings in our new company-operated shops. To support our high grand opening volumes, we send a team of highly skilled trainers (internally known as the “Masters of Broistas”) to operate and train the staff at a new shop for a period of 14 to 90 days, depending if the shop is the first shop in a new market. Pre-opening costs consist primarily of “Masters of Broistas” labor, travel, and lodging costs, legal fees, rent, managers' salaries, training costs, employee payroll and related expenses.
All such costs incurred prior to the opening of a company-operated shop are expensed in the period in which the expense was incurred. Pre-opening costs can fluctuate significantly from period to period, based on the number and timing of company-operated shop openings and the specific pre-opening costs incurred for each company-operated shop. Additionally, company-operated shop openings in new geographic market areas will initially experience higher pre-opening costs than our established geographic market areas, where we have greater economies of scale and incur lower travel and lodging costs for our “Masters of Broistas.”
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization consists of the depreciation of fixed assets, including buildings, capital lease assets, leasehold improvements and equipment. The Company’s definite-lived intangible assets consist of reacquired franchise rights recorded as part of the Company’s acquisitions of franchised shops and are amortized over the estimated remaining term of their initial franchise agreement. Depreciation and amortization is recorded in cost of sales while depreciation of certain corporate assets is included in selling, general and administrative expenses.
Franchising and Other
In order to maintain a high-quality product and a consistent customer experience across our system, we sell certain products and supplies to our franchise partners, primarily our proprietary blend of coffee beans and our proprietary Dutch Bros. Blue Rebel energy drink. Product cost from sales to franchises consist of the expenses associated with providing our franchise partners with these products and supplies. Additionally, we require our franchise partners to purchase other products and supplies from preferred vendors, and we may receive rebates on those sales. Those rebates are recorded within franchising and other revenue in our financial statements. We also record the costs to acquire, store, sell and ship products within our e-commerce channel within cost of sales.
Selling, General and Administrative
Selling, general and administrative expenses consist of certain shop-level administrative costs as well as costs associated with corporate and administrative functions that support shop development and operations. Equity-based compensation expense for certain executives is included within selling, general and administrative expenses. Certain depreciation of corporate assets is included in selling, general and administrative expenses.
Interest Expense, Net
Interest expense, net consists of interest on the 2018 Credit Agreement as well as the amortization of deferred financing costs incurred with the establishment of these facilities.
Other Income (Expense)
Other income (expense) consists of the gain and loss on the sale of assets and other miscellaneous income and expenses.
Results of Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
Six Months Ended June 30,
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Income Data:
|
2019
|
|
2020
|
|
2020
|
|
2021
|
|
|
($ in thousands)
|
|
Revenue
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Company-operated shops
|
$
|
151,543
|
|
|
$
|
244,514
|
|
|
$
|
109,072
|
|
|
$
|
180,887
|
|
|
Franchising and other
|
86,825
|
|
|
82,899
|
|
|
41,787
|
|
|
47,106
|
|
|
Total revenue
|
238,368
|
|
|
327,413
|
|
|
150,859
|
|
|
227,993
|
|
|
Costs and expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of sales
|
142,307
|
|
|
211,659
|
|
|
94,929
|
|
|
148,809
|
|
|
Selling, general and administrative
|
65,764
|
|
|
105,087
|
|
|
48,300
|
|
|
69,868
|
|
|
Total costs and expenses
|
208,071
|
|
|
316,746
|
|
|
143,229
|
|
|
218,677
|
|
|
Income from operations
|
30,297
|
|
|
10,667
|
|
|
7,630
|
|
|
9,316
|
|
|
Other income (expense)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense, net
|
(2,346)
|
|
|
(3,736)
|
|
|
(1,700)
|
|
|
(2,855)
|
|
|
Other income (expense)
|
524
|
|
|
(363)
|
|
|
(316)
|
|
|
(58)
|
|
|
Total other income (expense)
|
(1,822)
|
|
|
(4,099)
|
|
|
(2,016)
|
|
|
(2,913)
|
|
|
Income before income taxes
|
28,475
|
|
|
6,568
|
|
|
5,614
|
|
|
6,403
|
|
|
Income tax expense
|
89
|
|
|
843
|
|
|
338
|
|
|
564
|
|
|
Net income
|
$
|
28,386
|
|
|
$
|
5,725
|
|
|
$
|
5,276
|
|
|
$
|
5,839
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
Six Months Ended June 30,
|
Segment Financials:
|
2019
|
|
2020
|
|
2020
|
|
2021
|
|
($ in thousands)
|
|
($ in thousands)
|
Revenue:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Company-operated shops
|
$
|
151,543
|
|
|
$
|
244,514
|
|
|
$
|
109,072
|
|
|
$
|
180,887
|
|
Franchising and other
|
86,825
|
|
|
82,899
|
|
|
41,787
|
|
|
47,106
|
|
Total revenue
|
$
|
238,368
|
|
|
$
|
327,413
|
|
|
$
|
150,859
|
|
|
$
|
227,993
|
|
Cost of sales:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Company-operated shops
|
$
|
125,244
|
|
|
$
|
184,146
|
|
|
$
|
82,018
|
|
|
$
|
134,657
|
|
Franchising and other
|
17,063
|
|
|
27,513
|
|
|
12,911
|
|
|
14,152
|
|
Total cost of sales
|
$
|
142,307
|
|
|
$
|
211,659
|
|
|
$
|
94,929
|
|
|
$
|
148,809
|
|
Segment profit:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Company-operated shops
|
$
|
26,299
|
|
|
$
|
60,368
|
|
|
$
|
27,054
|
|
|
$
|
46,230
|
|
Franchising and other
|
69,762
|
|
|
55,386
|
|
|
28,876
|
|
|
32,954
|
|
Total gross profit
|
$
|
96,061
|
|
|
$
|
115,754
|
|
|
$
|
55,930
|
|
|
$
|
79,184
|
|
Selling, general and administrative
|
(65,764)
|
|
|
(105,087)
|
|
|
(48,300)
|
|
|
(69,868)
|
|
Interest expense, net
|
(2,346)
|
|
|
(3,736)
|
|
|
(1,700)
|
|
|
(2,855)
|
|
Other income (expense)
|
524
|
|
|
(363)
|
|
|
(316)
|
|
|
(58)
|
|
Income before income taxes
|
$
|
28,475
|
|
|
$
|
6,568
|
|
|
$
|
5,614
|
|
|
$
|
6,403
|
|
Depreciation and amortization:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Company-operated shops
|
$
|
7,496
|
|
|
$
|
9,737
|
|
|
$
|
4,343
|
|
|
$
|
6,744
|
|
Franchising and other
|
1,077
|
|
|
4,349
|
|
|
1,973
|
|
|
3,025
|
|
All other
|
1,097
|
|
|
1,451
|
|
|
773
|
|
|
1,262
|
|
Total depreciation and amortization
|
$
|
9,670
|
|
|
$
|
15,537
|
|
|
$
|
7,089
|
|
|
$
|
11,031
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
Six Months Ended June 30,
|
Company-operated Shop Results:
|
2019
|
|
%(1)
|
|
2020
|
|
%(1)
|
|
2020
|
|
%(1)
|
|
2021
|
|
%(1)
|
|
($ in thousands)
|
|
($ in thousands)
|
Company-operated shop revenue
|
$
|
151,543
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
244,514
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
109,072
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
180,887
|
|
|
|
Beverage, food and packaging
|
43,997
|
|
|
29.0
|
%
|
|
54,820
|
|
|
22.4
|
%
|
|
24,429
|
|
22.4
|
%
|
22.4
|
%
|
|
43,718
|
|
|
24.2
|
%
|
Labor costs
|
46,836
|
|
|
30.9
|
%
|
|
71,651
|
|
|
29.3
|
%
|
|
32,405
|
|
28.3
|
%
|
29.7
|
%
|
|
55,188
|
|
|
30.5
|
%
|
Occupancy and other costs
|
22,980
|
|
|
15.2
|
%
|
|
38,611
|
|
|
15.8
|
%
|
|
16,760
|
|
16.8
|
%
|
15.4
|
%
|
|
25,443
|
|
|
14.1
|
%
|
Pre-opening costs
|
3,935
|
|
|
2.6
|
%
|
|
9,328
|
|
|
3.8
|
%
|
|
4,081
|
|
3.7
|
%
|
3.7
|
%
|
|
3,564
|
|
|
2.0
|
%
|
Depreciation
|
7,496
|
|
|
4.9
|
%
|
|
9,737
|
|
|
4.0
|
%
|
|
4,343
|
|
4.0
|
%
|
4.0
|
%
|
|
6,744
|
|
|
3.7
|
%
|
Company-operated shop gross profit
|
$
|
26,299
|
|
|
17.4
|
%
|
|
$
|
60,368
|
|
|
24.7
|
%
|
|
$
|
27,054
|
|
24.8
|
%
|
24.8
|
%
|
|
$
|
46,230
|
|
|
25.6
|
%
|
Company-operated shop contribution (2)
|
$
|
33,795
|
|
|
22.3
|
%
|
|
$
|
70,104
|
|
|
28.7
|
%
|
|
$
|
31,397
|
|
|
28.8
|
%
|
|
$
|
52,974
|
|
|
29.3
|
%
|
__________________
(1)Expressed as a percentage of company-operated shop revenue.
(2)Represents company-operated shop gross profit plus depreciation.
Company-operated Shop Segment Performance
Company-operated Shop Revenue
For the year ended December 31, 2020, company-operated shop revenue grew 61% to $244.5 million, as compared to $151.5 million in 2019, a total growth of $93.0 million. Company-operated shops in the comparable shop base contributed $1.5 million to this increase (1% same shop sales), while new company-operated shops opened during 2019 and 2020 contributed $91.5 million to this increase. For purposes of calculating company-operated same shop revenue growth, company-operated shop revenue for 89 shops was included in the comparable shop base.
For the six months ended June 30, 2021, company-operated shop revenue grew 66% to $180.9 million, as compared to $109.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020, a total growth of $71.8 million. Company-operated shops in the comparable shop base contributed $8.7 million to this increase (9.6% same shop sales), while new company-operated shops opened during 2020 and 2021 contributed $63.1 million to this increase. For purposes of calculating company-operated same shop revenue growth, company-operated shop revenue for 120 shops was included in the comparable shop base.
In 2020 and beginning with the start of COVID-19 pandemic, we made the decision to transition the current rewards program away from a paper, stamp-based approach to a digital, mobile app-based rewards program. That new program, Dutch Rewards, launched in January 2021. Under the stamp card program, customers maintained a paper stamp card and for each beverage purchased received an ink stamp. After receiving ten stamps, which serves to complete the stamp card, customers can present a fully completed stamp card and receive a free beverage regardless of size or customization. In March 2020, we stopped accepting cash and stamping cards to limit the physical contact between customers and employees. This suspension significantly reduced our promotional costs during the final three quarters of 2020 from pre-COVID-19 levels above 16% of company-operated shop revenue in 2019 to just over 8% of company-operated shop revenue for the year ended December 31, 2020. As a result, our company-operated shop profitability significantly increased without any detectable reduction in traffic levels. This strategic shift generated 450 “basis points” of overall company-operated shop gross profit margin improvement in 2020 as compared to 2019. In each of the following discussions of line-item performance of our company-operated shops below, we will identify that impact and separate it from other factors impacting company-operated shop gross profit margin movements when comparing 2020 to 2019 results. Going forward, we expect the long-term discount rate to be no more than 10.5% of company-operated shop revenue, assuming that approximately 50% of total sales are generated from members of the Dutch Rewards program. A 10.5% overall discount rate would represent an approximate 40% long-term savings in promotional costs. We expect this savings to also increase our long-term royalty income, as franchise partners pay royalties based on sales after discounts.
The first half of 2021 includes significant investment in an incentive program designed to bring customers into our newly-launched digital Dutch Rewards program and to thank our loyal customers for their patience as we transitioned away from the paper loyalty stamp card. We expect this digital reward program to allow more efficient
and targeted investments in rewarding customers based on dollars spent at Dutch Bros rather than rewarding the number of beverages purchased under the previous stamp card program. In addition, we anticipate significantly better control over the awarding of complimentary beverages going forward with the digital rewards program versus the paper-based stamp card program. Additionally, our app-based rewards program includes features that we believe will improve our consumer insights as well as increase speed of service by allowing customers to pay directly from their mobile device through dollars loaded directly to their rewards account on the Dutch Rewards app.
Beverage, Food and Packaging Costs
For the year ended December 31, 2020, beverage, food and packaging costs grew 25% to $54.8 million, compared to $44.0 million in 2019. This growth in dollars was primarily driven by a 42% increase in store operating weeks due to the opening of new company-operated shops during both 2019 and 2020. However the total growth rate in beverage, food and packaging costs was partially offset by several factors, including procurement savings initiatives, additional supplier rebates generated by the attainment of volume thresholds and shifts in the mix of products sold. As a percentage of company-operated shop revenue, beverage, food and packaging costs decreased to 22.4% in 2020, compared to 29.0% in 2019 or a 660 “basis points” reduction. The reduction in discounts from the elimination of the paper stamp-card loyalty program accounted for approximately 260 “basis points” of this decrease. The remainder of the decrease was attributable to cost savings and supplier rebates (240 “basis points”) as well as recipe and product mix shifts (160 “basis points”).
For the six months ended June 30, 2021, beverage, food, and packaging costs grew 79% to $43.7 million, compared to $24.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020. This growth was primarily driven by a 44% increase in store operating weeks due to the opening of new company-operated shops during both 2020 and 2021 as well as the portion of comparable sales growth driven by factors other than changes in the discount rate (in this respect 10% for the six months ended June 30, 2021). The remainder of the increase was driven by ingredient cost increases as well as a shift in the mix of products sold. As a percentage of company-operated shop revenue, beverage, food and packaging costs increased to 24.2% in 2020, compared to 22.4% in 2019 or a 180 “basis points” increase. The increase in promotional discounts from the launch of Dutch Rewards in January 2021 contributed 40 “basis points” of this increase. The remainder of the increase was driven by ingredient cost increases as well as a shift in the mix of products sold for a total of 140 “basis points.”
Labor Costs
For the year ended December 31, 2020, labor costs grew 53% to $71.7 million, compared to $46.8 million in labor costs in 2019. This growth was primarily driven by a 42% increase in store operating weeks due to the opening of new company-operated shops during both 2019 and 2020. As a percentage of company-operated shop revenue, labor costs decreased to 29.3% in 2020, compared to 30.9% in 2019. The reduction in discounts from the elimination of the paper stamp-card loyalty program accounted for approximately 340 “basis points” of this decrease. The decision to support our employees with an additional $3.00 per hour in the form of “Thank You pay” as well as paid COVID-related leave resulted in a 200 “basis point” increase in labor costs as a percent of company-operated shop revenue.
For the six months ended June 30, 2021, labor costs grew 70% to $55.2 million, compared to $32.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020. This growth was primarily driven by a 44% increase in store operating weeks due to the opening of new company-operated shops during both 2020 and 2021. As a percentage of company-operated shop revenue, labor costs increased to 30.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2021, compared to 29.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2020 or a 80 “basis points” increase. The increase in promotional discounts from the launch of Dutch Rewards in January 2021 contributed 50 “basis points” of this increase. The remainder of the increase was attributable to increases in minimum wage in our West Coast shops, along with updated minimum staffing standards across all shops.
Occupancy and Other Costs
For the year ended December 31, 2020, occupancy and other costs grew 68% to $38.6 million, compared to $23.0 million in 2019. This growth was primarily driven by a 42% increase in store operating weeks due to the opening of new company-operated shops during both 2019 and 2020. The remainder of the increase was attributable
to increased credit card charges, costs of COVID-19 protocols and rent. As a percentage of company-operated shop revenue, occupancy and other costs increased to 15.8% in 2020, compared to 15.2% in 2019 or a 60 “basis points” increase. The percentage increase was driven by 20 “basis points” from higher rent as a percentage of sales due to higher rents on new shops and 220 “basis points” from increased credit card processing fees that were the result of a policy relating to our response to the COVID-19 pandemic to suspend acceptance of cash from March 2020 to March 2021. The reduction in discounts from the elimination of the paper stamp-card loyalty program accounted for an approximately 180 “basis points” decrease partially offsetting the increases noted.
For the six months ended June 30, 2021, occupancy and other costs grew 52% to $25.4 million, compared to $16.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020. This growth was primarily driven by a 44% increase in store operating weeks due to the opening of new company-operated shops during both 2020 and 2021. As a percentage of company-operated shop revenue, occupancy and other costs decreased to 14.1% for the six months ended June 30, 2021, compared to 15.4% for the six months ended June 30, 2020 or a 130 “basis points” decrease. The reinstitution of cash as a form of tender in March 2021 drove a 20 “basis points” improvement as a result of lower credit card fees and was directly offset by a 20 “basis points” increase in promotional discounts from the launch of Dutch Rewards in January 2021. The remaining margin improvement of 130 “basis points” was driven by sales leverage from comparable sales growth and higher average unit volumes of new units.
Pre-opening Costs
For the year ended December 31, 2020, pre-opening costs grew 137% to $9.3 million, compared to $3.9 million in 2019. This growth was primarily driven by the opening of 59 new company-operated shops during 2020 as opposed to the opening of 27 company-operated shops during 2019.
For the six months ended June 30, 2021, pre-opening costs decreased 13% to $3.6 million, compared to $4.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020. In the six months ended June 30, 2021, we opened 22 new shops, compared to 28 new shops in the six months ended June 30, 2020.
Depreciation
For the year ended December 31, 2020, depreciation grew 30% to $9.7 million, compared to $7.5 million in 2019. This growth was primarily driven by the opening of new company-operated shops during both 2019 and 2020. As a percentage of company-operated shop revenue, depreciation decreased to 4.0% in 2020, compared to 4.9% in 2019 or a 90 “basis points” reduction. The reduction in discounts from the elimination of the paper stamp-card loyalty program accounted for 40 “basis points” of this decrease.
For the six months ended June 30, 2021, depreciation costs grew 55% to $6.7 million, compared to $4.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020. This growth was primarily driven by the opening of new company-operated shops during both 2020 and 2021. As a percentage of company-operated shop revenue, depreciation decreased to 3.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2021, compared to 4.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2020 or a 30 “basis points” decrease. The remainder of the margin improvement was driven by sales leverage from comparable sales growth and higher average unit volumes of new units.
Company-operated Shop Contribution
For the year ended December 31, 2020, company-operated shop contribution grew 107% to $70.1 million, compared to $33.8 million in 2019. As a percentage of company-operated shop revenue, company-operated shop contribution increased to 28.7% in 2020, compared to 22.3% in 2019.
For the six months ended June 30, 2021, company-operated shop contribution grew 69% to $53.0 million, compared to $31.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020. As a percentage of company-operated shop revenue, company-operated shop contribution increased to 29.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2021, compared to 28.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2020.
Franchising and Other Segment Performance
During 2020 we incurred a series of one-time costs associated with the strategic decision to exit our internal merchandising business related to Dutch-branded goods. These costs include write-off and disposal of obsolete inventory and severance for staff dedicated to in-house support services related to this aspect of the business.
For the year ended December 31, 2020, franchising and other revenue decreased 5% or $3.9 million to $82.9 million in 2020 from $86.8 million in 2019. The decrease in revenue was a result of a decline in same shop sales related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the west coast wildfires ($5.2 million) and royalty abatement to assist franchisees through the early part of the pandemic ($1.4 million). There was a further decrease in revenues as a result of our strategic decision related to Dutch-branded goods ($1.4 million). This was only partially offset by increased revenues from more franchise store operating weeks as a result of shops opened in 2019 and 2020 ($4.1 million). Franchising and other gross profit decreased 21%, or $14.4 million, to $55.4 million from $69.8 million in 2019. The decrease in revenue noted above resulted in a reduction of $10.2 million in franchising and other gross profit. In addition to this, our strategic decision related to Dutch-branded goods resulted in a one-time reduction of $4.2 million in franchising and other gross profit.
For the six months ended June 30, 2021, franchising and other revenue increased 13%, or $5.3 million, to $47.1 million in 2021 from $41.8 million in 2020. The increase in revenue was a result of same shop sales growth ($3.3 million), additional store weeks from franchise shops opened in 2020 and 2021 ($1.4 million) and no royalty abatement in 2021 ($1.4 million). This was partially offset by reduced revenue in 2021 as a result of the strategic decision related to Dutch-branded goods in 2020. Franchising and other gross profit increased 14%, or $4.1 million, to $33.0 million from $28.9 million. The net increase in revenue noted above resulted in this increase in franchising and other gross profit.
Selling, General and Administrative
For the year ended December 31, 2020, selling, general and administrative expenses increased 60% to $105.1 million, compared to $65.8 million in 2019. As a percentage of revenue, selling, general and administrative increased to 32.1% in 2020, compared to 27.6% in 2019. We recognized equity-based compensation charges of $35.1 million in 2020 and $6.8 million in 2019. The remainder of the increase was primarily driven by increased above-shop headcount spending to support aggressive future growth.
For the six months ended June 30, 2021, selling, general and administrative expenses increased 44% to $69.9 million, compared to $48.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020. As a percentage of revenue, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to 30.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2021, compared to 32.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2020. We recognized equity-based compensation charges of $23.0 million in the six months ended June 30, 2021 and $13.6 million in the six months ended June 30, 2020. The remainder of the increase was primarily driven by increased above-shop headcount spending to support aggressive future growth.
Other Income (Expense)
Interest Expense, Net
Interest expense, net consists of interest on the Senior Secured Credit Facility and our Term Loan (as defined below) as well as the amortization of deferred financing costs incurred in connection with the Senior Secured Credit Facility.
For the year ended December 31, 2020, interest expense, net grew 59.2%, to $3.7 million, compared to $2.3 million in 2019. This increase was primarily driven by increased borrowings under our 2018 Credit Agreement and interest on capital leases.
For the six months ended June 30, 2021, interest expense, net grew 68%, to $2.9 million, compared to $1.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020. This increase was driven by increase in borrowing associated with refinancing of our Senior Secured Credit Facility and interest on capital leases.
Other Income (Expense)
Other income (expense) includes miscellaneous expenses.
For the year ended December 31, 2020, other income (expense) was $(0.4) million, compared to $0.5 million in 2019. This was primarily driven by the receipt of insurance proceeds received in 2019 for shops damaged due to wildfires, along with service fees paid to terminate vendor contracts early as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
For the six months ended June 30, 2021, other income (expense) was $(0.1) million, compared to $(0.3) million for the six months ended June 30, 2020.
Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense consists of U.S. federal and state income taxes. Dutch Bros OpCo is currently taxed as a partnership. See “—Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates.”
For the year ended December 31, 2020, income tax expense was $0.8 million, compared to $0.1 million in 2019. This increase was primarily driven by $0.6 million of Oregon Corporate Activity Tax which became effective for us beginning January 1, 2020.
For the six months ended June 30, 2021, income tax expense was $0.6 million. We did not recognize an income tax expense in the six months ended June 30, 2020.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Despite the global COVID-19 pandemic and the west coast wildfires, we continued to deliver increases in the number of company-operated shop openings, same shop sales growth and AUVs as well as company-operated shop contribution and Adjusted EBITDA. However, the restaurant industry continues to be challenged, and uncertainty exists as to the sustainability of these favorable trends. To date, the combination of strong cash flow from our franchising operations, strong margins with our company-operated shops and our use of build-to-suit lease arrangements have allowed us to finance the operations of our business with limited debt. We believe that cash provided by operating activities, cash on hand, and our Senior Secured Credit Facility (as further defined below) are adequate to fund our debt service requirements, operating lease obligations, capital expenditures and working capital obligations for the foreseeable future. However, our ability to continue to meet these requirements and obligations will depend on, among other things, our ability to achieve anticipated levels of revenue and cash flow from operations and our ability to manage costs and working capital successfully.
We desire to maintain a strong balance sheet to support our growth initiatives and increase same shop sales with financial flexibility; to provide the financial resources necessary to protect and enhance the competitiveness of our brand and guest experience at our shops; and to provide a prudent level of financial capacity to manage the risks and uncertainties of operating our business in the current volatile economic environment and through future economic and industry cycles. Our ongoing capital expenditures are principally related to opening new shops, capital investments in existing shops (both for remodels and maintenance) and investment in our corporate infrastructure.
In addition, following the consummation of this offering, we will be obligated to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements. Although the actual timing and amount of any payments that may be made under the Tax Receivable Agreements will vary, we expect that the payments that we will be required to make to the Continuing Members will be significant. Any payments made by us to Continuing Members and Pre-IPO Blocker Holders under the Tax Receivable Agreements will generally reduce the amount of overall cash flow that might have otherwise been available to us and, to the extent that we are unable to make payments under the Tax
Receivable Agreements for any reason, the unpaid amounts generally will be deferred and will accrue interest until paid by us.
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Year Ended December 31,
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Six Months Ended June 30,
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Summary of Cash Flows:
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2019
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2020
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2020
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2021
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($ in thousands)
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Net cash flows provided by operating activities
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$
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56,702
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$
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53,549
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$
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20,888
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$
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56,199
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Net cash flows used in investing activities
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(39,948)
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(45,570)
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(14,430)
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(36,386)
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Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
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(12,680)
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8,077
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|
|
10,006
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(31,876)
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Net increase (decrease) in cash
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4,074
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16,056
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16,464
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(12,063)
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Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
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11,510
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|
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15,584
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|
|
15,584
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31,640
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Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
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15,584
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31,640
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|
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32,048
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19,577
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Operating Activities
For the year ended December 31, 2020, net cash provided by operating activities was $53.5 million, compared to $56.7 million in 2019, a decrease of $3.2 million, primarily due to working capital increases, equity-based compensation increases, and income tax expense increases.
For the six months ended June 30, 2021, net cash provided by operating activities was $56.2 million, compared to $20.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020, an increase of $35.3 million, primarily due to the increase in company-operated shop gross margin and working capital increases related to growth in company-operated shop revenue and cash from deposits into the Dutch Rewards program.
Investing Activities
For the year ended December 31, 2020, net cash used in investing activities was $45.6 million, compared to $39.9 million in 2019, an increase of $5.7 million, primarily due to cash used for investment in capital expenditures as a result of new company-operated shop openings.
For the six months ended June 30, 2021, net cash used in investing activities was $36.4 million, compared to $14.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020, an increase of $22.0 million, primarily due to cash used for investment in capital expenditures as a result of new company-operated shop openings.
Financing Activities
For the year ended December 31, 2020, net cash provided by (used in) financing activities was $8.1 million, compared to $(12.7) million in 2019, an increase of $20.8 million, primarily resulting from net proceeds from borrowings under our Senior Secured Credit Facility, partially offset by distributions to members.
For the six months ended June 30, 2021, net cash used in financing activities was $31.9 million, compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $10.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020, a decrease of $41.9 million. This decrease was primarily due to the refinancing of our 2018 Credit Agreement with our Senior Secured Credit Facility and an associated dividend paid to members in 2021.
Senior Secured Credit Facilities
Banner Bank Credit Facility
On May 16, 2018, we entered into an amended credit agreement (“2018 Credit Agreement”) led by Banner Bank as administrative agent, consisting of a $40 million delayed draw term loan facility and a $30 million revolving credit facility. At closing of the 2018 Credit Agreement, we drew ten term loans in the aggregate amount of $26 million under the delayed draw term loan facility, with maturities ranging from four to ten years and fixed interest rates between 4.95% and 5.07%. The revolving loans had a floating interest rate, calculated as the prime rate less 0.50%. Our obligations under the 2018 Credit Agreement were guaranteed by our subsidiaries and secured by
substantially all of our and such subsidiary guarantors’ assets. The 2018 Credit Agreement contained financial covenants that required us to not exceed a maximum consolidated net leverage ratio and maintain a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio. The 2018 Credit Agreement also contained certain negative covenants that restricted our ability to, among other things, incur additional debt; grant liens on assets; sell or dispose of assets; merge with or acquire other companies, or make other investments; acquire new assets or make new investments; liquidate or dissolve ourselves; engage in businesses that are not in a related line of business; pay dividends or make other distributions.
As of December 31, 2020, we had $43.2 million aggregate principal balance under the 2018 Credit Agreement, consisting of $28.2 million of term loans and $15.0 million of revolving loans. On May 12, 2021, we terminated the 2018 Credit Agreement and repaid the loans thereunder in conjunction with the closing of our Senior Secured Credit Facility (as described below).
JP Morgan Credit Facility
On May 12, 2021, we entered into a credit agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent and other financial institutions as the lenders party thereto (the “Senior Secured Credit Facility”). The Senior Secured Credit Facility consists of a $200 million term loan credit facility, a $150 million revolving credit facility and an uncommitted incremental facility of up to $100 million. In conjunction with this financing, we paid a distribution to existing shareholders and refinanced our loans under the 2018 Credit Agreement. We are required to prepay $50 million of the outstanding term loan in connection with this offering.
Loans under the Senior Secured Credit Facility will mature and all amounts outstanding will be due and payable on May 12, 2026. The principal balance of the term loans amortizes each quarter at a rate between 2.5% and 12.5% per annum. Loans under the Senior Secured Credit Facility bear interest at a rate equal to either (a) the adjusted LIBOR rate plus an applicable spread ranging from 1.25% to 2.50% per annum based on our net lease-adjusted total leverage ratio or (b) an alternate base rate, plus an applicable spread ranging from 0.25% to 1.50% per annum based on our net lease-adjusted total leverage ratio. Our obligations under the Senior Secured Credit Facility are guaranteed by our subsidiaries and secured by substantially all of our and such subsidiary guarantors’ assets.
The Senior Secured Credit Facility contains financial covenants that require us to not exceed a maximum net lease-adjusted total leverage ratio and maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. The Senior Secured Credit Facility also contains certain negative covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability to: incur additional debt; grant liens on assets; sell or dispose of assets; merge with or acquire other companies, or make other investments; liquidate or dissolve ourselves; engage in businesses that are not in a related line of business; and pay dividends or make other distributions. As of the date of this prospectus, we were in material compliance with all covenants under the Senior Secured Credit Facility.
As of June 30, 2021, we have $198.8 million in aggregate outstanding principal balance under the Senior Secured Credit Facility and $25.0 million of outstanding revolving loans.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of June 30, 2021, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, except for operating leases entered into in the normal course of business.
Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates
Revenue Recognition
Rewards Program
In January 2021, Dutch Bros transitioned from a traditional rewards program to a digital rewards program. Under the previous program, a customer earned a “Stamp” for each purchase at a Dutch Bros coffee shop. After accumulating a certain number of Stamps, the customer earned a reward that can be redeemed for free product that, regardless of where the related Stamps were earned, will be honored at Company-operated shops and franchised shop locations. Dutch Bros deferred revenue associated with the estimated selling price of Stamps earned by
customers towards free product as each Stamp is earned, and a corresponding contract liability is established within rewards program liability on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The estimated selling price of each Stamp earned is based on the estimated value of the product for which the reward is expected to be redeemed, net of Stamps not expected to be redeemed, based on historical redemption patterns. Stamps did not expire. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic beginning in March 2020, Dutch Bros discontinued new Stamps. Dutch Bros continued to redeem previously earned Stamps through March 2021. In January 2021, Dutch Bros developed a new rewards program in which the customer earns rewards through use of the Dutch Rewards app that can be redeemed for free product. Dutch Bros defers revenue as rewards are earned under the new rewards program.
Loyalty and gift card program
Dutch Bros also operates a gift card program and maintains a gift card contract liability for gift cards sold, recognizing revenue from gift cards when a gift card is redeemed. Gift cards do not have an expiration date or a service fee causing a decrement to the customer balance. Based on historical redemptions rates, a portion of gift cards is not expected to be redeemed and will be recognized as breakage over time in proportion to gift card redemptions. The redemption rates are based on historical redemption patterns. Breakage recognized for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020 was $0.1 million and $0.2 million respectively.
Leases
We currently lease all company-operated shops. At the inception of each lease, Dutch Bros determines the appropriate classification for each lease as operating or capital. Dutch Bros has estimated that the lease term, including reasonably assured renewal periods, is typically 20 years.
Operating Leases
Operating leases typically contain escalating rentals over the lease term, as well as optional renewal periods. Rent expense for operating leases is recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term and begins when Dutch Bros has the right to use the property, which is typically before payments are due under the lease. The difference between rent expense and cash payment is recorded as deferred rent on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Pre-opening rent is included in selling, general and administrative expenses on the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Tenant incentives used to fund leasehold improvements are recorded in deferred rent and amortized as reductions to rent expense over the term of the lease.
Capital Leases
Property under capital leases is stated at the net present value of the related minimum lease payments at lease inception and amortized over the initial lease term.
Income Taxes
Dutch Bros, except for subsidiary DB Management Corporation, are limited liability companies and are treated as pass-through entities for federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, no recognition has been given to federal income taxes in the accompanying consolidated financial statements since each company’s income or loss is attributable to the members of Dutch Bros.
Dutch Bros files income tax returns in the U.S. federal and various state jurisdictions. Management believes that Dutch Bros does not have any entity level uncertain tax positions.
DB Management Corporation’s income taxes are accounted for using an asset and liability approach that requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities at the applicable enacted tax rates. Changes in income tax rates are accounted for through the provision for income taxes in the period such changes are enacted. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. DB Management Corporation evaluates the realizability of its deferred tax assets by assessing its valuation allowance and by adjusting the amount of such allowance, if necessary.
DB Management Corporation recognizes the tax benefit from uncertain tax positions only if it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on examination by the tax authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefit is measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Management does not believe DB Management Corporation has any entity level uncertain tax positions requiring accrual. DB Management Corporation recognizes interest related to unrecognized tax benefits and penalties in income tax expense.
In 2019, the State of Oregon enacted a Corporate Activity Tax (“CAT”) that is applicable to all business with annual Oregon gross revenues in excess of $1.0 million. The CAT is in addition to the state’s corporate income tax and imposes a 0.57% tax on certain Oregon gross receipts less a reduction for a portion of cost of sales or labor. The CAT legislation became effective September 29, 2019 and applies to calendar years beginning January 1, 2020.
Upon the closing of this offering, we will become subject to U.S. federal income taxes with respect to our allocable share of any U.S. taxable income of Dutch Bros OpCo and will be taxed at the prevailing U.S. corporate tax rates. We will be treated as a U.S. corporation and a regarded entity for U.S. federal, state and local income taxes. Accordingly, a provision will be recorded for the anticipated tax consequences of our reported results of operations for U.S. federal, state and foreign income taxes.
Equity-Based Compensation
Dutch Bros OpCo has granted time-vesting and performance-based Profits Interest Units in Dutch Bros OpCo to certain employees. The Profits Interest Units pay out upon the occurrence of a liquidation event or sale of Dutch Bros, and do not participate until a specified distribution threshold per unit is reached (“Distribution Threshold”). The Profits Interest Units require cash settlement and do not represent any kind of legal equity interest in the Company. Accordingly, the Profits Interest Units are accounted for as liability-classified awards and require initial and subsequent measurement at fair value. A liability for the Profits Interest Units is recorded at fair value at the end of each reporting period. The change in fair value from the prior period is recorded as current period equity-based compensation expense in selling, general and administrative expense on the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
The cost of the time-vesting Profits Interest Units is recognized as expense over the employee’s requisite service period, which coincides with the vesting period of the award. For performance-based Profits Interest Units, if and when the achievement of the predetermined performance criteria becomes probable, expense is recognized. Dutch Bros accounts for forfeitures as they occur.
JOBS Act Accounting Election
We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act, and may take advantage of certain exemptions from various public company reporting requirements for up to five years or until we are no longer an emerging growth company, whichever is earlier. The JOBS Act provides that an “emerging growth company” can delay adopting new or revised accounting standards until those standards apply to private companies. We have elected to use this extended transition period under the JOBS Act. Accordingly, our financial statements may not be comparable to the financial statements of public companies that comply with such new or revised accounting standards.
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Under standards established by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) a deficiency in internal control over financial reporting exists when the design or operation of a control does not allow management or personnel, in the normal course of performing their assigned functions, to prevent or detect misstatements on a timely basis. The PCAOB defines a material weakness as a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented, or detected and corrected, on a timely basis.
In connection with the audit of our consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020, our management and auditors determined that a material weakness existed in the internal control over financial reporting due to limited accounting department personnel capable of appropriately accounting for complex transactions undertaken by Dutch Bros. Additionally, there were insufficient controls over the review and approval of manual journal entries, including appropriate segregation of duties. A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim consolidated financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. We are in the process of implementing measures designed to improve our internal control over financial reporting to remediate this material weakness. While we continue to take remediation steps, including hiring additional personnel subsequent to December 31, 2020, we continued to have a limited number of personnel with the level of GAAP accounting knowledge, specifically related to complex accounting transactions, commensurate with our financial reporting requirements. As such, we continued to have a material weakness in our control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020. See “Risk Factors—General Risks—We have identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting. If we are unable to remedy our material weakness, or if we fail to establish and maintain effective internal controls, we may be unable to produce timely and accurate financial statements, and we may conclude that our internal control over financial reporting is not effective, which could adversely impact our investors’ confidence and our Class A common stock price.” We have identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting. If we are unable to remedy our material weakness, or if we fail to establish and maintain effective internal controls, we may be unable to produce timely and accurate financial statements, and we may conclude that our internal control over financial reporting is not effective, which could adversely impact our investors’ confidence and our Class A common stock price” for an additional description of the risks.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure of Market Risks
Commodity Risks
Our profitability is dependent on, among other things, our ability to anticipate and react to changes in the costs of key operating resources, including beverage, energy and other commodities. We have been able to partially offset cost increases resulting from several factors, including market conditions, shortages or interruptions in supply due to weather or other conditions beyond our control, governmental regulations and inflation, by increasing our menu prices, as well as making other operational adjustments that increase productivity. However, substantial increases in costs and expenses could impact our operating results to the extent that such increases cannot be offset by menu price increases.
Labor and Benefits Costs
At our company-operated shops, our starting wage has historically been the minimum wage in place for that particular state with broistas receiving tips from customers in addition to the wages. We do not, however, reduce the wages we pay to broistas to offset tips. We believe this combination of security and upside earning potential, in addition to our strong culture and focus on development, enables us to attract a higher caliber employee and this directly translates to better customer service.
We have experienced minimum wage increases in several states over the past two years, including: Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Idaho, Colorado, and Arizona. As we consider the potential for future federal and state or local minimum wage increases, our first step is to partially offset such increases with operational efficiencies and cost reduction measures in our supply chain and elsewhere before increasing our menu prices. In the future, we may or may not be able to offset with operational efficiencies or menu price increases. As of June 30, 2021, we employed approximately 7,350 hourly workers in our shops.
Interest Rate Risk
We have historically been exposed to interest rate risk through fluctuations in interest rates on our debt obligations. Our Senior Secured Credit Facility carries interest at a floating rate. We seek to manage exposure to adverse interest rate changes through our normal operating and financing activities. As of June 30, 2021, we had
$198.8 million in aggregate outstanding principal balance under the Senior Secured Credit facility and $25.0 million of revolving loans.
Impact of Inflation
The primary inflation factions affecting our operations are commodity and supplies, energy costs, and materials used in the construction of company-operated shops. Our leases require us to pay taxes, maintenance, repairs, insurance, and utilities, all of which are generally subject to inflationary increases. Finally, the cost of constructing our restaurants is subject to inflation, increasing the costs of labor and materials, and resulting in higher rent expense on new shops.
While we have been able to partially offset inflation and other changes in the costs of core operating resources by gradually increasing menu prices, coupled with more efficient purchasing practices, productivity improvements and greater economies of scale, there can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to do so in the future. From time to time, competitive conditions could limit our menu pricing flexibility. In addition, macroeconomic conditions could make additional menu price increases imprudent. There can be no assurance that future cost increases can be offset by increased menu prices or that increased menu prices will be fully absorbed by our guests without any resulting change to their visit frequencies or purchasing patterns. In addition, there can be no assurance that we will generate same shop sales growth in an amount sufficient to offset inflationary or other cost pressures.
Seasonality
Our business is subject to seasonal fluctuations in that our system sales are typically nominally higher during the summer months affecting the second and third quarters.
Select Supplementary Quarterly Data
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2019
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2020
|
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2021
|
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Q1
|
|
Q2
|
|
Q3
|
|
Q4
|
|
Q1
|
|
Q2
|
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Q3
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Q4
|
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Q1
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Q2
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($ in thousands)
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Company-Operated Shop Count
|
93
|
|
|
102
|
|
|
110
|
|
|
118
|
|
|
134
|
|
|
146
|
|
|
157
|
|
|
182
|
|
|
191
|
|
|
207
|
|
Total Shop Count
|
335
|
|
|
348
|
|
|
358
|
|
|
370
|
|
|
388
|
|
|
401
|
|
|
415
|
|
|
441
|
|
|
453
|
|
|
471
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Company-Operated Shop Revenue
|
$
|
30,305
|
|
|
$
|
39,481
|
|
|
$
|
42,019
|
|
|
$
|
39,739
|
|
|
$
|
45,025
|
|
|
$
|
64,047
|
|
|
$
|
66,695
|
|
|
$
|
68,747
|
|
|
$
|
77,917
|
|
|
$
|
102,970
|
|
Total Revenue
|
$
|
50,245
|
|
|
$
|
62,633
|
|
|
$
|
65,121
|
|
|
$
|
60,369
|
|
|
$
|
66,152
|
|
|
$
|
84,707
|
|
|
$
|
86,659
|
|
|
$
|
89,895
|
|
|
$
|
98,785
|
|
|
$
|
129,208
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Company-Operated Shop Contribution
|
$
|
7,383
|
|
|
$
|
10,855
|
|
|
$
|
9,952
|
|
|
$
|
5,605
|
|
|
$
|
9,932
|
|
|
$
|
21,467
|
|
|
$
|
21,885
|
|
|
$
|
16,821
|
|
|
$
|
20,465
|
|
|
$
|
32,508
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
$
|
13,494
|
|
|
$
|
14,624
|
|
|
$
|
9,906
|
|
|
$
|
10,692
|
|
|
$
|
13,187
|
|
|
$
|
22,338
|
|
|
$
|
21,191
|
|
|
$
|
13,049
|
|
|
$
|
17,823
|
|
|
$
|
28,004
|
|
Net Income
|
$
|
9,424
|
|
|
$
|
10,123
|
|
|
$
|
4,663
|
|
|
$
|
4,176
|
|
|
$
|
1,298
|
|
|
$
|
3,978
|
|
|
$
|
6,657
|
|
|
$
|
(6,208)
|
|
|
$
|
(5,606)
|
|
|
$
|
11,445
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
$
|
9,424
|
|
|
$
|
10,123
|
|
|
$
|
4,663
|
|
|
$
|
4,176
|
|
|
$
|
1,298
|
|
|
$
|
3,978
|
|
|
$
|
6,657
|
|
|
$
|
(6,208)
|
|
|
$
|
(5,606)
|
|
|
$
|
11,445
|
|
Depreciation expense
|
2,139
|
|
|
2,375
|
|
|
2,381
|
|
|
2,775
|
|
|
3,248
|
|
|
3,841
|
|
|
4,062
|
|
|
4,386
|
|
|
5,349
|
|
|
5,682
|
|
Interest expense, net
|
561
|
|
|
576
|
|
|
578
|
|
|
632
|
|
|
707
|
|
|
993
|
|
|
950
|
|
|
1,086
|
|
|
1,017
|
|
|
1,838
|
|
Provision for income taxes
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
89
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
338
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
505
|
|
|
43
|
|
|
521
|
|
EBITDA
|
$
|
12,124
|
|
|
$
|
13,074
|
|
|
$
|
7,621
|
|
|
$
|
7,672
|
|
|
$
|
5,253
|
|
|
$
|
9,150
|
|
|
$
|
11,670
|
|
|
$
|
(231)
|
|
|
$
|
803
|
|
|
$
|
19,486
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity based compensation (1)
|
$
|
554
|
|
|
$
|
1,338
|
|
|
$
|
2,059
|
|
|
$
|
2,807
|
|
|
$
|
5,829
|
|
|
$
|
7,728
|
|
|
$
|
9,815
|
|
|
$
|
11,715
|
|
|
$
|
14,649
|
|
|
$
|
8,332
|
|
COVID-19: "Thank you pay" and catastrophic leave (2)
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
3,019
|
|
|
218
|
|
|
1,701
|
|
|
2,371
|
|
|
185
|
|
COVID-19: Royalty abatement (3)
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,400
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
COVID-19: First responder donation (4)
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Dutch rewards transition (5)
|
816
|
|
|
212
|
|
|
225
|
|
|
213
|
|
|
2,101
|
|
|
(2,142)
|
|
|
(1,250)
|
|
|
(2,377)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Dutchwear merchandising adjustment (6)
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,183
|
|
|
739
|
|
|
2,241
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
$
|
13,494
|
|
|
$
|
14,624
|
|
|
$
|
9,906
|
|
|
$
|
10,692
|
|
|
$
|
13,187
|
|
|
$
|
22,338
|
|
|
$
|
21,191
|
|
|
$
|
13,049
|
|
|
$
|
17,823
|
|
|
$
|
28,004
|
|
__________________
(1)In 2019, 2020 and the six months ended June 30, 2021, we recognized non-cash expenses related to the grant and vesting of Profits Interest Units in Dutch Bros OpCo to certain employees. These awards are accounted for in accordance with guidance prescribed for accounting for share based compensation. See Note 12 to the audited financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.
(2)During 2020 and the six months ended June 30, 2021, we incurred costs related to two separate programs established to support employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. We implemented a $3 per hour wage supplement program for shop employees who continued to come into work while their state or county was under a stay at home order or similar lockdown requirement. This program lasted in various markets until April 2021 and cost $3.9 million in 2020 and $2.0 million through June 30, 2021. We established a catastrophic leave policy that provided paid leave to employees who were required to quarantine due to in-shop exposures and could not work their regular hours, which cost $1.0 million in 2020 and $0.6 million through June 30, 2021. All COVID-19-related protocols, including catastrophic leave, will remain in effect until the end of the COVID-19 pandemic as determined by the appropriate government agency.
(3)In April 2020, we permitted franchise partners to skip one month of royalty payments to support their cash flow needs. We discontinued this support one month later in May 2020.
(4)During 2020, we made a specific, one-time donation to the First Responders First organization to support the acquisition and distribution of personal protective equipment for first responders.
(5)We recorded an expense related to our transition from our paper-based stamp card loyalty program to our current app-based loyalty program.
(6)During 2020, we incurred a series of one-time costs associated with the strategic decision to exit our internal merchandising business related to Dutch-branded goods such as mugs and cups. These costs include write-off and disposal of obsolete inventory and severance for staff dedicated to in-house support services related to our Dutchwear business.
BUSINESS
Dutch Bros is a high growth operator and franchisor of drive-thru shops that focus on serving high QUALITY, hand-crafted beverages with unparalleled SPEED and superior SERVICE. Founded in 1992 by brothers Dane and Travis Boersma, Dutch Bros began with a double-head espresso machine and a pushcart in Grants Pass, Oregon. While espresso-based beverages are still at the core of what we do, Dutch Bros now offers a wide variety of unique, customizable cold and hot beverages that delight a broad array of customers. In 2020, approximately 82% of our beverages were served cold. We believe Dutch Bros is more than just the products we serve—we are dedicated to making a massive difference in the lives of our employees, customers and communities. This combination of hand-crafted and high-quality beverages, our unique drive-thru experience and our community-driven, people-first culture has allowed us to successfully open new shops and continue to share the “Dutch Luv.”
Today, we believe that Dutch Bros is one of the fastest-growing brands in the foodservice and restaurant industry in the United States by location count. In the past five and a half years, we have increased our shop count from 254 shops in seven states at the end of 2015 to 471 shops in 11 states as of June 30, 2021. As of June 30, 2021, 264 of our shops were franchised and 207 were company-operated. Company-operated shops generated a shop-level contribution margin, a non-GAAP financial measure, of 29% in 2020, prior to expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in highly attractive returns on our invested capital. While our current franchise partners continue to open new shops in their existing markets, the highly attractive financial returns generated by our new shops, coupled with our desire to ensure our people development and culture, have caused us to focus primarily on company-operated shops as we accelerate our new shop development.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and September 2020’s west coast wildfires, systemwide average unit volume (“AUV”) grew approximately 3% during 2020 to approximately $1.7 million. With an average check of approximately $7.50, we are busy from early morning through the end of the day to generate these AUVs. 2020 also represented our fourteenth consecutive year of positive same shop sales growth. In 2020, we generated $327.4 million of revenue, $5.7 million of net income, and $69.8 million of Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, resulting in an Adjusted EBITDA margin, a non-GAAP financial measure, of 21.3%. In the twelve months ended June 30, 2021, we generated $404.5 million of revenue, $6.3 million of net income, and $80.1 million of Adjusted EBITDA, resulting in an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 19.8%. Our Adjusted EBITDA grew from $39.6 million in 2018 to $80.1 million in the twelve months ended June 30, 2021.
The Dutch Bros Experience
Dutch Bros is entirely focused on delivering on its core values of quality, speed and service in every interaction we have. Every visit to Dutch Bros should feel like a celebration. Broistas are genuinely excited to serve our customers and interested in how they can make their day better. Runners greet customers before they get to the drive-thru window to personalize every order and, when needed, explain our menu. They use tablets to take orders, allowing broistas to sequence the crafting of beverages and manage car throughput in the drive-thru lane, ensuring that quality, speed and service remain consistent throughout the day. Broistas serve our beverages with a smile, an encouraging word or a high-five.
Our Broistas
We believe people are the key to our success, and broistas are the face of Dutch Bros. At Dutch Bros, we embrace a customer-first attitude and use every interaction during the drive-thru experience to connect with our customers. We are committed to attracting and retaining broistas who are passionate about delivering an awesome customer experience each and every day. That begins by hiring the right people. These people are then trained and provided support to enable them to remember our regular customers by name, recall their usual order, have treats ready for four-legged members of the family and know when to offer a complimentary drink to someone having a tough day. There is a hint of magic in the details of the Dutch Bros experience that has built our strong base of recurring, loyal customers and contributed to our sustained growth.
Our Menu
Dutch Bros honors and improves upon the “classics” while sitting on the cutting edge of flavor innovation. Our hand-crafted beverage-focused lineup features hot and cold espresso-based beverages, cold brew coffee products, our proprietary Dutch Bros. Blue Rebel energy drinks, tea, lemonade, smoothies and other beverages curated from the Dutch Bros “secret menu.” Dutch Bros. Blue Rebel can only be found at Dutch Bros shops. This popular afternoon pick-me-up serves as the base of many of our customized beverages and is the main driver of our afternoon daypart. The diversity of the menu is further expanded through customizations like adding “soft-top,” a sweet, creamy whipped topping, to almost any order. Our Private Reserve coffee is a 100% Arabica three bean blend sourced through our in-house coffee roasting facility and extracted using the finest La Marzocco machines to deliver shots of smooth, full-bodied espresso. You would be hard pressed to find the breadth of our unique and highly customized beverages at any other retailer, and we believe the variety, innovation and customization of our menu drives broad demographic appeal and balance throughout the day and across all geographies.
Our Shops
Our business model is built around highly efficient drive-thrus, which place a premium on customer convenience without sacrificing the personal experience. Our new shops are typically 865 to 950 square feet, and we target lots that are at least 25,000 square feet to handle substantial car volume throughout the day. All our shops deploy either a single or double drive-thru window with multiple feeder lanes for traffic flow. Most of shops also have walk-up ordering windows, party patios and escape lanes to prevent unnecessary congestion. Our shops generated best-in-class economics with 2020 systemwide AUVs of approximately $1.7 million and strong company-operated shop-level contribution margin of approximately 29%, prior to expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic, creating impressive returns on invested capital. As of December 31, 2020, 99% of our mature company-operated shops generated positive shop-level contribution, and 91% of shops open more than 15 months generated shop-level contribution margin above 20%.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Iced Tiger’s Blood Lemonade
|
Birthday Cake Frost
|
Blended Aftershock Rebel
|
Golden Eagle Freeze
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hot Annihilator
|
Iced Caramelizer
|
Iced Electric Berry Rebel
|
Our Long-Term Franchise Partners
Historically, Dutch Bros used a franchising strategy alongside company-operated shop development to drive growth in select markets. Over time, as we decided to grow more from within, we only offered franchise partnership opportunities to the highest-quality employees within our network. In 2008, we stopped selling franchises to people that did not come from within our system. In 2017, we decided to stop franchising altogether and moved to a company-operated strategy with all operators recruited from within our system. While we maintain great relationships with our existing franchise partners and they continue to open new shops as they look to infill their high-demand markets, the majority of our growth is expected to continue to come from company-operated shops.
Our Commitment to Our Communities
Since our inception, we have been dedicated to giving back to the communities in which we serve, and we consider our brand to be a powerful platform for social impact. Today, we host three company-wide givebacks each year (“Dutch Luv,” “Drink One for Dane” and “Buck for Kids”) and our operators and franchise partners are empowered to create their own local, shop-specific giveback programs to build relationships within their communities. In 2020, Dutch Bros donated approximately $5.2 million across multiple causes, including $2.0 million to benefit COVID-19 first responders. A culture of philanthropy and giving back to build better communities permeates the entire Dutch Bros organization, energizing both our broistas and customers alike.
Our Growth
Despite being an established, time-tested brand, Dutch Bros is still in the early stages of rapid growth as we strategically expand our footprint in existing markets and enter new markets. We plan all our new shop growth around existing, high-performing Dutch Bros broistas ready to assume leadership roles and eventually become shop managers and then operators. We believe this ensures a consistent experience and extends our culture in all our shops and markets. In the first half of 2021, we successfully entered Texas and Oklahoma by promoting leaders from within and achieved record-breaking sales in these new markets. While it is still early, these shops, nearly 2,000 miles from our company headquarters in Oregon, have thus far demonstrated average shop sales above our systemwide sales. The professional development of our broistas helps drive our success and our compelling retention rates—82% of our shop managers have been with us for more than a year.
Over the last several years, we executed critical, infrastructure-building corporate investments to position us for future growth, investing more than $29 million since 2015 in various initiatives, including: our loyalty app, ERP and HRIS tools, an enterprise-based point of sale tool for all shops in the system, expansion of capacity in our Grants Pass, Oregon roasting facility and the addition of industry experts to our leadership team. We made these foundational investments in our organizational infrastructure and employees to support future new shop growth.
Our brand experience and deliberate approach to advancement from within has enabled strong and consistent growth and financial performance:
•Systemwide shops grew from 328 in seven states at the end of 2018 to 441 in nine states as of the end of 2020. This represents a 16% compound annual growth rate (“CAGR”);
•Company-operated shops grew from 37 at the beginning of 2018 to 182 as of December 31, 2020;
•Revenue grew from $186.0 million in 2018 to $327.4 million in 2020, representing a CAGR of 33%;
•Adjusted EBITDA grew from $39.6 million in 2018 to $69.8 million in 2020;
•Net income decreased from $21.2 million in 2018 to $5.7 million in 2020 as a result of the recognition of $35.1 million in non-cash equity-related expenses that were first expensed beginning in the fiscal year 2019. Going forward, we anticipate ongoing non-cash equity-related expenses from time-based vesting of Profits Interest Units outstanding prior to this offering. Previous expense recognition includes only this time-based vesting component of Profits Interest Units. The time-based vesting condition is typically over a five-year service period, subject to acceleration at the discretion of the
Compensation Committee. Substantially all of the Profits Interest Units that we have issued to date vest upon the satisfaction of time-based and performance-based vesting conditions. For the performance-based vesting condition of Profits Interest Units outstanding prior to this offering, when the achievement of the predetermined performance criteria becomes probable, expense for that vesting will be fully recognized. The performance-based vesting condition is satisfied on the earlier of: (1) a change in control or (2) the effective date of the registration statement for our initial public offering. Non-cash equity-based compensation expense is recognized only for those Profits Interest Units that are expected to meet the time-based and performance-based vesting conditions. As of June 30, 2021, achievement of the performance-based vesting condition was not probable because the conditions noted above had not yet been satisfied; and
•Following this offering the performance-based vesting condition for Profits Interest Units will become probable. Therefore in the third quarter of 2021 we expect to recognize approximately $65.2 million of additional non-cash equity-related expenses, the vast majority of which relate to performance-based vesting (assuming a price per share equal to $19.00, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover of this prospectus). Time-based vesting of Profits Interest Units will continue to be ratably recognized each quarter through the final vesting period of the grants. The remaining time-based vesting expense to be recognized will be approximately $66.0 million (assuming a price per share equal to $19.00, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover of this prospectus).
COVID-19, WEST COAST WILDFIRES AND THE EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE OF OUR PEOPLE IN 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic made 2020 a challenging year for businesses, particularly in the foodservice and restaurant industries. Dutch Bros leadership once again leaned into our mission to make a massive difference and took immediate action to protect the health and safety of our employees and customers. That action included implementing all operating protocols dictated by state and local guidelines and instituting strict health and safety practices. In keeping with our people-first culture, we supported our employees by offering an additional $3 per hour in the form of “Thank You pay,” as well as paid COVID-related leave. We also supported the communities we serve by donating $2 million to first responders working to keep everyone safe through the pandemic.
Dutch Bros faced additional challenges in 2020 when wildfires swept through Oregon and nearby states, burning communities, impacting air quality and forcing shops to reduce staff or, in some instances, temporarily close. While it was a challenging environment, our drive-thru operating model proved highly resilient by providing our customers with a safe and convenient way to visit, buy a beverage and make a personal, human connection in a time of crisis. Despite the turmoil in 2020, we were able to post strong revenue growth of 37% in 2020, reflecting
both positive same shop sales of 2% and 113 net new shop openings over the past from the beginning of 2019 through 2020.
2020 Monthly Same Shop Sales
__________________
(1.In February 2020, Dutch Bros experienced a favorable rollover event, driven by unseasonably mild winter weather rolling over severe winter storms in February 2019.
(2.Each month, we have a popular customer event called a “sticker day” where customers receive a Dutch Bros sticker when they order a beverage. During the month of December 2020, we had four sticker days, compared to one sticker day in December 2019.
The challenging events of 2020 also provided an opportunity to accelerate our evolving digital transformation and improve on our highly popular paper stamp card loyalty program. The digital initiatives that come with Dutch Rewards have created a more streamlined experience for our customers while dramatically enhancing our insights into customers’ recurring purchase behavior.
OUR OPPORTUNITIES TO TAKE MARKET SHARE
Through a broad and customizable product offering, Dutch Bros provides customers with a wide variety of hot and cold beverages throughout the day. As a result, we believe we can capture share of any experience where customers seek to consume great beverages on the go. We see a market share opportunity within the approximately $36 billion coffee category, the approximately $36 billion convenience store business and the broader approximately $239 billion quick service restaurant (“QSR”) category where beverages are sold. Customers are increasingly seeking new and differentiated beverages and the ability to customize these beverages with a multitude of flavor options. Customers look to Dutch Bros for the convenience of a drive-thru and the personal interaction they know they will get with a broista. We believe there are very few competitors of scale that sit at the intersection of quality and convenience and none that deliver the extraordinary Dutch Bros experience.
OUR COMPETITIVE STRENGTHS
We believe the following competitive strengths have been the key drivers of the success we have achieved over the past few decades and place Dutch Bros in a position of strength to grow in the future:
A Powerful, Authentic Brand that Shares the “Luv”
Since its founding, Dutch Bros has served millions of customers whose circumstances are often different but who share a common desire to connect. Whether in the form of a hand-crafted beverage customized just for you, a conversation or a community giveback, the Dutch Bros brand delivers.
•Fun-Loving. Culture is everything at Dutch Bros and every visit should be a celebration. Our broistas work hard and care deeply, creating a culture of fun and positivity for our customers and communities. We believe customers choose to make Dutch Bros part of their lives because of the hand-crafted drinks and the joy we bring to their everyday routines.
•Mind Blowing. Dutch Bros makes every visit an extraordinary experience. Customers are drawn to our unique mission-driven brand, products, customer service and people-first culture. Every experience is tailored for the customer, resulting in enthusiastic brand ambassadors. Those ambassadors generate strong word-of-mouth and a dedicated following on social media that extend our brand awareness beyond our geographic footprint.
•Making a Massive Difference. Dutch Bros was built on the dream of making a massive difference. We realize that dream through our philanthropy and commitment to our communities. Dutch Bros has created a powerful platform for social impact, hosting three annual company-wide anchor events, as well as local givebacks. Company leadership, franchise partners and local operators are dedicated to building deeper connections within the communities we serve.
•One Cup at a Time. Dutch Bros offers up a wide-ranging product portfolio, hand-crafted and customized for every customer. We serve espresso-based coffee, cold brew, our proprietary Dutch
Bros. Blue Rebel energy drink, smoothies, teas and lemonades in a variety of flavors, temperatures and blends. Every drink is made with quality products and created with the customer in mind.
We have built a disciplined brand strategy centered on people. We strive to inspire our employees, amplify our social impact, deliver convenience and friendly service through our shops and stay connected through our digital initiatives.
Strong People Systems that Drive Company Culture and Fuel Our Shop Growth
At Dutch Bros, we sell hand-crafted beverages, but our success is driven by our understanding that this is a relationship business. One of the most important relationships we have is with our employees. The strength of this relationship is demonstrated by outstanding retention where, as of June 30, 2021, 40% of our company-operated shop employees have been with Dutch Bros for more than a year, and 100% of shop managers for the 179 new systemwide shops opened since January 1, 2018 were existing broistas promoted from within. Our unwavering commitment to employees is exhibited through a focus on hiring the right people, leadership training, ongoing mentorship and the opportunity for longer-term careers with real prospects for advancement. Our employees are proud to be part of the Dutch Bros community and look forward to coming to work every day. We plan for all shops in new communities to be led by existing employees stepping up into leadership roles, making them critical to our future success.
We promote from within through the Dutch Bros Leadership Pathway program, which provides a clear path from broista to manager to operator. Operators have consistently lived and demonstrated our core values for years while proving they have a heart for leadership and mentorship, making them best positioned to operate new shops. As of the fourth quarter of 2020, we had over 200 qualified operators in our people pipeline with an average tenure of 6.5 years. Our fluid promotion pipeline draws from both our company and franchise partners’ employees. We provide an opportunity for qualified candidates to succeed by allowing franchise employees to grow through new company-operated shops alongside our company employees. Approximately 65% of our qualified candidates for promotion came from our franchise partners as of the fourth quarter of 2020.
Our Highly Engaged Customer Following
We believe our vibrant culture, the personal connections created by our broistas and an extensive menu help make Dutch Bros a frequent experience for our customers, many of whom visit multiple times a day. We have proven our ability to succeed in a variety of markets and geographies, throughout the dayparts and to a wide demographic as shown in our diverse product and daypart mix below.
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(1.For the year ended December 31, 2020.
At Dutch Bros, we are always looking for ways to enhance engagement with our customers. In early 2021, we launched Dutch Rewards through our new mobile app. Unlike our legacy paper stamp card rewards program, Dutch Rewards provides customers the ability to earn points based on what they spend, rather than the number of visits. Dutch Rewards is designed to increase throughput while streamlining the process for customers and helping broistas focus more on creating connections. Our app lives up to our core value of speed—one scan of the app is all the customer needs to do to complete their transaction. Meanwhile, broistas have all the information they need to help blow the customer's mind. In the first five months of the app’s launch, approximately 2.3 million Dutch Rewards members activated accounts.
Customizable and Uniquely Curated Beverages With a Singular Focus on Drive-Thru Convenience
With nearly three decades focusing solely on beverages and drive-thrus, we believe Dutch Bros is the experiential leader in drive-thrus. We are capable of handling tremendous sales volumes throughout the day by getting customers through the line quickly and efficiently while maintaining a personal connection. Since our founding, we have focused on delivering three things:
•Quality in Everything We Do
Our menu is focused on quality and variety. We serve espresso-based coffee, cold brew, our proprietary Dutch Bros. Blue Rebel energy drinks, smoothies, teas and lemonades. We then offer customizable flavors, temperatures and blends that can be combined in a seemingly infinite number of ways. You tell us how you want your drink, not the other way around. We also offer a “secret menu” of unique beverages that give customers the chance to try something new. We ensure the quality of our coffee by roasting our private reserve coffee blend in-house at our own roasting facility.
•Speed is Critical
Convenience is key to making our brand highly accessible and we have always believed in the unique customer value proposition of our drive-thrus. This highly efficient, beverage-focused operating model provides a consistently rapid, on-the-go experience with enhanced personalization. We also invest in our digital capabilities to consistently offer best in class speed and customer convenience. Our reliability allows customers to make Dutch Bros a part of their everyday routines and drives brand loyalty.
•Service that is Genuinely Dutch Bros
Our broistas make each trip to Dutch Bros an incredible experience and add a personal touch to every visit. Whether they're taking orders in the line or handing drinks out the window, broistas are focused on two things—connecting with each customer and serving up a perfectly hand-crafted drink. Our drive-thru focus and line-busting models support that and are unique differentiators in the industry.
Highly Consistent and Highly Attractive Unit Economics
Our drive-thru model, dedicated to beverages, generates substantial throughput evidenced by outstanding sales volumes, consistent and strong shop-level contribution margin and high return on investment. In 2020, despite the challenges of COVID-19 and wildfires, our AUVs were approximately $1.7 million, which we believe is one of the highest for a beverage-focused concept, with an average check of approximately $7.50. The optimized new shop prototype we have built over the past several years is specifically designed to capture demand during peak hours, generating approximately 40% higher sales volumes than many of our older legacy locations. Our efficient shop prototype is approximately 865 to 950 square feet and we target at least 25,000 square foot lots to accommodate our robust drive-thru operations. The small building footprint provides increased flexibility in lot selection as we continue to seek the best locations in existing and new markets.
This flexible and capital-efficient real estate model targets total project costs per shop of approximately $1.35 million. Our focus is always on securing the best site, and depending on the lease type available, our typical cash investment ranges from a $0.5 million contribution in build-to-suit arrangements to a commitment of the entire
project costs in the case of a ground lease. As illustrated in the table below, we target AUVs of $1.7 million and year-2 shop-level contribution margin of approximately 30%, which realize a year-2 cash-on-cash return of 35% to 75% depending on the lease arrangement noted above. The strength of these returns is one aspect of our strategic decision to focus more on company-operated shop growth going forward.
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Ground Lease
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Built-to-Suit
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($ in thousands)
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Year 2 Net Sales AUV
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$1,700
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Shop-Level Contribution Margin(1)
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32%
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28%
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Shop-Level Contribution
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$545
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$475
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Investment
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$1,350
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$500
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Pre-Opening
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$135
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Total Cash Outlay
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$1,485
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$635
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Year 2 Cash on Cash Return
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35%
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75%
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(1)Reflects cash basis rent, and excludes any capital lease accounting adjustments.
Portable Model That Has Succeeded Across Geographies
While Dutch Bros may have started in a small town in Oregon, the brand and business model have demonstrated national portability, generating strong and consistent performance in a wide variety of markets. Dutch Bros has proven successful across 11 states as of June 30, 2021, with diverse demographics and geographies including Oregon, Washington, Idaho, California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma. We have continued to enhance and refine our drive-thru model and market development strategies, and the volumes we are achieving in our newest markets are at or above the volumes of our legacy markets. While it is still early, our first shops opened in Texas and Oklahoma in the first half of 2021, nearly 2,000 miles from our company headquarters in Oregon, have thus far demonstrated average sales above those systemwide.
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2020 SYSTEMWIDE AUVs BY STATE
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NEW COMPANY SHOP UPDATE, 2021 TRENDS
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($ in millions)
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($ in millions)
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(1.Shops in Oregon are approximately 500 square feet, compared to a system average (excluding Oregon) of 650 square feet. Dutch Bros has also created and optimized a larger footprint store (865-950 square feet) to support higher throughput.
(2.Represents company-operated shops opened in 2020 and 2021. Calculation annualizes 2021 average weekly sales through June 30 and excludes each shop’s first four weeks. Assumes a uniform 10% discount rate to calculate net sales.
Engaged Co-Founder and Experienced Leadership Team
Our relentless commitment to excellence and family-oriented culture are driven by our passionate management team under the leadership of Co-Founder and Executive Chairman Travis “Trav” Boersma. Trav and his brother co-founded Dutch Bros with the goal of making a massive difference in the lives of employees and customers, alongside an uncompromising focus on quality and transcendent service, all while having fun. Trav is
focused on ensuring the culture of Dutch Bros is maintained and enhanced as we grow, and he has surrounded himself with leaders with direct experience in beverage and retail. Joth Ricci, our President and Chief Executive Officer, has been with Dutch Bros for more than two years and has 21 years of coffee retail and beverage industry experience and 30 years of consumer products industry experience. Charles Jemley, our Chief Financial Officer, has been with Dutch Bros since January 2020 and has almost three decades of prior industry experience at Starbucks and Yum! Brands. Other members of our executive leadership team have been with Dutch Bros for over 12 years on average, bringing high growth, franchise and sector expertise.
The strength of our management team and the corporate culture they foster can be seen through our accolades: we have been ranked the #1 employer in The Oregonian’s top workplaces three years in a row. We believe our leadership team’s dynamic energy and family spirit has created a unique and supportive culture through which we can fulfill our mission to make a massive difference one cup at a time. The strength of our team extends well beyond our executives. We strive to ensure continuity in the execution of our strategy by training a pipeline of future leaders who are familiar with our mission and community focused culture and values.
OUR GROWTH STRATEGIES TO SHARE THE “DUTCH LUV”
Dutch Bros is in the very early stages of its growth story with tremendous potential. We intend to expand our business and positive community impact by executing the following growth strategies:
Continue to Attract and Develop Great People, Who Are Our Growth Capital
Dutch Bros has an uncompromising and consistent focus on building our brand, which we believe starts with our employees. We continuously invest in our team, by identifying quality members of the Dutch Bros family who exemplify the Dutch Bros personality at every level, from broistas to operators to executive management. We have invested in an online learning management software, Dutch Bros University, to preserve our core values and create and share best practices as we scale. We believe our training comes to life when our employees are empowered to demonstrate and cultivate our culture and live our mission, every day. We aim to develop our employees with robust internal training and career advancement programs that supply Dutch Bros with a deep bench of talented operator candidates, striving for larger roles and embracing and maintaining our distinct culture as we grow.
In both new and existing markets, we reinforce our culture by promoting only veteran Dutch Bros broistas to lead every new shop. They are passionate about the culture, know how to successfully deliver the Dutch Bros experience and have real pride in their own career development. Our people systems are designed to maintain the Dutch Bros culture as we scale, enabling us to continue making a positive impact in new communities and continue providing career development opportunities for employees. We believe our talented employees are the “pace car” for our new shop growth and sustained success, and as such, we are committed to finding, training and retaining the best people. If we maintain and grow our pipeline of motivated broistas, finding the real estate will be the easy part of our growth.
This strategy’s success is exemplified by our successful shop opening in Lubbock, Texas. The Lubbock shop opened its doors in April 2021 and is managed by a broista-turned-operator who has been a part of the Dutch Bros family for almost eight years. Each successful opening is supported by broistas from existing locations who join together to reinforce Dutch Bros culture, train new employees and teach customers about the Dutch Bros menu. In 2021, we have hired approximately 50 new broistas for each new shop through in-person introductions and “Hiring Parties,” where the pool of candidates has exceeded 200 people on average. New hires participate in a 12-day training program and shadow our experienced broistas before permanently taking over the new shop as the traveling team members return to their home markets.
Open New Shops Wherever People Want Great Beverages
As of June 30, 2021, we had 471 shops across 11 states, 207 of which were company-operated and 264 of which were operated by our franchise partners. Based on our internal analysis and third-party research conducted by Quantitative Analysis, we believe there is long-term potential for at least 4,000 Dutch Bros locations in the United States. We currently have a strong new shop pipeline with approximately 250 new sites identified which is well in
excess of our planned new company-operated stores to be opened in 2022 and 2023. These new openings are expected to be in both existing markets where there is unfulfilled consumer demand and new markets waiting to experience Dutch Bros. In considering new shop locations, we focus on detailed analytics that indicate that the revenue potential of the trade area meets our criteria for unit-level returns.
Our Real Estate Development team then prospects potential sites within the target trade zone to identify the best locations. We target lot sizes that allow for adequate traffic and customer flow and facilitate details like a double drive-thru with an escape lane on the site with proper curb appeal. Given our flexible footprint and the draw of the Dutch Bros brand, there are often many site locations within each market that we believe can deliver our desired target economics, allowing us to be both selective and adaptable to local real estate market conditions. Once a new site is developed, the shop opening process kicks off preparation for a friends and family night and grand opening day. These openings are special celebrations that mark the graduation of our career Dutch Bros broistas to operators, giving them the opportunity to introduce Dutch Bros to new communities.
•Build Scale within Our Existing Footprint
The lines at our existing shops, fourteen consecutive years of positive same shop sales growth and recent customer research all validate the significant demand for Dutch Bros growth in our existing markets. In the past three years, 75% of the shops that we have opened were in existing markets. Over the same period, we maintained positive same shop sales growth in these existing markets even as our number of shops in these markets increased almost 50%. To ensure the best and most consistent customer experience throughout the day, we proactively open strategic in-fill shops to both reach new customers and alleviate capacity constraints at nearby existing shops. While company-operated shop growth is expected to significantly outpace franchise shop growth in the future, we anticipate that our existing franchises will continue to grow by strategically in-filling locations within their markets. Many of our franchise partners have long runways for growth in their markets.
•Enter and Scale New Markets
We have demonstrated the relevance and portability of the Dutch Bros brand as evidenced by success in 11 U.S. states as of June 30, 2021, and we believe the whitespace for the Dutch Bros experience extends nationwide. Our brand strength, well-developed people pipeline, corporate infrastructure, existing shop performance and attractive unit economic model underpin our significant opportunity to execute our new market shop growth strategy. Prior to entering new markets, we develop a comprehensive market plan that plots a clear path for future development. As we develop the first sites, we are actively contemplating the next several sites. Each new Dutch Bros shop opening propels our brand awareness well beyond our existing shop footprint. Our recent new market shop openings in Texas and Oklahoma have performed at or above the volumes of our legacy markets.
Systemwide Shop Count as of June 30, 2021
Increase Brand Awareness and Encourage Deeper Customer Engagement
One of the strongest drivers of Dutch Bros brand awareness is word-of-mouth advocacy from our customers. Our commitment to our people encourages them to become enthusiastic brand ambassadors and we believe that their visible love for the brand is infectious. In a 2020 internal quantitative research study survey, 77% of respondents in our existing markets were aware of Dutch Bros and our advertising costs represented only 4% of total revenue in 2020. We believe this shows the opportunity to drive growth as customers in our existing and new markets continue to discover our brand.
We intend to enhance our digital and social media footprint to allow our passionate customers and crews to engage with Dutch Bros across multiple channels by sharing experiences with friends and family. To further support our customer engagement, we plan to continue building deep connections within the communities we serve. As part of that effort, we will always prioritize our social impact, bringing us closer to the people we serve.
The launch of our Dutch Bros Reward app in 2021 contributed to increased Dutch Bros brand awareness. Within the first two months of its launch the Dutch Bros Reward app attracted approximately 1.6 million member activations, making it one of the most downloaded free mobile applications on the Apple platform in the Food & Drink category, behind only DoorDash and McDonald's. Dutch Rewards member activations have continued to grow to approximately 2.3 million as of June 30, 2021. Our digital presence enables us to serve customers unique beverage-focused content, information related to our social impact initiatives and new ways to engage with Dutch Bros. As a people-focused company, we believe the Dutch Rewards program provides an opportunity to connect with customers, learn more about them and enhance our relationships with them. The Dutch Bros app also allows us to learn from our interactions by gathering and collecting actionable business intelligence.
Invest in and Use Digital Technology to Improve the Customer Experience
At our core, we are in the people business and believe the purpose of technology should be to remove friction in our customer interactions, thereby providing opportunities to create deeper connections and a better service experience. We will continue to invest in digital and technology capabilities to improve the customer experience and better understand our customers’ needs through the following initiatives:
•Improve Speed and Efficiency
Service at Dutch Bros does not just happen at the window. We are in the early stages of integrating technology throughout our business to optimize speed and efficiency while maintaining the unique Dutch Bros experience. We will continue to invest in the right technologies to evolve our model to best serve our growing number of customers. Delivering beverages efficiently and building customer relationships is our priority.
•Menu Innovation Based on Customer Insights
Traditionally, our menu innovation has been driven by our product development team and our broistas, who are empowered to identify evolving customer preferences. We intend to build and leverage our customer data and insights to track and analyze transactions, including customized beverages, to refine our menu and “secret menu” offerings. Our evolving premium and customizable beverages increase guest spend, drive new business and encourage frequent visits among new and legacy customers.
Expand Margins Through Operating Leverage
Over the last several years, Dutch Bros has invested in corporate infrastructure to stay one step ahead of the growth trajectory we expect in shops and sales. We have flexibility around many of our input costs and we have developed a procurement system that allows for adaptability and scalability. The combination of our unique state-of-the-art coffee roasting facility in Grants Pass, Oregon and our strong relationships with several co-manufacturers provides us with the flexibility to increase our production capacity in a way that is both scalable and highly cost-effective. We expect to add additional capacity to support our expansion and supply chain long-term by investing in a second centrally located roasting facility in the Midwest region of the United States. We anticipate leveraging our corporate costs over time to enhance our margins, as we expect selling, general and administrative expenses to grow at a slower rate than our shop base and revenue. By optimizing our infrastructure and leveraging our scale efficiencies, we can further enhance our profitability as we grow our shop base.
Real Estate and Development
Shops
We had 471 shops as of June 30, 2021, of which 207 were company-operated and 264 were franchised, located in 11 U.S. states.
We believe there is an opportunity to significantly expand our shop base in the United States to at least 4,000 shops nationwide over the long-term based on current whitespace analysis completed by Quantitative Analysis with respect to population density, demographic data, competitor concentration and other variables in both new and existing markets with a long-term objective of an approximately “mid-teens” annual percentage growth in total shops. We have developed a disciplined approach to new shop development, based on an analytical, research-driven method to site selection and a rigorous real estate review and approval process. By focusing on key demographic characteristics for new site selection, such as population density, climate and median population age, we expect to open shops with attractive returns.
Design
The design of our shops has developed organically as Dutch Bros has grown. The first way customers experienced Dutch Bros was a pushcart, where customers walked up to order. In 1995, we adopted a drive-up stand model, which we believe to have been one of the first in the industry. As Dutch Bros grew, shop design evolved to eventually feature modern, multi-lane drive-thrus that Dutch Bros deploys today.
Today, our shops are typically freestanding, and are characterized by a unique exterior design. Many of our shops incorporate premium wood finishes and a gray and blue color scheme, prominently featuring our distinctive and trademarked Windmill. A typical company-operated shop is between 480 and 900 square feet. Our recently opened shops are built to optimize speed, service and flexibility and are typically 865 to 950 square feet, and we target at least 25,000 square foot lots to accommodate multiple drive-thru, “escape” lanes to enhance the experience for our customers. In these shops, while there is no interior seating, most of our shops have a walk-up window and
may also have patio seating to accommodate guests. The small building footprint allows for increased flexibility as we continue to select new locations and drive stronger returns on capital.
Site Selection
We aim to make Dutch Bros a convenient part of our customers’ daily life. Convenience is just one reason customers choose to select Dutch Bros over other options, and is key to supporting healthy growth. In order to develop our pipeline and execute on our growth strategy, our development team works closely with our Real Estate Committee, which consists of select members of our leadership team. The Real Estate Committee meets regularly and follows a detailed approval process to ensure quality, fiduciary responsibility, and overall adherence to our strategic growth initiatives. The Dutch Bros development team is multi-disciplined and includes in-house site selection managers, design and construction resources led by our Vice President of Development. Additionally, we utilize a network of brokers with local expertise, who are experts in their markets, to capture nuanced market knowledge and create consistent deal flow.
We have invested in internal and external analytics capabilities to help us understand our existing and potential markets and identify potential new sites. We leverage these analytics for geographic, competitive, and demographic analysis and to help identify, map, and rate prospective new sites based on volume potential.
We prefer to select sites with great visibility on the “going-to-work” side of the road, slightly offset from the corner of major roads, near other establishments, like shopping centers, pharmacies, grocery stores, hotels, and big-box retailers, that meet our customers’ retail needs. Because community engagement is a key part of our competitive differentiation, we also value being near locations that bring the community together, like athletic fields, high schools, community colleges, and universities.
Site Opening
On average, it takes approximately fifteen to eighteen months from the signing of a Letter of Intent to the opening of a new shop, of which approximately four months of that is construction of the site. We have in-house construction management to oversee site development. We leverage a number of local general contractors to invest in our local markets and we utilize a mixed-use approach of bidding and strategic negotiation in order to ensure the best value and highest quality construction.
After we select the best target sites inside a given trade zone, Dutch Bros utilizes a mix of build-to-suit and ground lease construction arrangements. This flexible and capital-efficient real estate model targets total project costs per shop of approximately $1.35 million. Our focus is always on securing the best site, and depending on the lease type available, our typical cash investment ranges from a $0.5 million contribution in build-to-suit arrangements to a commitment of the entire project costs in the case of a ground lease. As illustrated in the table below, we target AUVs of $1.7 million and year-2 shop-level contribution margin of approximately 30%, which realize a year-2 cash-on-cash return of 35% to 75% depending on the lease arrangement noted above. The strength of these returns is one aspect of our strategic decision to focus more on company-operated shop growth going forward.
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Ground Lease
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Built-to-Suit
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($ in thousands)
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Year 2 Net Sales AUV
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$1,700
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Shop-Level Contribution Margin(1)
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32%
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28%
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Shop-Level Contribution
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$545
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$475
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Investment
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$1,350
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$500
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Pre-Opening
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$135
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Total Cash Outlay
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$1,485
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$635
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Year 2 Cash on Cash Return
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35%
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75%
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$1,700
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(1)Reflects cash basis rent, and excludes any capital lease accounting adjustments.
Historically, Dutch Bros pursued a build-to-suit lease structure in which the developer managed the entire process and was accountable for the bulk of the project costs, and was then remunerated with rent levels higher than the standard ground lease. However, because we developed and refined a prototype capable of a wide-scale rollout, we can manage the design and construction of new shops in-house for a portion of our new builds. This allows us to pursue more ground leases and diversify away from primarily build-to suit-lease arrangements. The increased focus on securing the very best site for our brand in a given trade area, without regards to the lease arrangement itself, serves to expand the total possible number and quality of available sites.
Our People
Training and Leadership Development
We believe our people are a fundamental driver of our success and a significant differentiator for Dutch Bros. One of the most important relationships we have is with our employees, who are key members of the communities we love and support. Therefore, we place a premium on hiring the right people. We attract and seek out potential broistas by identifying people with a love for life, a natural ability to connect with folks from all walks of life, and most of all, a big smile! We then devote substantial resources to train and develop them. Our standard training consists of two phases—two days of cultural immersion, history and fundamental knowledge, followed by 10 shifts of on-the-job training. In line with our priorities, we train our broistas by emphasizing our culture and guiding principles first, and then move into menu knowledge, followed by a focus on station training. All new broistas read and review our employee handbook and our Manifesto to ensure they have a baseline understanding of our policies, procedures, and operations and an appreciation for our unique culture. After on-shift training and successfully passing The Flowcheck, the new hire is officially qualified to work on shift as a broista. The Flowcheck is a mandatory quality check on operations, history, and culture that we conduct twice per year that all employees must pass with 100% proficiency. Generally, new broistas must demonstrate proficiency in beverage builds within three weeks of hire.
Our people are the driving force of our mission, and we are committed to inspiring and facilitating their personal and professional growth as they fulfill their dreams and contribute to their communities. We have created our own program to develop and track broistas’ performance as they progress towards their goals. This program is designed to help our people maximize their personal potential, either inside or outside our organization. Our shop managers conduct regular check-ins to help broistas understand where they are on their personal path and within
their career at Dutch Bros. Our leadership development model clarifies and outlines growth opportunities at all levels of the organization and furthers our philosophy of hiring and developing leaders from within.
Our development focus allows us to create and maintain a robust pipeline of talent to support our growth. We pride ourselves on our ability to train, retain, and promote across all levels of our organization, and it is our policy to have a homegrown operator base. Our franchise partners are key partners in this system, and approximately 65% of the employees in our qualified new operator pipeline were franchise partner employees as of the fourth quarter of 2020. We believe this arrangement is a unique “win-win-win” situation, where Dutch Bros has access to a larger pool of high-quality, qualified potential operators, while our franchise partners can offer, and their high-performing employees can take advantage of, continued growth opportunities that otherwise may not be available within the franchise partner’s business. Because of our decision to have a homegrown operator base, our new shop growth is predicated on developing a healthy pipeline of home-grown talent. At the time of our last pipeline evaluation in the fourth quarter of 2020, we had qualified more than 200 potential people to serve as operators, which we believe will be sufficient to sustain our new shop growth for several years. As we continue to add additional shops, we expect our people pipeline to continue to grow and provide additional runway for development into the foreseeable future.
Our COVID Response
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we took quick and decisive action to protect the health and safety of our employees and began following CDC, state, and local health guidelines. In addition to requiring employees to wear masks, instituting and enforcing mandatory employee handwashing at set intervals, conducting temperature checks and daily health screenings, and enhanced cleaning protocols. We also quickly pivoted to a cashless, frictionless payment system, eliminated mug refills, transitioned to wrapped straws, and eliminated our paper stamp card loyalty program. In March 2021, as additional information regarding how the COVID-19 virus was spread, we returned to accepting cash. In lieu of returning to our paper stamp card loyalty program, we transitioned to our new Dutch Rewards app-based rewards program.
We adjusted staffing models to accommodate social distancing, eliminated in-person meetings, transitioned to Zoom and took steps to encourage any sick employees to stay home by offering paid catastrophic leave and loosened guidelines for use of sick leave. Additionally, we instituted a temporary “Thank You pay” bonus to our frontline shop workers of $3.00 per hour across the company throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in recognition of our employee’s hard work, sacrifices, and commitment during the pandemic. We phased out the “Thank You pay” bonus in the second quarter of 2021.
Employees
As of June 30, 2021, we employed approximately 7,500 people in our company-operated shops (of which an estimated 7,350 were hourly employees) and 376 within our manufacturing, headquarters, and field-support organizations. Our franchise partners employ approximately 8,700 people. None of our employees is represented by a labor union, and we believe our relationship with employees is healthy.
Our franchise partners are independent business owners, so they and their employees are not included in our employee count.
Customer Experience
At its core, our operations are about hand-crafted beverages, rocking tunes, and high fives! We know our customers have many choices on where and how they enjoy their favorite beverages. At Dutch Bros, it’s about having fun, giving customers our special brand of “luv” and forming genuine relationships with hand-crafted beverages that give Dutch Bros customers a multitude of reasons to come back. We have built a strong organizational structure that allows us to develop a seamless “flow” and supports rock-solid customer service through real, personal interaction that collectively allow us to deliver an amazing beverage with a personal touch.
Dutch Bros is entirely focused on delivering on its core values of quality, speed and service in every interaction we have. Every visit to Dutch Bros should feel like a celebration. Broistas are genuinely excited to serve
our customers and interested in how they can make their day better. Runners greet customers before they get to the drive-thru window to personalize every order and, when needed, explain our menu. They use tablets to take orders, allowing broistas to sequence the crafting of beverages and to monitor car throughput in the drive-thru lane ensuring quality, speed and service remain consistent throughout the day. Our thoughtfully designed parking lots with multiple drive-thru feeders and escape lanes reduce conjunction and increase throughput. Most importantly, our broistas serve our beverages with a smile!
Customers
At Dutch Bros, our diverse offering of hand-crafted beverages appeals to a wide range of customers. Based on a November 2020 quantitative survey, the average age of our customers skews younger and we have more female customers as a percentage of our total customers than our main competitors. However, our shops appeal not only to the young, but also the young at heart with nearly as many visits from our 35+ customers as we get from our 25 and under fans. From an attitude standpoint, our customers tend to be more “caring/thoughtful, friendly, and adventurous,” which we consider a perfect fit for our brand.
Our Menu
Dutch Bros honors and improves the classics and sits on the cutting edge of flavor innovation. Whether a customer wants a coffee, cold brew or Dutch Bros. Blue Rebel energy drink, Dutch Bros broistas are trained to deliver.
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Our Coffee
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All Dutch Bros Coffee locations serve our Private Reserve Coffee, White Coffee and Decaf coffee as espresso options. Our Private Reserve Coffee is a blend of 100% Arabica beans from Brazil, Colombia and El Salvador. We have invested in high-quality La Marzocco machines to pull incredible shots of smooth, full-bodied espresso. Today, we roast and distribute all our beans. Customers who would like to enjoy Dutch Bros at home can order our coffee through shop.dutchbros.com.
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Cold Brew
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Dutch Bros Cold Brew is our premium blend of Dutch Private Reserve coffee, brewed slowly with cold water to create a less acidic, smooth finish. Cold Brew is available still and nitrogen-infused for anyone wanting an extra kick of caffeine. Nitro Cold Brew is available by the can, and both Nitro and still Cold Brew can be enjoyed straight-up or crafted with a customer’s favorite flavors or milk.
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Dutch Bros. Blue Rebel
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Dutch Bros. Blue Rebel is our exclusive energy drink and is available in regular and sugar-free varieties. Customers can enjoy Dutch Bros. Blue Rebel straight from the can, iced or blended. We offer a variety of flavor combinations, making Dutch Bros. Blue Rebel a canvas for customization and a prime candidate for customers to share their creation on social media.
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“Secret Menu”
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At Dutch Bros, our “secret menu” is not a very well-kept secret! Our deliberately simple menu board, personal ordering process, and hand crafting of beverages allows our customers to be creative in designing their dream beverages. Over time, many of these creations became customer favorites, earning names and official formulations. All our broistas are supported by our systems and trained to recognize and craft the “secret menu” items so that we can offer consistent experiences across our shops. The highly customizable nature of our beverages allows us to add items to the “secret menu” to create buzz, akin to how other concepts traditionally utilize limited time offerings, without needing to introduce new drink build components into our supply chain and operations.
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Long-term Franchise Partnership
Overview
Historically, we used franchises to increase new shop growth, however, in 2017, we made the strategic decision to move away from that growth plan and moved to a company-operated strategy with all operators recruited
from within our system. However, our existing franchise partners are still able to infill within their existing markets. Through the demand for franchises by employees, friends, family and word of mouth, we leveraged the ownership, not through marketing but through high quality relationships within our network. As of June 30, 2021, we had approximately 46 individual franchise partners who operate 264 shops. Our franchise partners range in size from single-shop operators to our largest franchise partner, which operates 23 shops as of June 30, 2021. As of June 30, 2021, our franchise partners operated shops in seven of our eleven states. On average, each franchise partner has been with us for more than 12 years.
Description of Franchise and Development Agreements
Our typical agreements for a shop grant franchise partners the right to operate for an initial term of 10 years, with additional renewal terms that total 10 years subject to various conditions that include upgrades to the shop and brand image. All franchise agreements grant licenses to use the Dutch Bros trademarks, trade secrets and proprietary methods, recipes, and procedures. Our obligations under the franchise agreement include an initial training program, supporting grand opening activities, ongoing advice and consultation in connection with operations and management of the shops, the development of advertising materials, as well as advice and assistance in local marketing, and inspection of a franchise partners’ shops.
The initial franchise fee for a shop is $50,000 for a franchise partner’s first and second shops and $30,000 for subsequent shops. Franchise partners are required to pay royalties of 5% of franchise shop sales. Franchise partners are also required to pay 1% of franchise sales to the Dutch Bros Marketing Program, to which we also contribute, which creates a pooled fund for the creation of marketing and advertising materials, marketing and media research and marketing promotions, and can be used to pay for a portion of our marketing employees’ salaries and expenses. Additionally, franchise partners are required to spend at least 1% of their quarterly revenues on local marketing and charitable causes. Our franchise partners are not members of local marketing co-ops currently. Franchise partners make donations directly to charitable organizations and submit documentation on a quarterly basis to us for verification. Today, we host three company-wide givebacks each year (“Dutch Luv,” “Drink One for Dane” and “Buck for Kids”) while our operators and franchise partners hold many local, shop-specific giveback programs.
Franchise partners are required to purchase certain equipment, supplies, and inventory from one or more of our affiliates or approved suppliers. To ensure quality, we roast our own coffee beans and supply our company-operated and franchise shops. Approved suppliers may make payments to Dutch Bros or our affiliates on account of transactions with our franchise partners, including, but not limited to, syrup, cups, and Dutch Bros. Blue Rebel purchases.
We have at times entered into development agreements with franchise partners that provide for planned assigned areas of unit development on a multi-unit, multi-year basis by franchise partners. A development agreement typically provides for the opening of 3 to 5 shops per year. These initial agreements are for 3 years with a mutual option to renew annually for up to 3 more years. We may grant rights to develop larger numbers of units more quickly or may shorten the time allowed for development. The development fee paid by a franchise partner under a development agreement is $5,000 per each assigned unit and this unit fee is deductible against the franchise fee for each unit developed under the terms of the development agreement.
Franchise Partner Support
We value our franchise partner relationships and consider our franchise partners an integral part of our success. As a result, we provide strong support for their operations and growth initiatives to produce sustainable, long-term success. Our development team provides consultation regarding site selection and approval, and our franchise operating team provides consultation in all aspects of operations and pre-opening preparation.
We also offer support well beyond shop opening. We provide ongoing leadership and assistance to franchise partners through Dutch Bros University, our online learning management system, as well as our Retail Field Team who maintain an open dialogue with franchise partners on brand, sales, and cost initiatives through on-site visits, webinars and quarterly market meetings. By continuing to support our franchise network and monitoring local performance, our Quality Assurance team also helps protect our service and brand standards. Additionally, we
communicate with our franchise partners at least on a monthly basis, and hold at least one annual meeting with our senior company executives. We also have a Franchise Advisory Board to discuss systemwide initiatives, share ideas, and resolve issues. In addition, we provide local marketing consultation and support, and prepare marketing materials for use by all franchise partners in various media.
Marketing and Advertising
At Dutch Bros, we sell hand-crafted beverages, but our success is driven by our understanding that this is a relationship business. We form relationships with our customers with each interaction at our shops, but we also view Marketing and Advertising as core to our ability to connect with our communities, customers, and employees.
Awareness
While we are rooted on the west coast, our brand translates well throughout the states we serve. Awareness among both new and established customers is driven by our unique culture of positivity, our philanthropic efforts focused on making a massive difference in every community we enter and the “shareability” of our social media efforts.
Due to the organic and targeted nature of our marketing efforts, we can introduce new customers effectively and efficiently to our brand, creating a loyal following of brand advocates through our service. In a 2020 survey, 77% of respondents in our existing markets were aware of Dutch Bros, but our advertising costs represented only 4% of total revenues in 2020. Marketing is largely driven by word of mouth, advocacy from our broistas at the window and social media.
Interest
Every visit to Dutch Bros should feel like a celebration, which is the mood we set with each grand opening. Through an intentional grand opening sequence that includes both online prospecting and on-site activities, Dutch Bros is able to introduce the brand and its products, driving excitement, brand awareness and sales. In addition, our trademark Windmill logo and signage is designed specifically to cut through the visual noise and create a sense of anticipation over the opening of a new shop.
Trial
Dutch Bros features an evolving menu which creates seemingly unlimited possibilities for a customer to explore and find a drink for every daypart. We capitalize on the natural excitement around grand openings, new locations, the changing of the seasons and special events to feature innovative limited time offers. These products and events have consistently shown their value in driving traffic of both new and existing customers.
Loyalty & Dutch Rewards
Dutch Bros has a long history of rewarding our customers for their loyalty. Our Dutch Rewards program evolved from a paper stamp card to a fully-digital app-based reward system. In early 2021, Dutch Rewards was introduced exclusively through our new mobile app and within the first two months of its launch attracted approximately 1.6 million member activations, making it one of the most downloaded free mobile applications on the Apple platform in the Food & Drink category, behind only DoorDash and McDonald’s. Dutch Rewards member activations have continued to grow to approximately 2.3 million as of June 30, 2021. The digital initiatives that come with Dutch Rewards have created a more streamlined experience for our customers while dramatically enhancing our insights into customers’ recurring purchase behavior. Using their phones, customers can pay for their order and collect points which can be redeemed for future free drinks. With the launch of the Dutch Rewards program, we have strengthened our ability to drive same shop sales growth and long term customer value. This program will enable us to segment and market to unique occasions, dayparts and drink preferences, further personalizing and handcrafting the Dutch Bros experience for every customer.
The launch of our Dutch Bros Reward app in 2021 contributed to increased Dutch Bros brand awareness. Within one month of its launch, we became the third most downloaded free mobile application in the Apple App Store in the Food & Drink category, behind only DoorDash and McDonald’s. Our digital presence enables us to
serve customers unique beverage-focused content, information related to our social impact initiatives and new ways to engage with Dutch Bros. The app’s social features also help extend our brand awareness to markets in which we do not yet have a physical presence. While we will always be a people-focused business, we believe our investments in our brand, including the Dutch Rewards program, provide an opportunity to connect with customers, learn more about them and enhance our relationships with them. Dutch Rewards also enables us to gather and collect actionable business intelligence that, for instance, we can use for targeted in-app marketing promotions to drive frequency and tickets.
Digital Marketing Technology Ecosystem
Dutch Bros is on the cusp of a whole new era of digital marketing. As of June 30, 2021, we had approximately 2.3 million customers activate their subscription to the Dutch Rewards program through our mobile app.
With the rollout of Dutch Rewards, and the implementation of a new Customer Data Platform and Engagement Suite, Dutch Bros is about to learn through multi-touchpoint data sets exactly what each of our customers order, which locations they visit, when they stop and how often they return. We will then use that information to personalize messaging to each app user, allowing us to show the same thoughtfulness and engagement through our digital channels that broistas show at the window.
Personalization will not only allow us to speak clearly and directly to each customer and address their needs, allowing us to remain efficient with our advertising spend. These tools allow us to engage directly with our customers instantly through push, SMS, e-mail, and In-App notifications, which are much more economical and efficient than reaching customers via a competitive ad buying marketplaces ad auction.
Social Impact
Dutch Bros puts the social in social impact, finding unique and personal ways to make a massive difference in our communities.
Giving Back
Since our inception, we have been dedicated to giving back to the communities in which we serve, and we consider our brand to be a powerful platform for social impact. Our philosophy is to give back to our communities in meaningful ways, even before we invite our customers to the drive-thru. Giving back is part of our DNA and something Dutch Bros will always do. Each year, we hold three company-wide givebacks to support our core pillars of giving.
•Dutch Luv – Since 2007, Dutch Bros has celebrated Valentine’s Day by showing the “Dutch Luv” to our communities. Each year, our shops donate $1 from every drink sold to local organizations to fight food insecurity.
•Drink One for Dane – In 2009, Dane Boersma lost his battle with ALS, leaving behind a growing company, a devoted family and a passion for others. For the last 15 years, Dutch Bros has dedicated one day in May to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. “Drink One for Dane” supports patients, their families and the mission to find a cause and a cure for ALS. So far, customers and crews have helped raise more than $10.3 million in honor of Dane and the mission to #EndALS.
•Buck for Kids – Supporting youth is one of our core values. On a day each September, Dutch Bros donates $1 from every drink sold to local youth-focused organizations in the communities we serve.
In 2020, Dutch Bros donated approximately $5.2 million across multiple causes, including $2.0 million to benefit COVID-19 first responders.
Sustainability
Part of giving back to our communities is supporting the environment. Dutch Bros is focused on and preparing to commit to a series of initiatives to ensure our products, processes and shops are in line with, and moving toward, environmental best practices.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
As a company, Dutch Bros is striving to be a leader in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Our leadership and policies stand united in our support of employees, customers and communities in the fullness of their identities. We are actively working to develop a holistic DEI program that can be a resource for everyone we serve. The events of 2020 offered another reminder of how critically important our efforts have become, and as a result Dutch Bros has taken real, meaningful steps toward advancement of our DEI program including, but not limited, to the following:
•hiring an industry expert to serve as Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and developing long term programs;
•donating an aggregate of $500,000 to organizations mirroring our four heritage months (Black History Month, Latinx History Month, Women’s History Month, and Pride);
•offering DEI training to HQ and field leadership;
•launching employee resource groups at our headquarters for leaders of color and for women leaders; and
•reviewing our policies to make sure they are promoting equity, as well as supporting a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone.
Operations
Sourcing and Supply Chain
We roast our own proprietary blend of 100% Arabica coffee. We partner with third-party importers and exporters to purchase and import our green coffee beans. Through this relationship, we source high-quality coffee beans from across Central and South America. We typically purchase coffee contracts 18-24 months in advance of when we take physical delivery of the beans, allowing us to lock in pricing and to manage our input costs. This practice also allows us to be a good partner to our coffee producers, providing security of future business.
We currently roast all of our coffee in our roasting facility in Grants Pass, Oregon. We roast our coffee bean varietals to specific profiles designed to highlight each of the coffee bean’s unique flavors and aromas. After the coffee beans are roasted, we blend them to create our signature Private Reserve espresso. We package and ship our Private Reserve, Decaf and White Coffee espresso blends to six distribution centers that supply all our company-operated and franchised locations.
We have taken several steps to increase our diversity of supply and reduce transportation costs as we expand eastward. We are finalizing the economics of our plan to build a second roasting facility in the Midwest United States. We anticipate the new roasting facility will be operational in 2023, and will cost approximately $15-20 million. Historically, we have also utilized third-party toll roasting companies to support peak production at our current facility and serve as a fallback contingency option in case of a catastrophic emergency. We are conducting tests with a third-party contract roaster to assess their ability to roast to our exacting standards and assume a portion of our Grants Pass facility's current load. We do not expect these initiatives to materially impact our per-unit cost of roasting green coffee beans.
We designed our supply chain to be flexible in order to respond efficiently to changes in the market. On average, we typically have approximately four months of green coffee bean inventory stored at our two ports of entry in the United States or at our roasting plant in Grants Pass, Oregon. In the event of a supply disruption in any
one of our production origins, we have identified alternate coffees with substantially similar flavor profiles that can be sourced and incorporated to produce our blend.
Dutch Bros also manufactures our own proprietary Dutch Bros. Blue Rebel Energy Drink via a co-bottling relationship with Portland Bottling Company. Lieb Food, in Forest Grove, Oregon, co-packs our Dutch Bros. Blue Rebel Mix that is used in all blended and frozen applications.
Quality and Safety
We and our franchise partners are focused on maintaining a safe, healthy environment at each shop through the careful training and supervision of personnel and by following rigorous quality standards. Our Quality Assurance team informs, monitors, and reports on standards for preparation and cleaning and inspect every shop in the system on a quarterly basis. Operator Incentive plans provide strong motivation to meet standards.
Our commitment to beverage and food safety is strengthened through the direct relationship between our supply chain, culinary, and quality assurance teams. We review all our supply partners’ decisions regarding ingredients, and we reserve the right to conduct spot-checks. We examine each suppliers’ safety and quality records and verify insurance coverage. We believe that our established requirement for franchise partners to purchase certain supplies and equipment from approved vendors further enhances safety and quality within our system.
Shop Systems
Our franchise and company-operated shops use a computerized point of sale and back-office systems created by Xenial, Inc., which we believe will support our growth plans and enhance our customer experience. We fully implemented this system on June 30, 2020. This point-of-sale system is custom designed specifically for Dutch Bros to increase order quality and consistency and make it easier for the broista to interact with the customer. This system utilizes a cloud-based application built for any tablet (iPads are currently used), provides a touch screen interface, visual order confirmation touch screen line displays, and integration with high-speed credit card, mobile app and gift card processing. Our back-office computer system was designed with growth in mind. This integrated system allows us to manage labor, product mix, throughput, ticket, among others, in real time. As we continue to implement functionality, we anticipate that it will reduce labor hours from our field employees by generating repeatable daily and weekly reports and improve insights.
Corporate Systems
We utilize various enterprise systems to help manage our operations. Many of these systems were recently upgraded to help support our future growth plans. In 2020, we transitioned to Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP system and in 2021 we transitioned to the Workday HRIS platform. We utilize Microsoft Azure for our cloud-based data storage and PowerBI for business intelligence. We also utilize Schoox Learning Management System for our Dutch Bros University platform. We believe our recent investments in infrastructure and systems are sufficient to support our future growth.
Properties
The table below shows our properties as of June 30, 2021.
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State
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Company-operated
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|
Franchised
|
|
Total
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Arizona
|
28
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|
31
|
|
59
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California
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34
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|
55
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|
89
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Colorado
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22
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|
7
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|
29
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Idaho
|
5
|
|
29
|
|
34
|
Nevada
|
18
|
|
3
|
|
21
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New Mexico
|
5
|
|
—
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|
5
|
Oklahoma
|
1
|
|
—
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|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oregon
|
54
|
|
99
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|
153
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Texas
|
7
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|
—
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|
7
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Utah
|
10
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|
—
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|
10
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Washington
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23
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|
40
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|
63
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Total
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207
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|
264
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471
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We typically enter into two general types of lease arrangements. In the first case, a ground lease where we manage the entire project from site prep to construction and equipment install, leasing the land only. In the second case, we enter into a build to suit arrangement with a developer who has secured the land, prepped the site and is responsible to construct the building. We are responsible for purchasing the equipment directly and for paying certain fees. In this arrangement we pay the developer rent based on the total project costs excluding our outlay. Our lease terms range from 1 to 30 years, but typically have terms of 15 years with three renewal options of five years each. Shop leases provide for a specified annual rent, typically at a fixed rate for the first five years with CPI and other escalators.
In addition to our company-operated shops, we lease an 18,000 square foot headquarters facility with lease options extending through 2056, and we own a second 16,000 square foot headquarters facility. Additionally, we own and operate a 36,000 square foot roasting and packing facility. Our headquarters and roasting facility are in Grants Pass, Oregon. We believe our current headquarters and roasting facility are suitable for our near-term expansion plans, and we have added, and expect to continue to add, additional capacity on an as-needed basis. The office spaces we have added to support our current needs include the leasing of three office spaces of 2,400 square feet, 2,900 square feet, and 3,000 square feet, respectively, in Grants Pass, Oregon, and a 1,600 square foot office space in Portland, Oregon. We also lease approximately 21,000 square feet of warehousing space adjacent to our main roasting facility, which currently houses a minor roasting facility used to roast all of our supply of White Coffee bean blend.
Competition
The beverage industry is highly competitive and fragmented, and our shops compete on a variety of factors, including convenience, taste, price, quality, service, and location. We believe our primary competitors include drive-thru coffee shops, specialty coffee shops and drive-thru quick service restaurants. Our competitors range from multi-unit national and regional chains to single-location local shops. Our competitors operate both company-operated, franchised and mixed business models. Because of our proprietary Dutch Bros. Blue Rebel energy beverages, we also compete with companies outside of the beverage industry, such as convenience food shops.
Intellectual Property
We own many registered trademarks and service marks in the United States, the most important of which might be our trademarked Windmill logo which we anticipate becoming the Nike “swoosh” of Dutch Bros. Other important trademarks include our “Dutch Bros.,” “Dutch Bros. Coffee,” and “Dutch Bros. Blue Rebel” word marks and our recognizable Dutch Bros sign logo. We believe the Dutch Bros name and the many distinctive marks associated with it are of significant value and are very important to our business. Accordingly, as a general policy, we pursue registration and monitor the use of our marks in the United States and challenge any unauthorized use.
We license the use of our marks to franchise partners, third-party vendors and others through franchise agreements, vendor agreements and licensing agreements. These agreements typically restrict third parties’ activities with respect to use of the marks and impose brand standards requirements. We require licensees to inform us of any potential infringement of the marks.
We register some of our copyrighted material and otherwise rely on common law protection of our copyrighted works. Such copyrighted materials are not material to our business.
Regulatory
We are subject to extensive federal, state, and local government regulation, including those relating to, among others, public health and safety, zoning and fire codes, and franchising. Failure to obtain or retain licenses and registrations or exemptions would adversely affect the operation of our shops. Although we have not experienced and do not anticipate experiencing any significant problems obtaining required licenses, permits or approvals, any difficulties, delays or failures in obtaining such licenses, permits, registrations, exemptions or approvals could delay or prevent the opening of, or adversely impact the viability of, a shop in a particular area. The development and construction of additional shops will be subject to compliance with the applicable zoning, land use and environmental regulations.
Our franchising activities are subject to the rules and regulations of the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) and various state laws regulating the offer and sale of franchises. The FTC's franchise rules and various state laws require that we furnish a franchise disclosure document (“FDD”) containing certain financial information to prospective franchise partners in a number of states requiring registration of the FDD with state authorities. Substantive state laws that regulate the franchise or franchise relationship exist in a substantial number of states, and bills have been introduced in Congress from time to time that would provide for federal regulation of the franchisor-franchisee relationship. The state laws often limit, among other things, the duration and scope of non-competition provisions, the ability of a franchisor to terminate or refuse to renew a franchise and the ability of a franchise partner to designate sources of supply. We believe our FDD complies in all material respects with both the FTC franchise rules and all applicable state laws regulating franchising in those states in which we have franchises.
We are also subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 and various federal and state laws governing such matters such as minimum wage, overtime, employment tax rates, workers compensation rates, citizenship requirements, and other working conditions. A significant number of shop-level personnel are paid at rates related to the federal minimum wage. We are also subject to the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of a disability and public accommodations in employment, which may require us to design or modify our shops to make reasonable accommodations for disabled persons.
Environmental
We believe federal and state environmental regulations have not had a material effect on operations, but more stringent and varied requirements of local government bodies with respect to zoning land use and environmental factors could delay construction and increase development costs for new shops.
Legal Proceedings
We are involved in various claims and legal actions that arise in the ordinary course of business. We do not believe the ultimate resolution of these actions will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, liquidity, and capital resources.
MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth information for our executive officers, key employees and directors as of August 31, 2021.
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Name
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Age
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Position
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Executive Officers
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Travis Boersma
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50
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Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of the Board
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Joth Ricci
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53
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Chief Executive Officer and President
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Charles L. Jemley
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|
57
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|
Chief Financial Officer
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Brian Maxwell
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|
50
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|
Chief Operating Officer
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John Graham
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53
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Chief Marketing Officer
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Key Employees
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|
|
|
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Andrew Conway
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41
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Senior Vice President of Operations Systems and Standard
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Christine Schmidt
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|
45
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Chief Administrative Officer
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Keith Thomajan
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|
52
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Chief Social Impact Officer
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|
|
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Non-Employee Directors
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Shelley Broader(1)
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57
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Director
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Thomas Davis(2)
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44
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Director
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Charles Esserman
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|
62
|
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Director
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Kathryn George(1)
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|
56
|
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Director
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Blythe Jack(1)(2)
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|
47
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Director
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__________________
(1) Member of the audit and risk committee.
(2) Member of the compensation committee.
Executive Officers
Travis Boersma is our Co-Founder and has served as our Executive Chairman since August 2021 and as the Executive Chairman of Dutch Bros OpCo since February 2021. Prior to serving as our Executive Chairman, he served as the Chief Executive Officer from February 2019 to February 2021 of Dutch Bros OpCo. Mr. Boersma has led us as Co-Founder since 1992. Mr. Boersma attended Southern Oregon University. We believe that Mr. Boersma’s industry knowledge, as well as his leadership experience, make him an appropriate member of our board of directors.
Joth Ricci has served as our Chief Executive Officer since August 2021, the Chief Executive Officer of Dutch Bros OpCo since February 2021 and the President of Dutch Bros OpCo since January 2019. Since January 2020, Mr. Ricci has served as Chairman of the board of directors of Dutch Bros Foundation, our philanthropic arm. Since September 2020, he has served as a Council Member on the Racial Justice Council, an advisory committee formed by the state of Oregon. Since October 2019, he has served a member of the board of directors of Oregon Business Council, a nonprofit organization focused on civic engagement and public policy. Since February 2018, Mr. Ricci has served as a Steering Committee Founder of Taste For Equity, an annual fundraising and community-building event. Since June 2017, he has served as a member of the board of directors of Ninkasi Brewing Company, an independent craft brewery. Since January 2012, he has served as a member of the board of directors of Brew Dr. Kombucha, a beverage company. From April 2017 to January 2019, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Adelsheim Vineyard. From February 2013 to April 2017, Mr. Ricci served as President of Stumptown Coffee Roasters, a coffee company. From April 2010 to January 2013, he served as a Managing Partner of First Beverage Group, a venture capital, private equity and investment banking company specializing in the beverage industry. From January 2008 to April 2010, Mr. Ricci served as the Chief Executive Officer of Jones Soda Co., a
beverage company (OTCMKTS: JSDA). Mr. Ricci received a B.S. in Business Education from Oregon State University.
John Graham has served as the Chief Marketing Officer of Dutch Bros OpCo since August 2020. From August 2015 to July 2020, Mr. Graham served as the President of Triton Strategy Partners, LLC, a consulting company that he founded. From July 2013 to July 2015, he served as VP, Chief Marketing Officer of Align Technology, Inc., a global medical device company (Nasdaq: ALGN). From August 2011 to July 2013, Mr. Graham served as VP and Chief Marketing Officer of GlaxoSmithKline Consumer, a pharmaceutical company specializing in consumer healthcare products and a subsidiary of GlaxoSmithKline plc, a global pharmaceutical company (NYSE: GSK). From November 2009 to September 2011, he served as Vice President, Corporate Equity at Johnson & Johnson, a global healthcare company (NYSE: JNJ), where he previously served in multiple positions across multiple operating companies, including VP US Marketing of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. from January 2007 to February 2010, VP Global Franchise Marketing of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. from January 2006 to January 2007 and Director Marketing & Sales of Johnson & Johnson–Merck Consumer Pharmaceuticals Co. from January 2001 to December 2005. Mr. Graham received an M.B.A. in Marketing and Operations from the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University and a B.A. in Economics from the University of California, San Diego.
Charles L. Jemley has served as our Chief Financial Officer since August 2021 and the Chief Financial Officer of Dutch Bros OpCo since January 2020. Since June 2017, Mr. Jemley has served as a member of the board of directors of Four Corners Property Trust Inc., a real estate investment trust (NYSE: FCPT), where he chairs the Audit Committee and serves as a member of the Nominating and Governance Committee. From July 2018 to December 2019, he served as the Chief Financial Officer of CKE Restaurant Holdings, Inc., a quick service restaurant company. From October 2016 to January 2018, Mr. Jemley served as Senior Vice President Finance, Starbucks Reserve & Roastery, Global Digital & Store Development at Starbucks Corporation (Nasdaq: SBUX), where he previously served in multiple positions, including Senior Vice President Finance, U.S. and Americas from January 2016 to September 2016, Senior Vice President Finance, China & Asia Pacific and Global Consumer Products from January 2010 to January 2016, Senior Vice President Finance, International from November 2007 to January 2010 and Vice President Finance, China Region from February 2006 to November 2007. From January 2004 to January 2006, he served as Chief Financial Officer of Yum China at Yum! Brands, Inc., a global quick service restaurant company, where he previously served in multiple positions from April 1990 to December 2003. Mr. Jemley received an M.B.A. from the Michael G. Foster School of Business at the University of Washington and a B.B.A in Accounting from the University of Louisville.
Brian Maxwell has served as the Chief Operating Officer of Dutch Bros OpCo since January 2017 and previously served as our Vice President and General Manager from April 2009 to December 2016, Vice President of Growth from January 2004 to March 2009 and Franchise Coordinator from January 1999 to December 2003. Prior to joining Dutch Bros, Mr. Maxwell worked in finance and investment advising. Mr. Maxwell attended Lewis & Clark College.
Key Employees
Andrew Conway has served as the Senior Vice President of Operations Systems and Standards of Dutch Bros OpCo since July 2017 and previously served as our Vice President of Operations from November 2013 to July 2017.
Christine Schmidt has served as the Chief Administrative Officer of Dutch Bros OpCo since January 2019 and previously served as our Chief Financial Officer from May 2016 to January 2019 and Vice President Finance from January 1999 to May 2016. Since 2016, she has also served as a member of the board of directors of Dutch Bros Foundation.
Keith Thomajan has served as the Chief Social Impact Officer of Dutch Bros OpCo since June 2020 and previously served as our Chief of Staff from May 2019 to June 2020. Since February 2018, Mr. Thomajan has served as a member of the board of directors of OnPoint Community Credit Union, where he also serves as Secretary and member of the Executive Committee. Since February 2014, he has served as a member of the Oregon
Advisory Board for Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon, a health insurance company. Since September 2017, he has served as Vice Chair of the Mazamas Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on mountaineering education. From February 2012 to February 2019, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of the Columbia-Willamette, a nonprofit organization focused on addressing child and family poverty in Portland, Oregon and the greater Columbia-Willamette area and a local affiliate of United Way, where he served as a member of the National President’s Council from 2012 to 2016. From November 2001 to January 2012, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Camp Fire Columbia, a nonprofit organization focused on youth development and a local affiliate of Camp Fire, where he served as a National Trustee from 2005 to 2011. From 2007 to 2012, he served as Chair of the Portland Parks Board, an advisory board to the Portland Parks & Recreation Director and Portland City Council. From 2004 to 2010, he served as Chair of the board of directors of Hands On Greater Portland, a volunteer program and affiliate of United Way of the Columbia-Willamette. From June 2000 to October 2001, he served as Director of Development at Outward Bound, Inc., a nonprofit organization focused on fostering personal growth and social skills through outdoor adventure programs. From May 1995 to June 2000, he held multiple positions at Pacific Crest Outward Bound School, a nonprofit organization and a local affiliate of Outward Bound, Inc., a national network of regional schools. Mr. Thomajan received a B.A. from Colby College.
Non-Employee Directors
Shelley G. Broader has served as a member of our board of directors since August 2021. Ms. Broader served as Chief Executive Officer and President of Chico’s FAS, Inc., a fashion retailer, from December 2015 to April 2019. Prior to this, Ms. Broader served as Executive Vice President at Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT), a multinational retail company, from 2009 to November 2015 in various executive roles, including as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Walmart Europe, Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa region from July 2014 to October 2015, President and Chief Executive Officer of Walmart Canada Corp. from September 2011 to May 2014, Chief Merchandising Officer of Walmart Canada Corp. from 2010 to 2011 and Senior Vice President for Sam’s Club (a division of Walmart) from 2009 to 2010. Ms. Broader previously served on the board of directors of Chico’s FAS, Inc. (NYSE: CHS) from December 2015 to April 2019 and Raymond James Financial, Inc. from February 2008 to February 2020. Ms. Broader is a member of the board of directors of Inspire Medical Systems, Inc. (NYSE:INSP), IFCO Systems and the Moffitt Cancer Center’s National Board of Advisors. Ms. Broader holds a B.A. from Washington State University. We believe Ms. Broader’s C-suite leadership experience at a multitude of leading multinational brands enable her to make valuable contributions to our board of directors.
Thomas Davis has served as a member of our board of directors since August 2021 and a member of the board of managers for Dutch Bros OpCo since October 2018. Since October 2012, Mr. Davis has served as a Managing Director of Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., a privately owned financial services firm, where he oversees the New York, Latin America and Chicago Private Banking offices. Mr. Davis also serves as a member of the Private Banking Oversight Committee and the Private Banking Investment Oversight Committee. From July 2007 to August 2012, he served as a Vice President in the Investment Management division of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., a publicly-traded global investment banking, securities and investment management firm. Mr. Davis received an M.B.A. from the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame and a B.B.A. from the University of San Diego. We believe that Mr. Davis’s extensive leadership experience and expertise in strategy, finance and management make him an appropriate member of our board of directors.
Charles Esserman has served as a member of our board of directors since August 2021 and a member of the board of managers for Dutch Bros OpCo since October 2018. Mr. Esserman serves as the Chief Executive Officer of TSG Consumer Partners, L.P., a private equity firm specializing in the consumer products industry that he co-founded in 1987, where he also serves as Chair of the Investment Committee. Since October 2016, he has served as a member of the board of directors of Duckhorn Portfolio, Inc., a luxury wine company (NYSE: NAPA). From November 2012 to November 2017, Mr. Esserman served as a member of the board of directors of Planet Fitness, Inc., a company focused on franchising and operating fitness centers (NYSE: PLNT). From July 2012 to January 2018, he served on the Board of Trust of Vanderbilt University. Mr. Esserman received an M.B.A. from Stanford University and a B.S., with top honors, in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. We believe that Mr. Esserman’s extensive experience in portfolio investments and consumer brands make him an appropriate member of our board of directors.
Kathryn George has served as a member of our board of directors since August 2021 and a member of the board of managers for Dutch Bros OpCo since October 2018. Since January 1, 2008, Ms. George has served as a Partner of Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (“BBH”), a privately owned financial services firm, where she has worked for 35 years. Prior to assuming a leadership role in BBH’s Private Banking business in 2015, she had oversight for Global Audit, Enterprise Risk, Compliance, Human Resources and the Office of General Counsel. Ms. George currently serves as Chair of the Private Banking Investment Oversight Committee, Co-Chair of the Global Inclusion Council and as a member of the Private Banking Oversight Committee, the Capital Partners Investment and Valuation Committee and the Governance Risk and Compliance Committee. She is also on the Board of the BBH Trust Company and the BBH Trust Company (Cayman) Ltd. Since joining Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. in August 1986, she previously served in multiple positions, including Head of Merchant Banking and of Equity, Sales, Research and Trading. Since September 2016, Ms. George has served as a member of the board of directors of Haven Behavioral Healthcare, Inc., a healthcare company. Since 2014, she has served as a trustee and member of the Executive Committee of Trinity College, where she also serves as Chair of the Audit Committee. Since 2012, Ms. George has served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Gillen Brewer School. She is a former Member of the Executive Committee of the Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia, where she chaired the Investment Committee. Ms. George received a B.A. in Economics from Trinity College. We believe that Ms. George’s extensive leadership experience and expertise in strategy, finance and management make her an appropriate member of our board of directors.
Blythe Jack has served as a member of our board of directors since August 2021 and a member of the board of managers for Dutch Bros OpCo since October 2018. Since 2011, Ms. Jack has served as a Managing Director of TSG Consumer Partners, L.P., a private equity company, where she also serves as a member of the Investment Committee. Since April 2017, she has served as a member of the board of directors of BrewDog plc, a global independent craft brewing company. Since July 2015, she has served as a member of the board of directors of Backcountry.com, LLC, a retail company specializing in outdoor gear and apparel. From June 2016 to March 2021, Ms. Jack served as a member of the board of directors of Canyon Bicycles GmbH, a direct-to-consumer bicycle company. From April 2014 to December 2020, she served as a member of the board of directors of SweetWater Brewing Company, a craft brewing company. From July 2018 to February 2020, Ms. Jack served as a member of the board of directors of Prive Goods, LLC, a designer eyewear company. From October 2012 to August 2016, she served as a member of the board of directors of IT Cosmetics, LLC, a beauty company. Prior to joining TSG Consumer Partners, L.P., Ms. Jack served as a Managing Director of Rosewood Capital, LP, a private equity company. Ms. Jack received a B.A., with honors, in Communication Studies from Vanderbilt University. We believe that Ms. Jack’s extensive experience in portfolio investments and consumer brands and expertise in strategy and management make her an appropriate member of our board of directors.
Family Relationships
Brian Maxwell, our Chief Operating Officer, is Mr. Boersma’s brother-in-law. Christine Schmidt, our Chief Administrative Officer, is Mr. Boersma’s sister-in-law. Brant Boersma, our former Chief Culture Officer, is Mr. Boersma’s nephew. There are no other family relationships among our directors or executive officers.
Composition of Our Board of Directors
Our business and affairs are managed under the direction of our board of directors. Effective upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, we have seven directors with no vacancies. Our current directors will continue to serve as directors until their resignation, removal or successor is duly elected.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and that will be in effect prior to the closing of this offering and our amended and restated bylaws to become effective immediately prior to the closing of this offering will permit our board of directors to establish the authorized number of directors from time to time by resolution. Each director serves until the expiration of the term for which such director was elected or appointed, or until such director’s earlier death, resignation or removal.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation that will be in effect prior to the closing of this offering will permit the holders of the Class C common stock, voting as a separate class, to elect up to two members to the board of directors subject to certain limitations set forth therein. In connection with this offering, we will enter into a stockholders agreement with investment funds affiliated with our Sponsor governing certain designation rights with respect to our board of directors following this offering. Pursuant to the terms of the Stockholders Agreement, following the completion of this offering, investment funds affiliated with our Sponsor will have the right to designate up to two of the directors serving on our board. See “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Agreements to be entered into in connection with this offering—Stockholders Agreement.”
Controlled Company Exception
After the completion of this offering and application of the net proceeds therefrom, our Co-Founder will beneficially own approximately 74.4% of the combined voting power of our Class A common stock, Class B common stock, Class C common stock and Class D common stock (or 74.1% if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock). As a result, we will be a “controlled company” within the meaning of the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance standards. Under these corporate governance standards, a company of which more than 50% of the voting power for the election of directors is held by an individual, group or another company is a “controlled company” and may elect not to comply with certain corporate governance standards, including the requirements (1) that a majority of our board of directors consist of independent directors, (2) that our board of directors have a compensation committee that consists entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities and (3) that our director nominations be made, or recommended to our full board of directors, by our independent directors or by a nominations committee that consists entirely of independent directors and that we adopt a written charter or board resolution addressing the nominations process. We have elected to take advantage of the “controlled company” governance standards. Accordingly, you will not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to these corporate governance requirements. In the event that we cease to be a “controlled company” and our shares continue to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange, we will be required to comply with these provisions within the applicable transition periods.
Committees of Our Board of Directors
Our board of directors has established a compensation committee and an audit and risk committee. The composition and responsibilities of each of the committees of our board of directors are described below. Members serve on these committees until their resignation or until otherwise determined by our board of directors. Our board of directors may establish other committees as it deems necessary or appropriate from time to time.
Audit and Risk Committee
Effective at the time of effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, our audit and risk committee consists of Shelley Broader, Kathryn George and Blythe Jack. Each member of our audit and risk committee can read and understand fundamental financial statements in accordance with applicable requirements. The chair of our audit and risk committee is Ms. Broader, who our board of directors has determined is an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of SEC regulations. In arriving at these determinations, our board of directors has examined each audit and risk committee member’s scope of experience and the nature of their employment in the corporate finance sector.
The principal duties and responsibilities of our audit and risk committee include, among other things:
•hiring and selecting a qualified firm to serve as the independent registered public accounting firm to audit our financial statements;
•helping to ensure the independence and performance of the independent registered public accounting firm;
•helping to maintain and foster an open avenue of communication between management and the independent registered public accounting firm;
•discussing the scope and results of the audit with the independent registered public accounting firm, and reviewing, with management and the independent registered public accounting firm, our interim and year-end operating results;
•developing procedures for employees to submit concerns anonymously about questionable accounting or audit matters;
•reviewing our policies on risk assessment and risk management;
•reviewing related party transactions;
•obtaining and reviewing a report by the independent registered public accounting firm at least annually, that describes its internal quality-control procedures, any material issues with such procedures, and any steps taken to deal with such issues when required by applicable law; and
•approving (or, as permitted, pre-approving) all audit and all permissible non-audit services to be performed by the independent registered public accounting firm.
Our audit and risk committee will operate under a written charter, which became effective upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, that satisfies the applicable listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange.
Compensation Committee
Effective at the time of effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, our compensation committee consists of Thomas Davis and Blythe Jack. The chair of our compensation committee is Mr. Davis.
The principal duties and responsibilities of our compensation committee include, among other things:
•approving the retention of compensation consultants and outside service providers and advisors;
•reviewing and approving, or recommending that our board of directors approve, the compensation, individual and corporate performance goals and objectives and other terms of employment of our executive officers, including evaluating the performance of our chief executive officer and, with his assistance, that of our other executive officers;
•reviewing and recommending to our board of directors the compensation of our directors;
•administering our equity and non-equity incentive plans;
•reviewing our practices and policies of employee compensation as they relate to alignment of incentives;
•reviewing and evaluating succession plans for the executive officers;
•reviewing and approving, or recommending that our board of directors approve, incentive compensation and equity plans; and
•reviewing and establishing general policies relating to compensation and benefits of our employees and reviewing our overall compensation philosophy.
Our compensation committee will operate under a written charter, which became effective upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, that satisfies the applicable listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange.
Director Nominations
We do not have a standing nominating committee. In accordance with the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance standards, a majority of the independent directors may recommend a director nominee for selection by the board of directors. The board of directors believes that the independent directors can satisfactorily carry out the responsibility of properly selecting or approving director nominees without the formation of a standing nominating committee. As there is no standing nominating committee, we do not have a nominating committee charter in place.
The board of directors will also consider director candidates recommended for nomination by our stockholders during such times as they are seeking proposed nominees to stand for election at the next annual meeting of stockholders (or, if applicable, a special meeting of stockholders). Our stockholders that wish to nominate a director for election to our board of directors should follow the procedures set forth in our amended and restated bylaws.
We have not formally established any specific, minimum qualifications that must be met or skills that are necessary for directors to possess. In general, in identifying and evaluating nominees for director, our board of directors considers educational background, diversity of professional experience, knowledge of our business, integrity, professional reputation, independence, wisdom, and the ability to represent the best interests of our stockholders.
Code of Conduct
In connection with this offering, we adopted a Code of Conduct that applies to all our employees, officers and directors. This includes our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. The full text of our Code of Conduct will be posted on our website at www.dutchbros.com. We intend to disclose on our website any future amendments of our Code of Conduct or waivers that exempt any principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, persons performing similar functions or our directors from provisions in the Code of Conduct. Information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and you should not consider information on our website to be part of this prospectus.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
None of the members of the compensation committee are currently, or have been at any time, one of our executive officers or employees. None of our executive officers currently serve, or have served during the last year, as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of any entity that has one or more executive officers serving as a member of our board of directors or compensation committee.
Non-Employee Director Compensation
During the year ended December 31, 2020, we did not pay cash or equity-based compensation to any of our non-employee directors for service on our board of directors. We have reimbursed and will continue to reimburse all our non-employee directors for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending board of directors and committee meetings.
In August 2021, our board of directors adopted a non-employee director compensation policy in connection with this offering. Under this compensation policy, our non-employee directors will be eligible to receive the following compensation for service on our board of directors and committees of our board of directors on and following the completion of this offering:
•an annual cash retainer of $65,000;
•an additional annual cash retainer of $20,000 for service as the Lead Director;
•an additional annual cash retainer of $10,000, $8,000 and $5,000 for service as a member of the audit and risk committee, compensation committee and the nominating and corporate governance committee, respectively;
•an additional annual cash retainer of $15,000, $10,000 and $10,000 for service as chair of the audit and risk committee, compensation committee and the nominating and corporate governance committee, respectively (such additional retainer is in lieu of, and not in addition to, the retainer for service as a member of a committee); and
•an annual grant of restricted stock units with an aggregate grant date fair value of $100,000, granted on the date of each of our annual stockholder meetings.
The annual restricted stock unit grants described above will be granted under our 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2021 Plan”), the terms of which are described in more detail below under the section titled “Executive Compensation—Employee Benefit Plans—2021 Equity Incentive Plan.” Each such restricted stock unit grant will vest subject to the non-employee director’s continuous service to us as follows: 25% of the shares subject to the grant will vest on the last day of each fiscal quarter, beginning with the first fiscal quarter following the date of grant, provided that, in any event, such shares will be fully vested on the date of our next annual stockholder meeting.
In the event of our change in control (as defined in the 2021 Plan), each non-employee director’s then-outstanding equity awards granted under the non-employee director compensation policy will become fully vested upon such change in control, provided that he or she remains in continuous service until such date.
In addition, the non-employee director compensation policy provides that the aggregate value of all compensation granted or paid to any non-employee director with respect to any calendar year beginning with the calendar year following the closing of this offering beginning with the calendar year following the closing of this offering, including awards granted and cash fees paid by us to such non-employee director, will not exceed $750,000 in total value, except such amount will increase to $1,000,000 for the first year for newly appointed or elected non-employee directors.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Our named executive officers for the year ended December 31, 2020, consisting of our principal executive officer and the next two most highly compensated executive officers, were:
•Travis Boersma, our Co-Founder and Executive Chairman, and former Chief Executive Officer;
•Joth Ricci, our current Chief Executive Officer and President; and
•Charles L. Jemley, our Chief Financial Officer.
2020 Summary Compensation Table
The following table presents the compensation awarded to or earned by our named executive officers for the year ended December 31, 2020.
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Name and Principal Position
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Salary
($)
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Bonus
($)(1)
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Option
Awards
($)(2)
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All Other
Compensation
($)(3)
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Total
($)
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Travis Boersma(4)
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1,500,000
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—
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—
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—
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1,500,000
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Co-Founder and Executive Chairman
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Joth Ricci(5)
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550,000
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500,000
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—
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13,832
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1,063,832
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Chief Executive Officer and President
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Charles L. Jemley
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450,000
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225,000
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2,018,818
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17,261
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2,711,079
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Chief Financial Officer
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__________________
(1)Represents: (i) for Mr. Ricci, a $500,000 annual bonus earned in 2020; and (ii) for Mr. Jemley, a $225,000 annual bonus earned in 2020.
(2)Amounts reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of Profits Interest Units granted to our named executive officers during 2020 under our Management Incentive Plan (as defined below), computed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation. A portion of the Profits Interest Units are subject to performance conditions and the grant date fair value is based on the probable outcome of the performance conditions. The maximum grant date fair value of the performance-based portion of the Profits Interest Units granted to Mr. Jemley during 2020 was $70.74 per unit, which assumes the achievement of the highest level of performance conditions. The assumptions used in calculating the grant date fair value of the award disclosed in this column are set forth in the notes to our audited financial consolidated statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. These amounts do not correspond to the actual value that may be recognized by the named executive officers. See “—Outstanding Equity Awards as of December 31, 2020” below for additional information.
(3)Represents: (i) for Mr. Ricci, $11,000 for matching contributions made by us under our 401(k) plan, $1,200 for cell phone stipend, $107 for life insurance policy premiums paid by us, $1,200 for “coffee cash” and $325 for internet stipend and (ii) for Mr. Jemley, $14,538 for housing allowance, $1,100 for cell phone stipend, $98 for life insurance policy premiums paid by us, $1,200 for “coffee cash” and $325 for internet stipend.
(4)Mr. Boersma is our Co-Founder and has served as our Executive Chairman since February 2021. Prior to serving as our Executive Chairman, he served as our Chief Executive Officer from February 2019 to February 2021.
(5)Mr. Ricci has served as our Chief Executive Officer since February 2021 and our President since January 2019.
Narrative to the Summary Compensation Table
Annual Base Salary
Our named executive officers receive an annual base salary to compensate them for services rendered to us. The base salary payable to each named executive officer is intended to provide a fixed component of compensation reflecting the executive’s skill set, experience, role and responsibilities. None of our named executive officers is currently party to an employment agreement or other agreement or arrangement that provides for automatic or scheduled increases in base salary.
The 2020 annual base salaries for our named executive officers were as follows: (1) $1,500,000 for Mr. Boersma, (2) $550,000 for Mr. Ricci and (3) $450,000 for Mr. Jemley. There was no change to the named executive officers’ salaries for 2021.
Annual Bonus
The Company paid annual cash bonuses for Mr. Ricci and Mr. Jemley in the amount of $500,000 and $225,000, respectively, as reflected in the “Bonus” column of the 2020 Summary Compensation Table above. Mr. Jemley’s bonus is being paid out bi-monthly in accordance with regular payroll cycle. Mr. Boersma was not eligible to receive a discretionary annual bonus in 2020.
Equity-Based Incentive Awards
Our equity award program is the primary vehicle for offering long-term incentives to our executives. We believe that equity awards provide our executives with a strong link to long-term performance, create an ownership culture and help to align the interests of our executives and equity holders. To date, we have used Profits Interest Units for this purpose. We believe that our Profits Interest Units are an important retention tool for our executive officers, as well as for our other employees and we award them broadly to our employees, including to certain non-executive employees. We intend to continue to issue equity awards to our executive officers and employees after this offering as well.
Prior to this offering, all the equity awards we have granted were Profits Interest Units under the Dutch Mafia, LLC Management Incentive Plan (the “Management Incentive Plan”). The terms of our equity plans are described under the section titled “—Employee Benefit Plans—Management Incentive Plan” below.
Outstanding Equity Awards as of December 31, 2020
The following table presents information regarding outstanding equity awards held by our named executive officers as of December 31, 2020. All awards were granted pursuant to the Management Incentive Plan. See “—Employee Benefit Plans—Management Incentive Plan” below for additional information.
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Option Awards(1)
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Name
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Grant Date
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Vesting Commencement Date
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Number of securities underlying unexercised options (#) exercisable
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Number of securities underlying unexercised options(#) unexercisable
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Option exercise price(2) ($)
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Travis Boersma
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—
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Joth Ricci(3)
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1/22/2019
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1/1/2019
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44,444
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177,778(3)
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$71.76
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Charles L. Jemley
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3/13/2020
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2/1/2020
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11,111
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100,000(3)
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$79.80
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__________________
(1)Represent Profits Interest Units that vest based on satisfaction of a service-based vesting condition. In connection with the Recapitalization, all outstanding vested and unvested Profits Interests Units will be converted into Class A common units subject to substantially the same vesting schedule, with the exception of the Class A common units received upon conversion of the time-vesting Profits Interest Units granted in 2020 (which will instead vest in three annual installments occurring on January 1, 2022, January 1, 2023 and January 1, 2024, subject to the holder’s continued service to us through each vesting date) and prior to completion of this offering, such Class A common units will be exchanged for Class A common stock, as described under “Organizational Structure.”
(2)Reflects the Profits Interest Units threshold amount.
(3)50% of the Profits Interest Units are subject to time-based vesting and 50% of the Profits Interest Units are subject to performance-based vesting. The portion of the Profits Interest Units subject to time-based vesting conditions vest in equal installments on each of the first five (5) anniversaries of January 1, 2019, in the case of Mr. Ricci, or February 1, 2020, in the case of Mr. Jemley (each, “Vesting Date”), subject to the named executive officer’s continued employment through the applicable Vesting Date. In the event of a company sale, vesting of the Profits Interests Units subject to time-based vesting conditions will fully accelerate as of immediately prior to the consummation of such sale of the company, subject to the named executive officer’s continued employment through the sale of the company. The portion of the Profits Interest Units subject to performance-based vesting conditions will fully vest on the first to occur of a sale of the company or initial public offering of the company if (i) in the case of a sale of the company, the actual net cash proceeds received by securityholders in connection with a sale of the company is greater than $200.00 per unit or (ii) in the case of an initial public offering, the actual value of the common stock and common stock equivalents of the corporation undergoing the initial public offering as of immediately prior to the initial public offering is greater than $200.00 per unit; provided, that the named executive officer’s employment continues through the sale of the company or the initial public offering, as applicable. Based on an offering price of $19.00 which is the midpoint of the range indicated on the front page of this prospectus, we expect the performance vesting Profits Interest Units to vest in full upon consummation of this offering.
Employment Arrangements
Below are descriptions of our employment agreements with each of our named executive officers. Each of our named executive officers has executed a form of our standard confidential information and inventions assignment agreement.
Agreement with Travis Boersma
We have no employment agreement or offer letter with Travis Boersma, our Executive Chairman, and we currently do not anticipate entering into one in the future. Mr. Boersma’s current annual base salary is $1,500,000. Mr. Boersma is an at-will employee and receives no benefits different from those available to all our full-time employees and receives no perquisites.
Agreement with Joth Ricci
In connection with this offering, we expect to enter into an amended and restated employment agreement with Joth Ricci, our Chief Executive Officer. The amended and restated employment agreement will have no specific term and will provide that Mr. Ricci is an at-will employee. Mr. Ricci’s current annual base salary is $550,000, and Mr. Ricci is eligible for a discretionary target annual bonus opportunity equal to $500,000, based on the achievement of performance objectives determined by our board of directors (or its compensation committee).
Agreement with Charles L. Jemley
In connection with this offering, we expect to enter into an amended and restated employment agreement with Charles L. Jemley, our Chief Financial Officer. The amended and restated employment agreement will have no specific term and will provide that Mr. Jemley is an at-will employee. Mr. Jemley’s current annual base salary is $450,000, and Mr. Jemley is eligible for a discretionary target annual bonus opportunity equal to 50% of annual base salary, based on the achievement of performance objectives determined by our board of directors (or its compensation committee).
Potential Payments and Benefits upon Termination or Change in Control
In September 2021, our board of directors adopted a Severance and Change in Control Plan, or the Severance Plan, that will be effective in connection with this offering. Each of our named executive officers will become eligible to receive certain benefits under the terms of the Severance Plan.
The Severance Plan provides for severance and change in control benefits to the named executive officers upon a “change in control termination” or a “regular termination” (each as described below). Upon a change in control termination, each of our named executive officers is entitled to (i) a lump sum payment equal to a number of months of his base salary (24 months for each of Messrs. Boersma and Ricci and 12 months for Mr. Jemley), (ii) a lump sum payment equal to a percentage of his annual target cash bonus (200% for each of Messrs. Boersma and Ricci and 100% for Mr. Jemley), (iii) a lump sum payment equal to a prorated portion of his annual target cash bonus, (iv) acceleration in full of any outstanding equity awards (with any performance-based vesting awards deemed achieved at target level), and (v) payment of group health insurance premiums for a period (24 months for each of Messrs. Boersma and Ricci and 12 months for Mr. Jemley). Upon a regular termination, each of our named executive officers is entitled to (i) continued payment of his base salary for a period (24 months for Messrs. Boersma and Ricci and 12 months for Mr. Jemley), (ii) a lump sum payment equal to a prorated portion of his annual target cash bonus, and (iii) payment of group health insurance premiums for a period (24 months for Messrs. Boersma and Ricci and 12 months for Mr. Jemley).
In addition, if any of our named executive officers is terminated as a result of his death or “disability” (as defined in the Severance Plan), he or his estate will be entitled to receive (i) a payment equal to a prorated portion of his annual target cash bonus, and (ii) the acceleration in full of any outstanding equity awards (with any performance-based vesting awards deemed achieved at target level).
All benefits under the Severance Plan are subject to the named executive officer’s (or, in the case of the named executive officer’s death or disability, his personal representative’s) execution of an effective release of claims against us.
For purposes of the Severance Plan, a “regular termination” is an involuntary termination (i.e., a termination without “cause” (and not as a result of death or disability) or a resignation for “good reason,” each as defined in the Severance Plan) that does not occur during the period of time beginning on the closing of, and ending 24 months following, a “change in control” (as defined in the 2021 Plan), or the “change in control period.” A “change in control termination” is a regular termination that occurs during the change in control period.
Health and Welfare and Retirement Benefits; Perquisites
Health and Welfare Benefits and Perquisites
All our current named executive officers are eligible to participate in our employee benefit plans, including our medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance plans, in each case on the same basis as all our other employees, except that we pay for the full cost of premiums of such benefits for our named executive officers. We also provide limited benefits to our named executive officers, other than Mr. Boersma, to assist with their duties including a stipend to cover cell phone usage and internet and “coffee cash” to be used to purchase items in our stores. Otherwise, we generally do not provide perquisites or personal benefits to our named executive officers.
401(k) Plan
Our named executive officers are eligible to participate in a defined contribution retirement plan that provides eligible U.S. employees with an opportunity to save for retirement on a tax advantaged basis. Eligible employees may defer eligible compensation, which we currently match 100% up to the first four percent of eligible compensation in order to attract and retain employees with superior talent. Employees are immediately and fully vested in all contributions. Our board of directors may elect to adopt qualified or nonqualified benefit plans in the future, if it determines that doing so is in our best interests.
Employee Benefit Plans
The principal features of our equity plans are summarized below. These summaries are qualified in their entirety by reference to the actual text of the plans, which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
2021 Equity Incentive Plan
Our board of directors adopted the 2021 Plan in August, 2021, and we expect our stockholders will approve the 2021 Plan prior to the closing of this offering. The 2021 Plan will become effective upon the execution of the underwriting agreement for this offering. Once the 2021 Plan becomes effective, no further grants will be made under our Management Incentive Plan.
Types of Awards. Our 2021 Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options(“ISOs”), nonstatutory stock options (“NSOs”), stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock unit awards, performance -based awards and other awards (collectively, “awards”). ISOs may be granted only to employees of Dutch Bros, employees of a “parent corporation” of Dutch Bros or employees of a “subsidiary corporation” of Dutch Bros (as such terms are defined in Sections 424 of the Code). Because of our organizational structure, we currently do not anticipate that any ISOs will be granted under the 2021 Plan. All other awards may be granted to our employees, including our officers, our non-employee directors and consultants and the employees and consultants of our affiliates.
Authorized Shares. The maximum number of shares of Class A common stock that may be issued under our 2021 Plan is 17,298,769 shares. The number of shares of Class A common stock reserved for issuance under our 2021 Plan will automatically increase on January 1 of each year, beginning on January 1, 2022, and continuing through and including January 1, 2031, by one percent (1%) of the aggregate number of shares of common stock of all classes issued and outstanding on December 31 of the preceding calendar year, or a lesser number of shares
determined by our board of directors prior to the applicable January 1. The maximum number of shares that may be issued upon the exercise of ISOs under our 2021 Plan is 51,896,307 shares.
Shares issued under our 2021 Plan will be authorized but unissued or reacquired shares of Class A common stock. Shares subject to awards granted under our 2021 Plan that expire or terminate without being exercised in full, or that are paid out in cash rather than in shares, will not reduce the number of shares available for issuance under our 2021 Plan. Additionally, shares issued pursuant to awards under our 2021 Plan that we repurchase or that are forfeited, as well as shares used to pay the exercise price of an award or to satisfy the tax withholding obligations to an award, will become available for future grant under our 2021 Plan.
The maximum number of shares of Class A common stock subject to stock awards granted under the 2021 Plan or otherwise during any calendar year beginning in 2022 to any non-employee director, taken together with any cash fees paid by us to such non-employee director during such calendar year for service on the board of directors, will not exceed $750,000 in total value (calculating the value of any such stock awards based on the grant date fair value of such stock awards for financial reporting purposes), or, with respect to the calendar year in which a non-employee director is first appointed or elected to our board of directors, $1,000,000.
Plan Administration. Our board of directors, or a duly authorized committee of our board, may administer our 2021 Plan. Our board of directors has delegated concurrent authority to administer our 2021 Plan to the compensation committee under the terms of the compensation committee’s charter. We sometimes refer to the board of directors, or the applicable committee with the power to administer our equity incentive plans, as the “administrator.” The administrator may also delegate to one or more of our officers the authority to (1) designate employees (other than officers) to receive specified awards, and (2) determine the number of shares subject to such awards.
The administrator has the authority to determine the terms of awards, including recipients, the exercise, purchase or strike price of awards, if any, the number of shares subject to each award, the fair market value of a share of Class A common stock, the vesting schedule applicable to the awards, together with any vesting acceleration, and the form of consideration, if any, payable upon exercise or settlement of the award and the terms of the award agreements for use under our 2021 Plan.
In addition, subject to the terms of the 2021 Plan, the administrator also has the power to modify outstanding awards under our 2021 Plan, including the authority to reprice any outstanding option or stock appreciation right, cancel and re-grant any outstanding option or stock appreciation right in exchange for new stock awards, cash or other consideration, or take any other action that is treated as a repricing under generally accepted accounting principles, with the consent of any materially adversely affected participant.
Stock Options. ISOs and NSOs are granted pursuant to stock option agreements adopted by the administrator. The administrator determines the exercise price for a stock option, within the terms and conditions of the 2021 Plan, provided that the exercise price of a stock option generally cannot be less than 100% of the fair market value of our Class A common stock on the date of grant. Options granted under the 2021 Plan vest at the rate specified in the stock option agreement as specified in the stock option agreement by the administrator.
The administrator determines the term of stock options granted under the 2021 Plan, up to a maximum of ten years. Unless the terms of an optionholder’s stock option agreement provide otherwise, if an optionholder’s service relationship with us, or any of our affiliates, ceases for any reason other than disability, death or cause, the optionholder may generally exercise any vested options for a period of three months following the cessation of service. The option term may be extended in the event that either an exercise of the option or an immediate sale of shares acquired upon exercise of the option following such a termination of service is prohibited by applicable securities laws or our insider trading policy. If an optionholder’s service relationship with us or any of our affiliates ceases due to disability or death, or an optionholder dies within a certain period following cessation of service, the optionholder or a beneficiary may generally exercise any vested options for a period of 12 months in the event of disability and 18 months in the event of death. In the event of a termination for cause, options generally terminate immediately upon the termination of the individual for cause. In no event may an option be exercised beyond the expiration of its term.
Acceptable consideration for the purchase of Class A common stock issued upon the exercise of a stock option will be determined by the administrator and may include (1) cash, check, bank draft or money order, (2) a broker-assisted cashless exercise, (3) the tender of shares of Class A common stock previously owned by the optionholder, (4) a net exercise of the option if it is an NSO and (5) other legal consideration approved by the administrator.
Options may not be transferred to third-party financial institutions for value. Unless the administrator provides otherwise, options generally are not transferable except by will, the laws of descent and distribution or pursuant to a domestic relations order. An optionholder may designate a beneficiary, however, who may exercise the option following the optionholder’s death.
Tax Limitations on ISOs. The aggregate fair market value, determined at the time of grant, of Class A common stock with respect to ISOs that are exercisable for the first time by an option holder during any calendar year under all our stock plans may not exceed $100,000. Options or portions thereof that exceed such limit will be treated as NSOs. No ISOs may be granted to any person who, at the time of the grant, owns or is deemed to own stock possessing more than 10% of our total combined voting power or that of any of our parent or subsidiary corporations, unless (1) the option exercise price is at least 110% of the fair market value of the stock subject to the option on the date of grant and (2) the term of the ISO does not exceed five years from the date of grant.
Restricted Stock Awards. Restricted stock awards are granted pursuant to restricted stock award agreements adopted by the administrator. Restricted stock awards may be granted in consideration for cash, check, bank draft or money order, services rendered to us or our affiliates or any other form of legal consideration. Class A common stock acquired under a restricted stock award may, but need not, be subject to a share repurchase option in our favor in accordance with a vesting schedule to be determined by the administrator. A restricted stock award may be transferred only upon such terms and conditions as set by the administrator. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable award agreement, restricted stock awards that have not vested may be forfeited or repurchased by us upon the participant’s cessation of continuous service for any reason.
Restricted Stock Unit Awards. Restricted stock unit awards are granted pursuant to restricted stock unit award agreements adopted by the administrator. Restricted stock unit awards may be granted in consideration for any form of legal consideration. A restricted stock unit award may be settled by cash, delivery of stock, a combination of cash and stock as deemed appropriate by the administrator or in any other form of consideration set forth in the restricted stock unit award agreement. Additionally, dividend equivalents may be credited in respect of shares covered by a restricted stock unit award. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable award agreement, restricted stock units that have not vested will be forfeited upon the participant’s cessation of continuous service for any reason.
Stock Appreciation Rights. Stock appreciation rights are granted pursuant to stock appreciation right grant agreements adopted by the administrator. The administrator determines the strike price for a stock appreciation right, which generally cannot be less than 100% of the fair market value of Class A common stock on the date of grant. Upon the exercise of a stock appreciation right, we will pay the participant an amount equal to the product of (1) the excess of the per share fair market value of common stock on the date of exercise over the strike price, multiplied by (2) the number of shares of Class A common stock with respect to which the stock appreciation right is exercised. A stock appreciation right granted under the 2021 Plan vests at the rate specified in the stock appreciation right agreement as determined by the administrator.
The administrator determines the term of stock appreciation rights granted under the 2021 Plan, up to a maximum of ten years. Unless the terms of a participant’s stock appreciation right agreement provide otherwise, if a participant’s service relationship with us or any of our affiliates ceases for any reason other than cause, disability or death, the participant may generally exercise any vested stock appreciation right for a period of three months following the cessation of service. The stock appreciation right term may be further extended in the event that exercise of the stock appreciation right following such a termination of service is prohibited by applicable securities laws. If a participant’s service relationship with us, or any of our affiliates, ceases due to disability or death, or a participant dies within a certain period following cessation of service, the participant or a beneficiary may generally exercise any vested stock appreciation right for a period of 12 months in the event of disability and 18 months in the
event of death. In the event of a termination for cause, stock appreciation rights generally terminate immediately upon the occurrence of the event giving rise to the termination of the individual for cause. In no event may a stock appreciation right be exercised beyond the expiration of its term.
Performance Awards. Our 2021 Plan permits the grant of performance-based stock and cash awards. The compensation committee can structure such awards so that the stock or cash will be issued or paid pursuant to such award only following the achievement of certain pre-established performance goals during a designated performance period. Performance awards that are settled in cash or other property are not required to be valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, our Class A common stock.
The performance goals may be based on any measure of performance selected by the board of directors. The compensation committee may establish performance goals on a company-wide basis, with respect to one or more business units, divisions, affiliates or business segments, and in either absolute terms or relative to the performance of one or more comparable companies or the performance of one or more relevant indices. Unless specified otherwise (i) in the award agreement at the time the award is granted or (ii) in such other document setting forth the performance goals at the time the goals are established, the compensation committee will appropriately make adjustments in the method of calculating the attainment of the performance goals as follows: (1) to exclude restructuring and/or other nonrecurring charges; (2) to exclude exchange rate effects; (3) to exclude the effects of changes to generally accepted accounting principles; (4) to exclude the effects of any statutory adjustments to corporate tax rates; (5) to exclude the effects of items that are “unusual” in nature or occur “infrequently” as determined under generally accepted accounting principles; (6) to exclude the dilutive effects of acquisitions or joint ventures; (7) to assume that any business divested by us achieved performance objectives at targeted levels during the balance of a performance period following such divestiture; (8) to exclude the effect of any change in the outstanding shares of Class A common stock by reason of any stock dividend or split, stock repurchase, reorganization, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, spin-off, combination or exchange of shares or other similar corporate change, or any distributions to Class A common stockholders other than regular cash dividends; (9) to exclude the effects of equity-based compensation and the award of bonuses under our bonus plans; (10) to exclude costs incurred in connection with potential acquisitions or divestitures that are required to be expensed under generally accepted accounting principles and (11) to exclude the goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges that are required to be recorded under generally accepted accounting principles.
Other Awards. The administrator may grant other awards based in whole or in part by reference to Class A common stock. The administrator will set the number of shares under the award and all other terms and conditions of such awards.
Changes to Capital Structure. In the event there is a specified type of change in our capital structure, such as a stock split, reverse stock split or recapitalization, appropriate adjustments will be made to (1) the class and maximum number of shares reserved for issuance under the 2021 Plan; (2) the class and maximum number of shares by which the share reserve may increase automatically each year; (3) the class and maximum number of shares that may be issued upon the exercise of ISOs and (4) the class and number of shares and exercise price, strike price or purchase price, if applicable, of all outstanding awards.
Corporate Transactions. In the event of a corporate transaction, any stock awards outstanding under the 2021 Plan may be assumed, continued or substituted for by any surviving or acquiring corporation (or its parent company), and any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by us with respect to the stock award may be assigned to the successor (or its parent company). If the surviving or acquiring corporation (or its parent company) does not assume, continue or substitute for such stock awards, then (i) with respect to any such stock awards that are held by participants whose continuous service has not terminated prior to the effective time of the corporate transaction, or current participants, the vesting (and exercisability, if applicable) of such stock awards will be accelerated in full to a date prior to the effective time of the corporate transaction (contingent upon the effectiveness of the corporate transaction), and such stock awards will terminate if not exercised (if applicable) at or prior to the effective time of the corporate transaction, and any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by us with respect to such stock awards will lapse (contingent upon the effectiveness of the corporate transaction), and (ii) any such stock awards that are held by persons other than current participants will terminate if not exercised (if applicable) prior to the effective time of the corporate transaction, except that any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by us with respect to such
stock awards will not terminate and may continue to be exercised notwithstanding the corporate transaction. In addition, the plan administrator may also provide, in its sole discretion, that the holder of a stock award that will terminate upon the occurrence of a corporate transaction if not previously exercised will receive a payment, if any, equal to the excess of the value of the property the participant would have received upon exercise of the stock award over the exercise price otherwise payable in connection with the stock award.
Under the 2021 Plan, a corporate transaction is generally the consummation of (1) a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of our assets, (2) a sale or other disposition of at least 50% of our outstanding securities, (3) a merger, consolidation or similar transaction following which we are not the surviving corporation or (4) a merger, consolidation or similar transaction following which we are the surviving corporation but the shares of Class A common stock outstanding immediately prior to such transaction are converted or exchanged into other property by virtue of the transaction.
A stock award may be subject to additional acceleration of vesting and exercisability upon or after a change in control as may be provided in an applicable award agreement or other written agreement, but in the absence of such provision, no such acceleration will occur.
Transferability. A participant may not transfer awards under our 2021 Plan other than by will, the laws of descent and distribution or as otherwise provided under our 2021 Plan.
Plan Amendment or Termination. Our board has the authority to amend, suspend or terminate our 2021 Plan, provided that such action does not materially impair the existing rights of any participant without such participant’s written consent. Certain material amendments also require the approval of our stockholders. No ISOs may be granted after the tenth anniversary of the date our board adopted our 2021 Plan. No awards may be granted under our 2021 Plan while it is suspended or after it is terminated.
Management Incentive Plan
Our board of directors adopted the Management Incentive Plan in January 22, 2019. As of December 31, 2020, there were 826,732 Profits Interest Units outstanding under our Management Incentive Plan. In connection with the Recapitalization, all outstanding vested and unvested Profits Interests Units will be converted into Class A common units subject to substantially the same vesting schedule, with the exception of the Class A common units received upon conversion of the time-vesting Profits Interest Units granted in 2020 (which will instead vest in three annual installments occurring on January 1, 2022, January 1, 2023 and January 1, 2024, subject to the holder’s continued service to us through each vesting date), and prior to completion of this offering, such Class A common units will be exchanged for Class A common stock, as described under “Organizational Structure.” The Management Incentive Plan will be terminated on the date the 2021 Plan becomes effective.
Authorized Units. Subject to certain capitalization adjustment, the aggregate number of Profits Interest Units that may be issued pursuant to all awards under our Management Incentive Plan is 1,111,111 Profits Interest Units. Any Profits Interest Units subject to awards that are forfeited, canceled or converted pursuant to an award agreement are thereafter be available for issuance under our Management Incentive Plan.
Type of Awards. Our Management Incentive Plan provides for the grant of Profits Interest Units, which are interests in Dutch Bros OpCo intended to qualify as “profits interests” for US federal income tax purposes, to certain of our employees, advisors, consultants, and service providers. To achieve this tax treatment, each Profits Interest Unit is assigned a “distribution threshold,” which refers to the amount determined by our board of directors to be not be less than the aggregate amount of distributions that would be made on the Profits Interest Unit’s grant date if there were a hypothetical sale of our assets for a price negotiated at arms’ length between a willing buyer and a willing seller and the proceeds therefrom were distributed in our liquidation in accordance with the terms of our limited liability company agreement. Holders of Profits Interest Units are entitled to participate in profit distributions above the distribution threshold set forth in their Profits Interest Unit agreements.
Plan Administration. Our board of directors administers and interprets our Management Incentive Plan. Our board may delegate authority to administer the Management Incentive Plan to a committee of the board of directors or other persons. Under our Management Incentive Plan, the board of directors has the authority to, among
other things, determine eligibility for and grant awards, determined, amend or modify the terms and conditions of such awards, and take other actions necessary to carry out the purposes of the Management Incentive Plan.
Adjustments to Profits Interest Units. In the event of any split, dividend or combination of units, or other change in our capital structure, the administrator shall make appropriate adjustments to the number of Profits Interest Units available for grant under the Management Incentive Plan and to awards then outstanding.
Covered Transactions. In the event of a covered transaction, the administrator will determine the effect of such covered transaction, which may include: (1) providing for the assumption or substitution of awards, (2) providing for a cash-out of awards, including for no consideration, or (3) providing for the termination of unvested awards without payment in respect thereof. However, if the transaction is an initial public offering, the administrator may not provide for the cash-out of awards or termination of unvested awards without payment in respect thereof. A covered transaction means any transaction in which (i) one or more classes of our securities are converted into or exchanged for securities in another form issued by Dutch Bros Inc., (ii) we merge or combine with one or more of our affiliates with Dutch Bros Inc. surviving any such combination, (iii) there is a company sale or deemed liquidity event or (iv) our board of directors otherwise determines is a covered transaction.
Transferability. Unless expressly consented to by the administrator in writing, unvested awards are non-transferable other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and vested awards may be transferred only to the extent permitted by our limited liability company agreement.
Plan Amendment or Termination. The administrator may amend or terminate the Management Incentive Plan at any time. Certain amendments or modifications may require the participants’ consent.
Indemnification Matters
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation that will be in effect prior to the closing of this offering will contain provisions that limit the liability of our current and former directors for monetary damages to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. Delaware law provides that directors of a corporation will not be personally liable for monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary duties as directors, except liability for:
•any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders;
•any act or omission not in good faith or that involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;
•unlawful payments of dividends or unlawful stock repurchases or redemptions; or
•any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. Such limitation of liability does not apply to liabilities arising under federal securities laws and does not affect the availability of equitable remedies such as injunctive relief or rescission.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation that will authorize us to indemnify our directors, officers, employees and other agents to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. Our amended and restated bylaws will provide that we are required to indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law and may indemnify our other employees and agents. Our amended and restated bylaws will also provide that, on satisfaction of certain conditions, we will advance expenses incurred by a director or officer in advance of the final disposition of any action or proceeding, and permit us to secure insurance on behalf of any officer, director, employee or other agent for any liability arising out of his or her actions in that capacity regardless of whether we would otherwise be permitted to indemnify him or her under the provisions of Delaware law. We have entered and expect to continue to enter into agreements to indemnify our directors, executive officers and other employees as determined by our board of directors. With certain exceptions, these agreements provide for indemnification for related expenses including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines and settlement amounts incurred by any of these individuals in any action or proceeding. We believe these provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws and these indemnification agreements are necessary to
attract and retain qualified persons as directors and officers. We also maintain customary directors’ and officers’ liability insurance.
The limitation of liability and indemnification provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit against our directors for breach of their fiduciary duty. They may also reduce the likelihood of derivative litigation against our directors and officers, even though an action, if successful, might benefit us and other stockholders. Further, a stockholder’s investment may be adversely affected to the extent that we pay the costs of settlement and damage awards against directors and officers as required by these indemnification provisions.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted for directors, executive officers or persons controlling us, we have been informed that, in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
Rule 10b5-1 Sales Plans
Our directors and officers may adopt written plans, known as Rule 10b5-1 plans, in which they will contract with a broker to buy or sell shares of our common stock on a periodic basis. Under a Rule 10b5-1 plan, a broker executes trades under parameters established by the director or officer when entering into the plan, without further direction from them. The director or officer may amend a Rule 10b5-1 plan in some circumstances and may terminate a plan at any time. Our directors and executive officers may also buy or sell additional shares outside of a Rule 10b5-1 plan when they do not possess of material nonpublic information, subject to compliance with the terms of our insider trading policy.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS
Other than compensation arrangements for our directors and executive officers, which are described elsewhere in this prospectus, below we describe transactions since January 1, 2018 to which we were a party or will be a party, in which:
•the amounts involved exceeded or will exceed $120,000; and
•any of our directors, executive officers or holders of more than 5% of our capital stock, or any member of the immediate family of, or person sharing the household with, the foregoing persons (each, a “related party” and collectively, “related parties”), had or will have a direct or indirect material interest, other than equity and other compensation, termination, change in control and other arrangements, which are described under the section titled “Executive Compensation.”
Agreements to be entered into in connection with this offering
Registration Rights Agreement
In connection with this offering, we intend to enter into a registration rights agreement with our Sponsor and Co-Founder. The registration rights agreement will provide our Sponsor and Co-Founder with certain demand registration rights, including shelf registration rights, in respect of any shares of our common stock held by it, subject to certain conditions. In addition, in the event that we register additional shares of common stock for sale to the public following the completion of this offering, we will be required to give notice of such registration to our Sponsor and Co-Founder, and, subject to certain limitations, include shares of common stock held by them in such registration. The agreement will include customary indemnification provisions in favor of our Sponsor and Co-Founder, any person who is or might be deemed a control person (within the meaning of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act) and related parties against certain losses and liabilities (including reasonable costs of investigation and legal expenses) arising out of or based upon any filing or other disclosure made by us under the securities laws relating to any such registration.
Stockholders Agreement
In connection with this offering, we intend to enter into a stockholders agreement with our Sponsor governing certain designation rights with respect to our board of directors following this offering (the “Stockholders Agreement”). Pursuant to the terms of the Stockholders Agreement, following the completion of this offering, our Sponsor will have the right to designate up to two members of the board of directors for so long as the holders of shares of Class C common stock and Class D common stock are entitled to elect one or more members to the board of directors pursuant to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation. Under the Stockholders Agreement, we are required to take all necessary action to cause the board of directors to include such individuals designated by our Sponsor in the slate of nominees recommended by the board of directors for election by our stockholders at each annual or special meeting of shareholders at which our Sponsor is entitled to designate directors to be elected.
Our Sponsor will also have the exclusive right to remove their designees and to designate replacements to fill vacancies created by the removal or resignation of their designees, and we are required to take all necessary action to cause such removals and fill such vacancies at the request of our Sponsor. The Stockholders Agreement will also provide that we will obtain customary director indemnity insurance and on the first anniversary of this offering our board of directors will include at least three independent members.
Tax Receivable Agreements
Dutch Bros Inc. will enter into two Tax Receivable Agreements. Dutch Bros Inc. will enter into (i) the Exchange Tax Receivable Agreement with the Continuing Members and (ii) the Reorganization Tax Receivable Agreement with the Pre-IPO Blocker Holders. These Tax Receivable Agreements will provide for the payment by Dutch Bros Inc. to such Continuing Members and Pre-IPO Blocker Holders of 85% of the benefits, if any, that Dutch Bros Inc. is deemed to realize (calculated using certain assumptions) as a result of certain tax attributes and benefits covered by the Tax Receivable Agreements. The Exchange Tax Receivable Agreement will provide for the
payment by Dutch Bros Inc. to the Continuing Members of 85% of the benefits, if any, that Dutch Bros Inc. is deemed to realize (calculated using certain assumptions) as a result of (i) existing tax basis in certain assets of Dutch Bros OpCo and its subsidiaries (including assets that will eventually be subject to depreciation or amortization once placed in service) at the time of any redemption or exchange of Class A common units (including in the Reorganization Transactions and Offering Transactions), which tax basis is allocated to such redeemed or exchanged Class A common units acquired by Dutch Bros Inc., (ii) adjustments that will increase the tax basis of the tangible and intangible assets of Dutch Bros OpCo and its Subsidiaries as a result of Dutch Bros Inc.’s taxable acquisition of Class A common units from the Continuing Members in the Offering Transactions and in connection with future redemptions or exchanges of Class A common units for shares of Class A common stock (or a corresponding amount of cash), (iii) disproportionate allocations (if any) of tax benefits to Dutch Bros Inc. under Section 704(c) of the Code as a result of Dutch Bros Inc.’s acquisition of Class A common units from Dutch Bros OpCo in the Offering Transactions and from former PI Unit holders in the Pre-IPO Exchanges and, and (iv) certain other tax benefits, including tax benefits attributable to payments under the Exchange Tax Receivable Agreement. The Reorganization Tax Receivable Agreement will provide for the payment by Dutch Bros Inc. to Pre-IPO Blocker Holders of 85% of the benefits, if any, that Dutch Bros Inc. is deemed to realize (calculated using certain assumptions) as a result of (i) existing tax basis and certain adjustments to the tax basis of certain assets of Dutch Bros OpCo and its subsidiaries, in each case, that are attributable to Class A common units acquired by Dutch Bros Inc. as a result of the Blocker Mergers, (ii) certain tax attributes of the Blocker Companies (including net operating losses, capital losses, research and development credits, work opportunity tax credits, excess Section 163(j) limitation carryforwards, charitable deductions, foreign Tax credits and any Tax attributes subject to carryforward under Section 381 of the Code), and (iii) certain other tax benefits, including tax benefits attributable to payments under the Reorganization Tax Receivable Agreement.
These increases in Dutch Bros Inc.’s allocable share of existing tax basis, the tax basis adjustments generated over time and the application of Section 704(c) of the Code may increase (for tax purposes) depreciation and amortization deductions allocated to Dutch Bros Inc. and, therefore, may reduce the amount of tax that Dutch Bros Inc. would otherwise be required to pay in the future, although the IRS may challenge all or part of the validity of that tax basis, and a court could sustain such a challenge. Dutch Bros Inc.’s allocable share of existing tax basis attributable to Class A common units acquired in the Blocker Mergers, Reorganization Transactions and Offering Transactions, and the increase in Dutch Bros Inc.’s allocable share of existing tax basis and the anticipated tax basis adjustments upon redemptions or exchanges of Class A common units for shares of Class A common stock (or a corresponding amount of cash) may also decrease gains (or increase losses) on future dispositions of certain capital assets to the extent tax basis is allocated to those capital assets. Actual tax benefits realized by Dutch Bros Inc. may differ from tax benefits calculated under the Tax Receivable Agreements as a result of the use of certain assumptions in the Tax Receivable Agreements, including the use of an assumed weighted-average state and local income tax rate to calculate tax benefits. The payment obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreements are obligations of Dutch Bros Inc., but not of Dutch Bros OpCo. Dutch Bros Inc. expects to benefit from the remaining 15% of realized cash tax benefits. For purposes of the Tax Receivable Agreements, the realized cash tax benefits will be computed by comparing the actual income tax liability of Dutch Bros Inc. to the amount of such taxes that Dutch Bros Inc. would have been required to pay had there been no existing tax basis, no anticipated tax basis adjustments of the assets of Dutch Bros OpCo as a result of exchanges or redemptions, no disproportionate allocations of tax benefits to Dutch Bros Inc. under Section 704(c) of the Code and no utilization of certain tax attributes of the Blocker Companies (including the Blocker Companies’ allocable share of existing tax basis), and had Dutch Bros Inc. not entered into the Tax Receivable Agreements. The actual and hypothetical tax liabilities determined in the Tax Receivable Agreements will be calculated using the actual U.S. federal income tax rate in effect for the applicable period and an assumed, weighted-average state and local income tax rate based on apportionment factors for the applicable period (along with the use of certain other assumptions). The term of each of the Tax Receivable Agreements will continue until all such tax benefits have been utilized or expired, unless (i) Dutch Bros Inc. exercises its right to terminate one or both Tax Receivable Agreements for an amount based on the agreed payments remaining to be made under the agreement (as described in more detail below), (ii) Dutch Bros Inc. materially breaches any of its material obligations under one or both Tax Receivable Agreements, in which case all obligations (including any additional interest due relating to any deferred payments) generally will be accelerated and due as if Dutch Bros Inc. had exercised its right to terminate the Tax Receivable Agreements, or (iii) there is a change of control of Dutch Bros Inc., in which case the Continuing Members and Pre-IPO Blocker Holders generally will
receive an amount based on the agreed payments remaining to be made under the agreement determined as described above in clause (i). Estimating the amount of payments that may be made under the Tax Receivable Agreements is by its nature imprecise, insofar as the calculation of amounts payable depends on a variety of factors. The increase in Dutch Bros Inc.’s allocable share of existing tax basis and the anticipated tax basis adjustments upon the redemption or exchange of Class A common units for shares of Class A common stock or cash, as well as the amount and timing of any payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements, will vary depending upon a number of factors, including:
•the timing of redemptions and exchanges—for instance, the increase in any tax deductions will vary depending on the fair market value, which may fluctuate over time, of the depreciable or amortizable assets of Dutch Bros OpCo and its Subsidiaries at the time of each redemption or exchange of Class A common units. In addition, the increase in Dutch Bros Inc.’s allocable share of existing tax basis acquired upon the future redemption or exchange of Class A common units for shares of Class A common stock (or a corresponding amount of cash) will vary depending on the amount of remaining existing tax basis at the time of such redemption or exchange;
•the price of shares of our Class A common stock at the time of the redemption or exchange—the increase in any tax deductions, as well as the tax basis increase in other assets, of Dutch Bros OpCo and its Subsidiaries, is directly proportional to the price of shares of our Class A common stock at the time of the redemption or exchange;
•the extent to which such redemption or exchange is treated as taxable—if a redemption or exchange is not treated as a taxable acquisition of Class A common units to Dutch Bros Inc. for any reason, tax basis adjustments will not be available;
•the amount of tax attributes—the amount of applicable tax attributes of the Blocker Companies at the time of the Blocker Mergers will impact the amount and timing of payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements; and
•the amount and timing of our income—Dutch Bros Inc. is obligated to pay 85% of the cash tax benefits under the Tax Receivable Agreements as and when realized. If Dutch Bros Inc. does not have taxable income, it is not required (absent a change of control or circumstances requiring an early termination payment) to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements for a taxable year in which it does not have taxable income because no cash tax benefits will have been realized. However, any tax attributes that do not result in realized benefits in a given tax year may be utilized to generate benefits in previous or future tax years. The utilization of such tax attributes will result in cash tax benefits that will result in payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements.
We expect that as a result of the size of Dutch Bros Inc.’s allocable share of existing tax basis attributable to Class A common units acquired in the Blocker Mergers, the Reorganization Transactions and the Offering Transactions, the increase in Dutch Bros Inc.’s allocable share of existing tax basis and the anticipated tax basis adjustment of the tangible and intangible assets of Dutch Bros OpCo and its Subsidiaries upon the future redemption or exchange of Class A common units for shares of Class A common stock (or a corresponding amount of cash), the disproportionate allocation of tax benefits to Dutch Bros Inc. under Section 704(c) of the Code and our possible utilization of certain tax attributes, the payments that we may make under the Tax Receivable Agreements will be substantial. There may be a material negative effect on our liquidity if, as a result of timing discrepancies or otherwise, the payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements exceed the actual cash tax benefits that Dutch Bros Inc. realizes in respect of the tax attributes subject to the Tax Receivable Agreements and/or distributions to Dutch Bros Inc. by Dutch Bros OpCo are not sufficient to permit Dutch Bros Inc. to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements after it has paid taxes. Certain late payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements generally will accrue interest at an uncapped rate equal to one year LIBOR (or its successor rate) plus 500 “basis points.” The payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements are not conditioned upon continued ownership of us by the exchanging holders of Class A common units.
In addition, the Tax Receivable Agreements provide that upon certain changes of control, Dutch Bros Inc.’s (or its successor’s) obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreements would be accelerated and the amounts payable
would be based on certain assumptions, including that Dutch Bros Inc. would have sufficient taxable income to fully utilize the deductions arising from the increased tax deductions and tax basis and other benefits related to entering into the Tax Receivable Agreements and that all Class A common units of the Continuing Members are deemed to be redeemed for Class A common stock at the time of such change of control. Representatives of entities related to our Co-Founder and our Sponsor may elect to waive acceleration of tax receivable agreement payments to their applicable Continuing Members or Pre-IPO Blocker Holders, in which case Dutch Bros Inc.’s or its successor’s obligations following such change of control would be determined using assumptions (ii) through (v) of the following paragraph. Assuming none of the Continuing Members or Pre-IPO Blocker Holders has elected to waive acceleration, Dutch Bros Inc. would be required to make a payment equal to the amount payable if it had elected to terminate the Tax Receivable Agreements at the time of such change of control, calculated as described in the following paragraph.
Furthermore, Dutch Bros Inc. may elect to terminate the Tax Receivable Agreements early by making an immediate payment equal to the present value of the anticipated future cash tax benefits with respect to all Class A common units. In determining such anticipated future cash tax benefits, the Tax Receivable Agreements include several assumptions, including that (i) any Class A common units that have not been exchanged are deemed exchanged for the market value of the shares of Class A common stock at the time of termination, (ii) Dutch Bros Inc. will have sufficient taxable income in each future taxable year to fully realize all potential tax benefits, (iii) Dutch Bros Inc. will have sufficient taxable income to fully utilize any remaining net operating losses subject to the Tax Receivable Agreements on a straight line basis over the shorter of the statutory expiration period for such net operating losses or the five-year period after the early termination or change in control, (iv) the tax rates for future years will be those specified in the law as in effect at the time of termination or change of control, and (v) certain non-amortizable assets are deemed disposed of within specified time periods. In addition, the present value of such anticipated future cash tax benefits are discounted at a rate equal to the lesser of (i) 6.5% per annum and (ii) one year LIBOR, or its successor rate, plus 100 “basis points.” Assuming that the market value of a share of Class A common stock were to be equal to the initial public offering price per share of Class A common stock in this offering and that LIBOR were to be 0.220%, we estimate that the aggregate amount of these termination payments would be approximately $637.5 million if Dutch Bros Inc. were to exercise its termination right immediately following this offering.
As a result of the change of control provisions and the early termination right, Dutch Bros Inc. could be required to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements that are greater than or less than the specified percentage of the actual cash tax benefits that Dutch Bros Inc. realizes in respect of the tax attributes subject to the Tax Receivable Agreements (although any such overpayment would be taken into account in calculating future payments, if any, under the Tax Receivable Agreements) or that are prior to the actual realization, if any, of such future tax benefits. Also, the obligations of Dutch Bros Inc. would be automatically accelerated and be immediately due and payable in the event that Dutch Bros Inc. materially breaches any of its material obligations under the agreement and in certain events of bankruptcy or liquidation. In these situations, our obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreements could have a substantial negative impact on our liquidity.
Decisions made by the Continuing Members in the course of running our business may influence the timing and amount of payments that are received by a Continuing Member with respect to redemptions or exchanges of Class A common units under the Tax Receivable Agreements. For example, the earlier disposition of assets following a redemption or exchange generally will accelerate payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements and increase the present value of such payments, and the disposition of assets before a redemption or exchange will increase the Continuing Member’s tax liability without giving rise to any rights to receive payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements.
Payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements will be based on the tax reporting positions that we will determine. Dutch Bros Inc. will not be reimbursed for any payments previously made under the Tax Receivable Agreements if Dutch Bros Inc.’s allocable share of existing tax basis, the anticipated tax basis adjustments resulting from future redemptions or exchanges of Class A common units or its utilization of tax attributes are successfully challenged by the IRS, although such amounts may reduce its future obligations, if any, under the Tax Receivable Agreements. As a result, in certain circumstances, payments could be made under the Tax Receivable Agreements in excess of Dutch Bros Inc.’s cash tax benefits.
Reorganization Agreement
In connection with the Reorganization Transactions and the Offering Transactions, we intend to enter into a reorganization agreement with the Pre-IPO Blocker Holders, Pre-IPO OpCo Unitholders, Sponsor and Dutch Bros OpCo that will set forth the transactions described in “Organizational Structure—Reorganization Transactions.”
Agreements to be entered into prior to this offering
Dutch Bros OpCo Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement
As a result of the Reorganization Transactions and the Offering Transactions, Dutch Bros Inc. will hold all Class B and Class C voting units in Dutch Bros OpCo and will be the sole managing member of Dutch Bros OpCo. Accordingly, Dutch Bros Inc. will operate and control all the business and affairs of Dutch Bros OpCo and, through Dutch Bros OpCo and its operating entity subsidiaries, conduct our business.
Pursuant to the Third LLC Agreement as it will be in effect at the time of this offering, Dutch Bros Inc. has the right to determine when distributions will be made to holders of OpCo Units and the amount of any such distributions. If a distribution is authorized, such distribution will be made to the holders of OpCo Units pro rata in accordance with their ownership of Class A common units. Dutch Bros Inc. will incur expenses related to its operations, plus payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements, which Dutch Bros Inc. expects will be significant. Dutch Bros Inc. intends to cause Dutch Bros OpCo to make distributions or, in the case of certain expenses, payments in an amount sufficient to allow Dutch Bros Inc. to pay its taxes and operating expenses, including distributions to fund any ordinary course payments due under the Tax Receivable Agreements.
The holders of OpCo Units, including Dutch Bros Inc., may be subject to U.S. federal, state and local income taxes on their proportionate share of any taxable income of Dutch Bros OpCo. Net profits and net losses of Dutch Bros OpCo will generally be allocated to its holders, including Dutch Bros Inc. Pursuant to the Third LLC Agreement, Dutch Bros OpCo generally will make cash distributions to the holders of Class A common units in an amount sufficient to fund their tax obligations in respect of the cumulative taxable income in excess of cumulative taxable losses of Dutch Bros OpCo that is allocated to them, to the extent previous tax distributions from Dutch Bros OpCo have been insufficient. These tax distributions will be computed based on an assumed U.S. federal, state and local tax rate and will be distributed pro rata in accordance with the holders’ respective ownership of Class A common units.
The Continuing Members will have the right, from time to time following a lock-up period, to have their Class A common units redeemed for, at the election of Dutch Bros Inc., as sole managing member, shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis or to the extent there is cash available from a contemporaneous public offering or private sale of Class A common stock by Dutch Bros Inc., a corresponding amount of cash, subject to customary adjustments and the procedures set forth in the Third LLC Agreement. Such Class A common stock or cash will be contributed by Dutch Bros Inc. to Dutch Bros OpCo in exchange for Class A common units, unless, in its sole discretion, Dutch Bros Inc. elects to effect such exchange directly with the relevant Continuing Member. When a Class A common unit of Dutch Bros OpCo, is redeemed or exchanged for a share of Class A common stock of Dutch Bros Inc. or cash, a corresponding share of Class B common stock or Class C Common stock of Dutch Bros Inc., as applicable, will be surrendered and immediately canceled. The Third LLC Agreement will provide that as a general matter a Continuing Member will not have the right to cause the redemption or exchange of Class A common units if Dutch Bros Inc. determines that such redemption or exchange would be prohibited by law or regulation or would violate other agreements with us to which the Continuing Member is bound, including the Third LLC Agreement. Dutch Bros Inc. may impose additional restrictions on exchanges that it determines in good faith to be necessary or advisable so that Dutch Bros OpCo is not treated as a “publicly traded partnership” for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Other Related Person Transactions
Donations
We donated $1.5 million and $5.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively, to Dutch Bros Foundation, a not-for-profit we founded that provides philanthropy to coffee farmers and local communities and for which our chief executive officer serves on the board of directors. In the six-months ended June 30, 2021 and June 30, 2020, we donated $4.3 million and $2.1 million to Dutch Bros Foundation, respectively.
Transactions with Mr. Boersma’s Family Members
Brian Maxwell, our Chief Operating Officer, is Mr. Boersma’s brother-in-law. Christine Schmidt, our Chief Administrative Officer, is Mr. Boersma’s sister-in-law. Brant Boersma, our Chief Culture Officer, is Mr. Boersma’s nephew. Mr. Boersma does not share a household with any of the foregoing. Each of their compensation was established by us in accordance with our compensation practices applicable to employees with comparable qualifications and responsibilities and holding similar positions and without the involvement of Mr. Boersma. Mr. Maxwell’s total cash compensation in each of fiscal 2018, 2019 and 2020 was approximately $5.4 million, $490,000 and $537,000, respectively. Ms. Schmidt’s total cash compensation in each of fiscal 2018, 2019 and 2020 was approximately $5.4 million, $440,000 and $484,000, respectively. Mr. Maxwell and Ms. Schmidt have received grants of Profits Interest Units and continue to be eligible for equity awards on the same general terms and conditions as applicable to employees in similar positions who do not have such family relationship.
Transactions with Affiliates of Mr. Boersma
In July 2021, an entity affiliated with our Co-Founder purchased an aircraft from a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dutch Bros OpCo for a purchase price of approximately $900,000, which is an amount based on our determination of the market value of the aircraft at the time of purchase.
Dividend Recapitalization
On May 17, 2021, Dutch Bros OpCo paid a cash distribution in accordance with the terms of the Second LLC Agreement of approximately $200 million pursuant to which Pre-IPO OpCo Unitholders who held Common Units received the below payments:
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Name of Pre-IPO OpCo Unitholder
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Cash Distribution
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Dutch Holdings, LLC
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$
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99,800,000
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DM Individual Aggregator, LLC
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$
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38,298,920
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DM Trust Aggregator, LLC
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$
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60,899,080
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DM HoldCo, Inc.
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$
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1,002,000
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Purchase of Class A Common Units and Class D Common Stock
We intend to use approximately $140.6 million of the net proceeds (or $196.9 million if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) we receive from this offering to purchase Class A common units (together with an equal number of shares of Class B common stock or Class C common stock, as applicable) from the Continuing Members and shares of Class D common stock from the Pre-IPO Blocker Holders at a price per unit and price per share equal to the public offering price per share of Class A common stock in this offering, less the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions.
The table below sets forth the number of Class A common units and/or shares of Class D common stock to be purchased by us from the Continuing Members and Pre-IPO Blocker Holders based on an assumed initial public offering price of $19.00 per share of Class A common stock, less the underwriting discounts and commissions, which is the midpoint of the estimated price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, assuming no exercise of the underwriters option to purchase additional shares.
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Assuming No Option Exercise
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Assuming Full Option Exercise
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# of Class A common units and shares of Class D common stock to be Purchased
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Aggregate Purchase Price
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# of Class A common units and shares of Class D common stock to be Purchased
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Aggregate Purchase Price
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Continuing Members affiliated with Co-Founder(1)
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3,955,019
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$
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70,448,776
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5,537,026
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$
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98,628,276
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Continuing Members affiliated with Sponsor(2)
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2,987,117
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53,208,022
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4,181,963
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74,491,216
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Pre-IPO Blocker Holders(3)
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952,601
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16,968,205
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1,333,642
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23,755,498
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Total
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7,894,737
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$
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140,625,003
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11,052,631
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$
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196,874,990
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_________________
(1) Assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock, includes: (i) 683,300 Class A common units (with an equal number of shares of Class B common stock surrendered and cancelled) purchased from DMI Holdco, Inc., (ii) 1,263,164 Class A common units (with an equal number of shares of Class B common stock surrendered and cancelled) purchased from DM Individual Aggregator, LLC and (iii) 2,008,555 Class A common units (with an equal number of shares of Class B common stock surrendered and cancelled) purchased from DM Trust Aggregator, LLC. Assuming full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock, includes: (i) 683,300 Class A common units (with an equal number of shares of Class B common stock surrendered and cancelled) purchased from DMI Holdco, Inc., (ii) 1,873,955 Class A common units (with an equal number of shares of Class B common stock) purchased from DM Individual Aggregator, LLC and (iii) 2,979,771 Class A common units (with an equal number of shares of Class B common stock surrendered and cancelled) purchased from DDM Trust Aggregator, LLC.
(2) Assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock, includes (i) 179,473 Class A common units (with an equal number of shares of Class C common stock surrendered and cancelled) purchased from TSG7 A AIV VI, L.P. and (ii) 2,807,644 Class A common units (with an equal number of shares of Class C common stock surrendered and cancelled) purchased from Dutch Holdings, LLC. Assuming full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock, includes: (i) 251,262 Class A common units (with an equal number of shares of Class C common stock surrendered and cancelled) purchased from the TSG7 A AIV VI, L.P. and (ii) 3,930,701 Class A common units (with an equal number of shares of Class C common stock surrendered and cancelled) purchased from Dutch Holdings, LLC.
(3) Assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock, includes: (i) 215,979 shares of Class D common stock purchased from the DG Coinvestor Blocker Aggregator, L.P. and (ii) 736,622 shares of Class D common stock purchased from TSG7 A AIV VI Holdings-A, L.P.. Assuming full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock, includes (i) 302,371 shares of Class D common stock purchased from the DG Coinvestor Blocker Aggregator, L.P. and (ii) 1,031,271 shares of Class D common stock purchased from TSG7 A AIV VI Holdings-A, L.P.
Indemnification Agreements
Our Second LLC Agreement provides for indemnification of the current manager and executive officers of Dutch Bros OpCo, and we intend to enter into new indemnification agreements with each of our current directors and executive officers before the completion of this offering. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws provide that we will indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law. See “Executive Compensation—Indemnification Matters.”
Other than as described above under this section “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions,” since January 1, 2018, we have not entered into any transactions, nor are there any currently proposed transactions, between us and a related party where the amount involved exceeds, or would exceed, $120,000, and in which any related party had or will have a direct or indirect material interest. We believe the terms of the transactions described above were comparable to terms we could have obtained in arm’s length dealings with unrelated third parties.
Reserved Share Program
At our request, an affiliate of BofA Securities, Inc., a participating Underwriter, has reserved for sale, at the initial public offering price, up to 5% of the shares offered by this prospectus for sale to certain employees, business associates and individuals identified by our officers and directors who have expressed an interest in purchasing common stock in this offering. See “Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest)—Reserved Share Program.”
Policies and Procedures for Related Person Transactions
In August 2021, we adopted a written policy that our executive officers, directors, nominees for election as a director, beneficial owners of more than 5% of any class of our common stock and any members of the immediate family of any of the foregoing persons are not permitted to enter into a related party transaction with us, in which the aggregate amount involved exceeds, or is expected to exceed, $120,000, without the approval or ratification of our board of directors or our audit and risk committee. Any request for us to enter into a transaction with an executive officer, director, nominee for election as a director, beneficial owner of more than 5% of any class of our common stock or any member of the immediate family of any of the foregoing persons and such person would have a direct or indirect interest, must be presented to our board of directors or our audit and risk committee for review, consideration and approval. In approving or rejecting any such proposal, our board of directors or our audit and risk committee is to consider the material facts of the transaction, including whether the transaction is on terms that are comparable to the terms generally available to an unaffiliated third party under the same or similar circumstances and the extent of the related party’s interest in the transaction.
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
The following tables set forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of shares of our Class A common stock, Class B common stock, Class C common stock and Class D common stock by:
•each person known to us to beneficially own more than 5% of any class of the outstanding voting securities of Dutch Bros Inc.;
•each of our directors and named executive officers; and
•all our directors and executive officers as a group.
The percentage of beneficial ownership of shares of our Class A common stock, Class B common stock, Class C common stock and Class D common stock outstanding before the offering set forth below is based on the number of shares of our common stock to be issued and outstanding immediately following the Reorganization Transactions without giving effect to this offering or the application of the net proceeds therefrom. The percentage of beneficial ownership of our Class A common stock, Class B common stock, Class C common stock and Class D common stock after the offering set forth below is based on shares of our common stock to be issued and outstanding immediately after the offering and the application of the net proceeds therefrom.
Immediately following the consummation of this offering and application of the net proceeds therefrom, the Continuing Members will hold all the issued and outstanding shares of our Class B common stock and Class C common stock. The shares of Class B common stock will have no economic rights but each share will entitle the holder to ten votes (for so long as the aggregate number of outstanding shares of our Class B common stock represents at least 5% of the aggregate number of our outstanding shares of common stock, and thereafter, one vote per share, provided that the number of votes per share may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as required to prevent the holders of Class B common stock from holding, in the aggregate, 80% or more of our aggregate voting power at any time) on all matters on which stockholders are entitled to vote generally. The shares of Class C common stock will have no economic rights but each share will entitle the holder to three votes (for so long as the aggregate number of outstanding shares of our Class C common stock and Class D common stock collectively represents at least 5% of the aggregate number of our outstanding shares of common stock, and thereafter, one vote per share) on all matters on which stockholders are entitled to vote generally.
Immediately following the consummation of this offering and application of the net proceeds therefrom, the Pre-IPO Blocker Holders will hold all the issued and outstanding shares of our Class D common stock. The shares of Class D common stock will have the same economic rights as shares of Class A common stock, but each share will entitle the holder to three votes (for so long as the aggregate number of outstanding shares of our Class C common stock and Class D common stock collectively represents at least 5% of the aggregate number of our outstanding shares of common stock, and thereafter, one vote per share upon the automatic conversion of our Class D common stock into shares of Class A common stock) on all matters on which stockholders are entitled to vote generally.
The voting power afforded to Continuing Members and Pre-IPO Blocker Holders will be automatically and correspondingly reduced as they redeem or exchange OpCo Units (which will trigger a cancellation of the corresponding shares of Class B common stock or Class C common stock) or transfer shares of Class D common stock (which, except in certain circumstances, will automatically convert into shares of Class A common stock). See “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Agreements to be entered into prior to this offering—Dutch Bros OpCo Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement” and “Description of Capital Stock.” The following tables exclude any shares of our Class A common stock that may be purchased in this offering pursuant to the reserved share program. See “Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest)—Reserved Share Program.”
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A Common Stock Beneficially Owned(1) (2)
|
|
|
Class B Common Stock Beneficially Owned(1) (3)
|
|
|
Class C Common Stock Beneficially Owned(1)(3)
|
|
|
Class D Common Stock Beneficially Owned(2)
|
|
|
Combined Voting Power(4)
|
|
Prior to the Offering Transactions
|
|
After the Offering Transactions
|
|
After the Offering Transactions, Including Full Option Exercise
|
|
|
Prior to the Offering Transactions
|
|
After the Offering Transactions
|
|
After the Offering Transactions, Including Full Option Exercise
|
|
|
Prior to the Offering Transactions
|
|
After the Offering Transactions
|
|
After the Offering Transactions, Including Full Option Exercise
|
|
|
Prior to the Offering Transactions
|
|
After the Offering Transactions
|
|
After the Offering Transactions, Including Full Option Exercise
|
|
|
% Prior to the Offering Transactions
|
|
% After the Offering Transactions Assuming Underwriters’ Option is Not Exercised
|
|
% After the Offering Transactions Assuming Underwriters’ Option is Exercised
|
Name of Beneficial Owner
|
Number
|
|
%
|
|
Number
|
|
%
|
|
Number
|
|
%
|
|
|
Number
|
|
%
|
|
Number
|
|
%
|
|
Number
|
|
%
|
|
|
Number
|
|
%
|
|
Number
|
|
%
|
|
Number
|
|
%
|
|
|
Number
|
|
%
|
|
Number
|
|
%
|
|
Number
|
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
Entities affiliated with TSG Consumer Partners(5)
|
53,931,130
|
|
40.0
|
%
|
|
53,931,130
|
|
36.2
|
%
|
|
53,931,130
|
|
36.2
|
%
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
53,909,280
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
50,922,163
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
49,727,317
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
|
17,191,853
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
16,239,252
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
15,858,211
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
|
25.2
|
%
|
|
22.2
|
%
|
|
22.1
|
%
|
Travis Boersma and affiliated entities(6)
|
71,408,044
|
|
53.0
|
%
|
|
71,408,044
|
|
48.0
|
%
|
|
71,408,044
|
|
48.0
|
%
|
|
|
71,377,265
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
67,422,246
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
65,840,239
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
73.9
|
%
|
|
74.4
|
%
|
|
74.1
|
%
|
Joth Ricci(7)
|
3,330,536
|
|
2.7
|
%
|
|
3,330,536
|
|
2.7
|
%
|
|
3,330,536
|
|
2.2
|
%
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
*
|
|
*
|
Charles L. Jemley(8)
|
1,688,992
|
|
1.5
|
%
|
|
1,688,992
|
|
1.5
|
%
|
|
1,688,992
|
|
1.1
|
%
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
*
|
|
*
|
Shelley Broader
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Thomas Davis
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Charles Esserman
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Kathryn George
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Blythe Jack
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Directors and executive officers as a group (9 persons)(9)
|
78,477,124
|
|
57.4
|
%
|
|
78,477,124
|
|
57.4
|
%
|
|
78,477,124
|
|
52.0
|
%
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
7.6%
|
|
7.9
|
%
|
|
7.9
|
%
|
—
__________________
*Represents less than 1%.
(1)Subject to the terms of the Third LLC Agreement, the Class A common units, each paired with equal number of shares of Class B common stock or Class C common stock, as applicable, are redeemable or exchangeable for shares of our Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis after the completion of this offering. See “Organizational Structure,” “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Agreements to be entered into prior to this offering—DutchBros OpCo Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement.” Beneficial ownership of shares of Class B common stock and Class C common stock reflected in this table has not been also reflected as beneficial ownership of shares of our Class A common stock into which the paired Class A common units, as applicable, may be redeemed or exchanged.
(2)Pursuant to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, at the option of the holder, a share of Class D common stock may be converted into one share of Class A common stock. In addition, each share of Class D common stock will convert automatically into one share of Class A common stock upon any transfer, whether or not for value, except for certain affiliate transfers described in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation among the Sponsor, our Co-Founder and their respective affiliates as of the date of the consummation of this offering. Each share of Class D common stock will also automatically convert into one share of Class A common stock if, on the record date for any meeting of the stockholders, the aggregate number of outstanding shares of our Class C common stock and Class D common stock collectively is less than 5% of the aggregate number of our outstanding shares of common stock. Once converted into Class A common stock, Class D common stock will not be reissued. See “Description of Capital Stock—Common Stock—Class D Common Stock.” Beneficial ownership of shares of Class D common stock reflected in this table has not been also reflected as beneficial ownership of shares of our Class A common stock for which such shares may be converted.
(3)Represents Class A common units which are paired with an equal number of shares of Class B common stock or Class C common stock, as applicable.
(4)Represents percentage of voting power of the Class A common stock, Class B common stock, Class C common stock and Class D common stock of Dutch Bros Inc. voting together as a single class. See “Description of Capital Stock—Common Stock.”
(5)Amounts beneficially owned immediately following the Reorganization Transactions without giving effect to this offering or the application of the net proceeds therefrom reflect (i)(x) 21,850 shares of Class A common stock and (y)(1) 50,670,277 shares of Class A common units (and associated shares of Class A common stock into which shares of Class A common units may be exchanged upon the corresponding surrender and cancellation of associated shares of Class C common stock) and (2) 50,670,277 shares of Class C common stock, held by Dutch Holdings, LLC, (ii)(x) 3,239,003 shares of Class A common units (and associated shares of Class A common stock into which shares of Class A common units may be exchanged upon the corresponding surrender and cancellation of associated shares of Class C common stock) and (y) 3,239,003 shares of Class C common stock, held by TSG7 A AIV VI, L.P., the general partner of which is TSG7 A Management, L.L.C., (iii) 13,294,016 shares of Class D common stock held by TSG7 A AIV VI Holdings-A, L.P., the general partner of which is TSG7 A Management, L.L.C., and (iv) 3,897,837 shares of Class D common stock held by DG Coinvestor Blocker Aggregator, L.P., the general partner of which is TSG7 A Management, L.L.C. In this offering: (i) Dutch Holdings, LLC will sell 2,807,644 Class A common units (and associated shares of Class C common stock will be surrendered and cancelled) (or 3,930,701 shares of Class A common units (and associated shares of Class C common stock will be surrendered and cancelled) if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares), (ii) TSG7 A AIV VI Holdings-A, L.P. will sell 736,622 shares of Class D common stock (or 1,031,271 shares of Class D common stock if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares); (iii) TSG7 A AIV VI, L.P. will sell 179,473 Class A common units (and associated shares of Class C common stock will be surrendered and cancelled) (or 251,262 shares of Class A common units (and associated shares of Class C common stock will be surrendered and cancelled) if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares); and (iv) DG Coinvestor Blocker Aggregator, L.P., will sell 215,979 shares of Class D common stock (or 302,371 shares of Class D common stock if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares). Voting and investment decisions with respect to securities held by Dutch Holdings, LLC and TSG7 A Management, L.L.C. are made by a committee of three or more individuals, none of whom individual has the power to direct such decisions. The address of these entities is c/o TSG Consumer Partners, LLC, 1100 Larkspur Landing Circle, Suite 360 Larkspur, CA 94939.
(6)Amounts beneficially immediately following the Reorganization Transactions without giving effect to this offering or the application of the net proceeds therefrom reflect (i)(x) 30,780 shares of Class A common stock, (y) 683,300 Class A common units (and associated shares of Class A common stock into which shares of Class A common units may be exchanged upon the corresponding surrender and cancellation of associated shares of Class B common stock) and (z) 683,300 shares of Class B common stock held by DMI Holdco, Inc., (ii)(x) 43,400,042 Class A common units (and associated shares of Class A common stock and associated shares of Class A common stock into which shares of Class A common units may be exchanged upon the corresponding surrender and cancellation of associated shares of Class B common stock) and 43,400,042 shares of Class B common stock held by DM Trust Aggregator, LLC, and (iii)(x) 27,293,922 Class A common units (and associated shares of Class A common stock and associated shares of Class A common stock into which shares of Class A common units may be exchanged upon the
corresponding surrender and cancellation of associated shares of Class B common stock) and 27,293,922 shares of Class B common stock held by DM Individual Aggregator, LLC (together with DMI Holdco and DM Trust Aggregator, LLC, the “DM Trusts”), for which Travis Boersma is deemed to have the power to direct the disposition and vote of the shares. In this offering: (i) DMI Holdco, Inc. will sell 683,300 Class A common units (and associated shares of Class B common stock will be surrendered and cancelled) (which will not change if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares); (ii) DM Trust Aggregator, LLC will sell 2,008,555 Class A common units (and associated shares of Class B common stock will be surrendered and cancelled) (or 2,979,771 Class A common units (and associated shares of Class B common stock will be surrendered and cancelled) if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares); and (iii) DM Individual Aggregator, LLC will sell 1,263,164 Class A common units (and associated shares of Class B common stock will be surrendered and cancelled) (or 1,873,955 Class A common units (and associated shares of Class B common stock will be surrendered and cancelled) if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares). Mr. Boersma disclaims beneficial ownership of the securities held by except to the extent of Mr. Boersma’s pecuniary interest in such securities. The address for the DM Trusts is PO Box 398, Grants Pass, OR 97528.
(7)Amounts beneficially owned include 768,584 shares of Class A common stock held by Mr. Ricci that will be issued and have vested or will vest within 60 days.
(8) Amounts beneficially owned include 482,567 shares of Class A common stock held by Mr. Jemley that will be issued and have vested or will vest within 60 days.
(9) Amounts beneficially owned include 2,019,735 shares of Class A common stock held by our current directors and executive officers as a group that will be issued and havevested or will vest within 60 days.
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
Under “Description of Capital Stock,” “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company” and “our Company” refer to Dutch Bros Inc. and not to any of its subsidiaries.
General
The following description of our capital stock and certain provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws are summaries and are qualified by reference to the amended and restated certificate of incorporation and the amended and restated bylaws. Copies of these documents are filed with the SEC as exhibits to our registration statement, of which this prospectus forms a part. The descriptions of the common stock and preferred stock reflect changes to our capital structure that will be in effect immediately prior to the completion of this offering.
Prior to the completion of this offering, our authorized capital stock will consist of 711,000,000 shares, of which:
•400,000,000 shares will be designated Class A common stock, par value of $0.00001 per share,;
•144,000,000 shares will be designated Class B common stock, no par value;
•105,000,000 shares will be designated Class C common stock, no par value;
•42,000,000 shares will be designated Class D common stock, par value of $0.00001 per share; and
•20,000,000 shares will be designated preferred stock.
Common Stock
Holders of outstanding shares of our Class A common stock, Class B common stock, Class C common stock and Class D common stock will vote as a single class on all matters on which stockholders are entitled to vote generally, except as otherwise required by law or pursuant to the terms of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation. Delaware law entitles the holders of the outstanding shares of Class A common stock, Class B common stock, Class C common stock and Class D common stock to vote separately as different classes in connection with any amendment to our certificate of incorporation that would increase or decrease the par value of the shares of such class or that would alter or change the powers, preferences or special rights of such class so as to affect them adversely. As permitted by Delaware law, the amended and restated certificate of incorporation includes a provision which eliminates the class vote that the holders of Class A common stock would otherwise have with respect to an amendment to the certificate of incorporation increasing or decreasing the number of shares of Class A common stock Dutch Bros Inc. is entitled to issue, that the holders of Class B common stock would otherwise have with respect to an amendment to the certificate of incorporation increasing or decreasing the number of shares of Class B common stock Dutch Bros Inc. is entitled to issue, that the holders of Class C common stock would otherwise have with respect to an amendment to the certificate of incorporation increasing or decreasing the number of shares of Class C common stock Dutch Bros Inc. is entitled to issue and that the holders of Class D common stock would otherwise have with respect to an amendment to the certificate of incorporation increasing or decreasing the number of shares of Class D common stock Dutch Bros Inc. is entitled to issue. Thus, subject to any other voting requirements contained in the certificate of incorporation, any amendment to the certificate of incorporation increasing or decreasing the number of shares of either Class A common stock, Class B common stock, Class C common stock or Class D common stock that Dutch Bros Inc. is authorized to issue would require a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting power of all capital stock (including the Class A common stock, Class B common stock, Class C common stock and Class D common stock), voting together as a single class.
Class A Common Stock
Holders of shares of our Class A common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters on which stockholders are entitled to vote generally, including the election or removal of directors. The holders of our Class A common stock do not have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors.
Holders of shares of our Class A common stock and Class D common stock are entitled to receive dividends at the same rate when, as and if declared by our board of directors out of funds legally available therefor, subject to any statutory or contractual restrictions on the payment of dividends and to the rights of the holders of one or more outstanding series of our preferred stock. If we pay a dividend or distribution on the Class A common stock, payable in shares of Class A common stock, we also will be required to pay a pro rata and simultaneous dividend or distribution on the Class D common stock, payable in shares of Class D common stock. Similarly, if we pay a dividend or distribution on the Class D common stock, payable in shares of Class D common stock, we also will be required to make a pro rata and simultaneous dividend or distribution on the Class A common stock, payable in shares of Class A common stock.
Upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, and after payment in full of all amounts required to be paid to creditors, and subject to the rights of the holders of one or more outstanding series of preferred stock having liquidation preferences, the holders of shares of our Class A common stock and Class D common stock will be entitled to receive pro rata our remaining assets available for distribution.
All shares of our Class A common stock that will be outstanding at the time of the completion of the offering will be fully paid and non-assessable. The Class A common stock will not be subject to further calls or assessments by us. Holders of shares of our Class A common stock do not have preemptive, subscription, redemption or conversion rights. There will be no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the Class A common stock. The rights, powers, preferences and privileges of holders of our Class A common stock will be subject to those of the holders of any shares of our preferred stock or any other series or class of stock we may authorize and issue in the future.
No shares of Class A common stock will be subject to redemption or have preemptive rights to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock. Holders of shares of our Class A common stock do not have subscription, redemption or conversion rights. There will be no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the Class A common stock. Upon consummation of this offering, all the outstanding shares of Class A common stock will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
Class B Common Stock
Holders of shares of our Class B common stock are entitled to ten votes for each share held of record (for so long as the aggregate number of outstanding shares of our Class B common stock represents at least 5% of the aggregate number of our outstanding shares of common stock, and thereafter, one vote per share, provided that the number of votes per share may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as required to prevent the holders of Class B common stock from holding, in the aggregate, 80% or more of our aggregate voting power at any time) on all matters on which stockholders are entitled to vote generally, including the election or removal of directors. The holders of our Class B common stock do not have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors.
Holders of our Class B common stock do not have any right to receive dividends or to receive a distribution upon a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Dutch Bros Inc. Each share of Class B common stock will be paired with a Class A common unit held by a Continuing Member affiliated with the Co-Founder. After expiration of a lock-up period (subject to the terms of the Third LLC Agreement), holders of Class B common stock may elect to have Dutch Bros OpCo redeem their Class A common units for shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis or, in certain circumstances a corresponding amount of cash, in either case, contributed to Dutch Bros OpCo by Dutch Bros Inc., unless Dutch Bros Inc. elects, in its sole discretion, to effect such transaction as a direct exchange with such holder of Class B common stock. Upon any such redemption or exchange of Class A common units, the corresponding shares of Class B common stock will be surrendered and immediately canceled. See “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions —Agreements to be entered into prior to this offering—Dutch Bros OpCo Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement.”
Shares of Class B common stock will not be transferable except together with the transfer of an identical number of Class A common units made to the permitted transferee of such paired Class A common units made in compliance with the Third LLC Agreement.
Class C Common Stock
Holders of shares of our Class C common stock are entitled to three votes for each share held of record (for so long as the aggregate number of outstanding shares of our Class C common stock and Class D common stock collectively represents at least 5% of the aggregate number of our outstanding shares of common stock, and thereafter, one vote per share) on all matters on which stockholders are entitled to vote generally, including the election or removal of directors. The holders of our Class C common stock do not have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors.
Holders of our Class C common stock do not have any right to receive dividends or to receive a distribution upon a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Dutch Bros Inc. Each share of Class C common stock will be paired with a Class A common unit held by a Continuing Member affiliated with our Sponsor. After expiration of a lock-up period (subject to the terms of the Third LLC Agreement), holders of Class C common stock may elect to have Dutch Bros OpCo redeem their Class A common units for shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis or, in certain circumstances, a corresponding amount of cash, in either case, contributed to Dutch Bros OpCo by Dutch Bros Inc., unless Dutch Bros Inc. elects, in its sole discretion, to effect such transaction as a direct exchange with such holder of Class B common stock. Upon any such redemption or exchange of Class A common units, the corresponding shares of Class C common stock will be surrendered and immediately canceled. See “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions —Agreements to be entered into prior to this offering—Dutch Bros OpCo Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement.”
Shares of Class C common stock will not be transferable except together with the transfer of an identical number of paired Class A common units made to the permitted transferee of such paired Class A common units made in compliance with the Third LLC Agreement.
Class D Common Stock
The shares of Class A common stock and Class D common stock will be identical in all respects, except for voting rights, certain conversion rights and transfer restrictions in respect of the shares of Class D common stock, as described below.
Holders of shares of our Class D common stock are entitled to three votes for each share held of record (for so long as the aggregate number of outstanding shares of our Class C common stock and Class D common stock collectively represents at least 5% of the aggregate number of our outstanding shares of common stock, and thereafter, one vote per share upon the automatic conversion of our Class D common stock into shares of Class A common stock) on all matters on which stockholders are entitled to vote generally, including the election or removal of directors. The holders of our Class D common stock do not have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors. The voting power afforded to Pre-IPO Blocker Holders by their shares of Class D common stock will be automatically and correspondingly reduced as they transfer shares of Class D common stock, which, except in certain circumstances, will automatically convert into shares of Class A common stock.
The outstanding shares of Class D common stock will be convertible at the option of the holder into shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis. In addition, each share of Class D common stock will convert automatically into one share of Class A common stock upon any transfer, whether or not for value, except for certain affiliate transfers described in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation among the Sponsors, the Co-Founder and their respective affiliates as of the date of the consummation of this offering. Each share of Class D common stock will also automatically convert into one share of Class A common stock if, on the record date for any meeting of the stockholders, the aggregate number of outstanding shares of our Class C common stock and Class D common stock is collectively less than 5% of our outstanding shares of common stock. Once converted into Class A common stock, Class D common stock will not be reissued.
All shares of our Class D common stock that will be outstanding at the time of the completion of the offering will be fully paid and non-assessable. The Class D common stock will not be subject to further calls or assessments by us. Holders of shares of our Class D common stock do not have preemptive, subscription or redemption rights. There will be no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the Class D common stock. The rights, powers, preferences and privileges of holders of our Class D common stock will be subject to those of
the holders of any shares of our preferred stock or any other series or class of stock we may authorize and issue in the future.
Preferred Stock
Under our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, our board of directors may, without further action by our stockholders, fix the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of up to an aggregate of 20,000,000 shares of preferred or more series and authorize their issuance. These rights, preferences and privileges could include dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption, liquidation preferences and the number of shares constituting any series or the designation of such series, any or all of which may be greater than the rights of our common stock. Any issuance of our preferred stock could adversely affect the voting power of holders of our common stock, and the likelihood that such holders would receive dividend payments and payments on liquidation. In addition, the issuance of preferred stock could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control or other corporate action. Immediately prior to the completion of this offering, no shares of preferred stock will be outstanding. We have no present plan to issue any shares of preferred stock.
Registration Rights
Following the completion of this offering, our Sponsor and Co-Founder will be entitled to rights with respect to the registration of their shares under the Securities Act. These registration rights are contained in our registration rights agreement. See “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Agreements to be entered into in connection with this offering—Registration Rights Agreement.”
Stockholders Agreement
In connection with the completion of this offering, we entered into a stockholders agreement with investment funds affiliated with our Sponsor pursuant to which our Sponsor has specified board representation rights, governance rights and other rights. See “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Agreements to be entered into in connection with this offering—Stockholders Agreement.”
Anti-Takeover Provisions
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws to be in Effect Immediately Prior to the Completion of this Offering
Because our stockholders do not have cumulative voting rights, stockholders holding a majority of the voting power of our shares of common stock will be able to elect all our directors. A special meeting of stockholders may be called by a majority of our board of directors, the chair of our board of directors, or our chief executive officer. Our amended and restated bylaws will establish an advance notice procedure for stockholder proposals to be brought before an annual meeting of our stockholders, including proposed nominations of persons for election to our board of directors.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation further permits the holders of the Class C common stock, voting as a separate class, to elect up to two members to the board of directors for so long as certain stock thresholds are met, as described further below. See “—Election of Directors”
The foregoing provisions will make it more difficult for another party to obtain control of us by replacing our board of directors. Since our board of directors has the power to retain and discharge our officers, these provisions could also make it more difficult for existing stockholders or another party to effect a change in management. In addition, the authorization of undesignated preferred stock makes it possible for our board of directors to issue preferred stock with voting or other rights or preferences that could impede the success of any attempt to change our control.
These provisions are intended to preserve our existing control structure following this offering, facilitate our continued product innovation and the risk-taking that it requires, permit us to continue to prioritize our long-term goals rather than short-term results, enhance the likelihood of continued stability in the composition of our board of directors and its policies and to discourage certain types of transactions that may involve an actual or threatened
acquisition of us. These provisions are also designed to reduce our vulnerability to an unsolicited acquisition proposal and to discourage certain tactics that may be used in proxy fights. However, such provisions could have the effect of discouraging others from making tender offers for our shares and may have the effect of deterring hostile takeovers or delaying changes in our control or management. As a consequence, these provisions may also inhibit fluctuations in the market price of our stock that could result from actual or rumored takeover attempts.
Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law
When we have a class of voting stock that is either listed on a national securities exchange or held of record by more than 2,000 stockholders, we will be subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which prohibits a Delaware corporation from engaging in any business combination with any interested stockholder for a period of three years after the date that such stockholder became an interested stockholder, subject to certain exceptions.
Choice of Forum
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation to be in effect prior to the completion of this offering will provide that unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, if and only if the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware lacks subject matter jurisdiction, any state court located within the State of Delaware or, if and only if all such state courts lack subject matter jurisdiction, the federal district court for the District of Delaware) and any appellate court therefrom shall be the sole and exclusive forum for the following claims or causes of action under Delaware statutory or common law: (A) any derivative claim or cause of action brought on our behalf; (B) any claim or cause of action for breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our current or former directors, officers or other employees to us or our stockholders; (C) any claim or cause of action against us or any of our current or former directors, officers or other employees arising out of or pursuant to any provision of the Delaware General Corporation Law, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or amended and restated bylaws (as each may be amended from time to time); (D) any claim or cause of action seeking to interpret, apply, enforce or determine the validity of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or amended and restated bylaws (as each may be amended from time to time, including any right, obligation or remedy thereunder); (E) any claim or cause of action as to which the Delaware General Corporation Law confers jurisdiction on the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware; and (F) any claim or cause of action against us or any of our current or former directors, officers or other employees governed by the internal-affairs doctrine or otherwise related to our internal affairs, in all cases to the fullest extent permitted by law and subject to the court having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named as defendants; provided, that, this Delaware forum provision set forth in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation to be in effect prior to the completion of this offering shall not apply to claims or causes of action brought to enforce a duty or liability created by the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction.
Further, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation to be in effect prior to the completion of this offering will provide that unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the federal district courts of the United States shall be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act, including all causes of action asserted against any defendant named in such complaint. For the avoidance of doubt, this provision is intended to benefit and may be enforced by us, our officers and directors, the underwriters for any offering giving rise to such complaint, and any other professional entity whose profession gives authority to a statement made by that person or entity and who has prepared or certified any part of the documents underlying the offering.
Additionally, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation to be in effect prior to the completion of this offering will provide that any person or entity holding, owning or otherwise acquiring any interest in any of our securities shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to these provisions.
Election of Directors
Holders of Class C common stock shall be entitled to elect certain directors designated by our Sponsor as follows for so long as at least 10% of the shares of our Class C common stock and Class D common stock outstanding immediately prior to the completion of this offering remain outstanding:
•for so long as at least 50% of the shares of our Class C common stock and Class D common stock outstanding immediately prior to the completion of this offering remain outstanding, the holders of Class C common stock, voting as a separate class, shall be entitled to elect two members of our board of directors;
•for so long as at least 10% but less than 50% of the shares of our Class C common stock and Class D common stock outstanding immediately prior to the completion of this offering remain outstanding, the holders of Class C common stock, voting as a separate class, shall be entitled to elect one member of our board of directors; and
•when less than 10% of the total number of shares of our Class C common stock and Class D common stock outstanding immediately prior to the completion of this offering remain outstanding, the holders of Class C common stock shall no longer be entitled to separately elect any members of our board of directors.
Corporate Opportunities
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that we renounce any interest or expectancy in the business opportunities of our Sponsor and of its officers, directors, agents, stockholders, members, partners, affiliates and subsidiaries and each such party shall not have any obligation to offer us those opportunities unless presented to one of our directors or officers in his or her capacity as a director or officer.
Limitations of Liability and Indemnification
See “Executive Compensation—Indemnification Matters.”
Exchange Listing
We intend to apply to list our Class A common stock on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “BROS.”
Transfer Agent and Registrar
Upon the completion of this offering, the transfer agent and registrar for our common stock will be American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC. The transfer agent’s address is 6201 15th Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11219 and the telephone number is (800) 937-5449.
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our Class A common stock. Future sales of substantial amounts of our Class A common stock, including shares issued on the exercise of outstanding options, in the public market after this offering, or the possibility of these sales or issuances occurring, could adversely affect the prevailing market price for our Class A common stock or impair our ability to raise equity capital.
Upon the closing of this offering, we will have outstanding an aggregate of 30,528,501 shares of Class A common stock, assuming the issuance of 21,052,632 shares of Class A common stock offered by us in this offering and the issuance of 9,475,869 shares of Class A common stock to the Pre-IPO OpCo Unitholders. In addition, 118,344,409 shares of Class A common stock will be issuable upon redemption or exchange of 118,344,409 Class A common units that will be held by the Continuing Members immediately following this offering and application of the net proceeds, and 16,239,252 shares of Class A common stock will be issuable upon conversion of 16,239,252 shares of Class D common stock that will be held by the Pre-IPO Blocker Holders immediately following this offering and application of the net proceeds. Of these shares, all the Class A common stock sold in this offering by us, plus any shares sold by us on the exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional Class A common stock from us, will be freely tradable in the public market without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act, unless these shares are held by “affiliates,” as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act.
The remaining shares of Class A common stock will be, and shares of Class A common stock subject to stock options will be on issuance, “restricted securities,” as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act. These restricted securities are eligible for public sale only if they are registered under the Securities Act or if they qualify for an exemption from registration under Rules 144 or 701 under the Securities Act, which are summarized below. Restricted securities may also be sold outside of the United States to non-U.S. persons in accordance with Rule 904 of Regulation S.
Subject to the lock-up agreements and market standoff provisions described below and the provisions of Rule 144 or Regulation S under the Securities Act, as well as our insider trading policy, these restricted securities will be available for sale in the public market after the date of this prospectus.
Rule 144
In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, once we have been subject to public company reporting requirements of Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act for at least 90 days, an eligible stockholder is entitled to sell such shares without complying with the manner of sale, volume limitation or notice provisions of Rule 144, subject to compliance with the public information requirements of Rule 144. To be an eligible stockholder under Rule 144, such stockholder must not be deemed to have been one of our affiliates for purposes of the Securities Act at any time during the 90 days preceding a sale and must have beneficially owned the shares proposed to be sold for at least six months, including the holding period of any prior owner other than our affiliates. If such a person has beneficially owned the shares proposed to be sold for at least one year, including the holding period of any prior owner other than our affiliates, then such person is entitled to sell such shares without complying with any of the requirements of Rule 144, subject to the expiration of the lock-up agreements described below.
In general, under Rule 144, as currently in effect, our affiliates or persons selling shares on behalf of our affiliates are entitled to sell shares on expiration of the lock-up agreements described below, subject, in the case of restricted securities, to such shares having been beneficially owned for at least six months. Beginning 90 days after the date of this prospectus, within any three-month period, such stockholders may sell a number of shares that does not exceed the greater of:
•1% of the number of Class A common stock then outstanding, which will equal approximately 210,526 shares immediately after this offering; or
•the average weekly trading volume of our Class A common stock on the New York Stock Exchange during the four calendar weeks preceding the filing of a notice on Form 144 with respect to such sale.
Sales under Rule 144 by our affiliates or persons selling shares on behalf of our affiliates are also subject to certain manner of sale provisions and notice requirements and to the availability of current public information about us.
Rule 701
Rule 701 generally allows a stockholder who was issued shares under a written compensatory plan or contract and who is not deemed to have been an affiliate of our company during the immediately preceding 90 days, to sell these shares in reliance on Rule 144, but without being required to comply with the public information, holding period, volume limitation or notice provisions of Rule 144. Rule 701 also permits affiliates of our company to sell their Rule 701 shares under Rule 144 without complying with the holding period requirements of Rule 144. All holders of Rule 701 shares, however, are required by that rule to wait until 90 days after the date of this prospectus before selling those shares under Rule 701, subject to the expiration of the lock-up agreements and market standoff provisions described below.
Form S-8 Registration Statements
We intend to file one or more registration statements on Form S-8 under the Securities Act with the SEC to register the offer and sale of shares of our Class A common stock that are issuable under the 2021 Plan. These registration statements will become effective immediately on filing. Shares covered by these registration statements will then be eligible for sale in the public markets, subject to vesting restrictions, any applicable lock-up agreements and market standoff provisions described below, and Rule 144 limitations applicable to affiliates.
Lock-Up Arrangements and Market Standoff Agreements
We, all our directors and executive officers, and the holders of substantially all our Class A common stock and securities exercisable for or convertible into our Class A common stock outstanding immediately prior to the completion of this offering, have agreed, or will agree, with the underwriters that, until the earlier of (1) the opening of trading on the third trading day immediately following the date we have publicly furnished our earnings release for the second quarter following the most recent period for which financial statements are included in this prospectus (so long as such date is at least 120 days from the date of this prospectus), or (2) 180 days from the date of this prospectus, we and they will not, subject to certain exceptions, without the prior written consent of BofA Securities, Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Jefferies LLC, offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge, grant any option to purchase, lend or otherwise dispose of any shares of our Class A common stock, or any options or warrants to purchase any shares of our Class A common stock, or any securities convertible into, exchangeable for or that represent the right to receive shares of our Class A common stock; provided that up to 25% of the shares held by current employees and consultants immediately prior to this offering (but excluding current executive officers and directors) may be sold beginning at the commencement of trading on the later of (x) the first trading day following the 40th day after the date of this prospectus and (y) the third trading day immediately following the date we have publicly furnished our earnings release for the first quarter following the most recent period for which financial statements are included in this prospectus.
These agreements are described in the section titled “Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest).” BofA Securities, Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Jefferies LLC may, in their sole discretion, release any of the securities subject to these lock-up agreements at any time.
Registration Rights
In connection with this offering, we intend to enter into a registration rights agreement with our Sponsor and Co-Founder, pursuant to which we grant them the right, under certain circumstances and subject to certain restrictions, to require us to register under the Securities Act shares of Class A common stock delivered in exchange for Class A common units. Following completion of this offering and assuming exchange of all Class A common units held by the Continuing Members, the shares covered by registration rights represent approximately 71.7% of our outstanding Class A common stock (or approximately 70.0%, if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares), assuming exchange of all Class A common units. These shares also may be sold under Rule 144 under the Securities Act, depending on their holding period and subject to restrictions in the case of shares
held by persons deemed to be our affiliates. See “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Agreements to be entered into in connection with this offering—Registration Rights Agreement.”
10b5-1 Plans
After the offering, certain of our employees, including our executive officers, and/or directors may enter into written trading plans that are intended to comply with Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Sales under these trading plans would not be permitted until the expiration of the lock-up agreements or market standoff agreements relating to the offering described above.
MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES TO NON-U.S. HOLDERS OF OUR CLASS A COMMON STOCK
The following is a summary of material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of our Class A common stock as of the date hereof. Except where noted, this summary deals only with Class A common stock purchased in this offering that is held as a capital asset by a non-U.S. holder (as defined below).
A “non-U.S. holder” means a beneficial owner of our Class A common stock (other than an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) that is not, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, any of the following:
•an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States;
•a corporation (or any other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, or the District of Columbia;
•an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or
•a trust if it (1) is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (2) has a valid election in effect under applicable United States Treasury regulations to be treated as a United States person.
This summary is based upon provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and regulations, rulings, and judicial decisions as of the date hereof. Those authorities are subject to different interpretations and may be changed, perhaps retroactively, so as to result in U.S. federal income tax consequences different from those summarized below. This summary does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxes, does not address estate, gift, alternative minimum tax or Medicare contribution tax considerations or special tax accounting rules under Section 451(b) of the Code, and does not deal with foreign, state, local or other tax considerations that may be relevant to non-U.S. holders in light of their particular circumstances. In addition, it does not represent a detailed description of the U.S. federal income tax consequences applicable to you if you are subject to special treatment under the U.S. federal income tax laws (including if you are a United States expatriate, foreign pension fund, financial institution, insurance company, tax-exempt organization, trader, broker or dealer in securities, “controlled foreign corporation,” “passive foreign investment company,” a partnership or other pass-through entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes (or an investor in such an entity), a person holding shares of our Class B, Class C or Class D common stock, a person who acquired shares of our Class A common stock as compensation or otherwise in connection with the performance of services, a person deemed to sell our Class A common stock under the constructive sale provisions of the Code, or a person holding shares of our Class A common stock as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion transaction or other integrated investment). We cannot assure you that a change in law will not alter significantly the tax considerations that we describe in this summary.
If an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds our Class A common stock, the tax treatment of a partner will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner of a partnership holding our Class A common stock, you should consult your tax advisors.
If you are considering the purchase of our Class A common stock, you should consult your tax advisors concerning the particular U.S. federal income tax consequences to you of the purchase, ownership and disposition of our Class A common stock, as well as the consequences to you arising under other U.S. federal tax laws, the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction and under any applicable tax treaty.
Dividends
As described under “Dividend Policy,” we do not anticipate declaring or paying dividends to holders of our Class A common stock in the foreseeable future. In the event that we make a distribution of cash or other property
(other than certain pro rata distributions of our stock) in respect of our Class A common stock, the distribution generally will be treated as a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent it is paid from our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. Any portion of a distribution that exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits generally will be treated first as a tax-free return of capital, causing a reduction in the adjusted tax basis of a non-U.S. holder’s Class A common stock, and to the extent the amount of the distribution exceeds a non-U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in our Class A common stock, the excess will be treated as gain from the disposition of our Class A common stock (the tax treatment of which is discussed below under “—Gain on Disposition of Class A Common Stock”).
Subject to the discussions of effectively-connected income, backup withholding and FATCA, dividends paid to a non-U.S. holder generally will be subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty. However, dividends that are effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business by the non-U.S. holder within the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, are attributable to a United States permanent establishment) are not subject to the withholding tax, provided certain certification and disclosure requirements are satisfied. Instead, such dividends are subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis in the same manner as if the non-U.S. holder were a United States person as defined under the Code. Any such effectively connected dividends received by a foreign corporation may be subject to an additional “branch profits tax” at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty.
A non-U.S. holder who wishes to claim the benefit of an applicable treaty rate for dividends will be required (a) to provide the applicable withholding agent with a properly executed IRS Form W-BEN or Form W-8BEN-E (or other applicable form) certifying under penalty of perjury that such holder is not a United States person as defined under the Code and is eligible for treaty benefits or (b) if our Class A common stock is held through certain foreign intermediaries, to satisfy the relevant certification requirements of applicable United States Treasury regulations. Special certification and other requirements apply to certain non-U.S. holders that are pass-through entities rather than corporations or individuals.
A non-U.S. holder eligible for a reduced rate of U.S. federal withholding tax pursuant to an income tax treaty may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by timely filing an appropriate claim for refund with the IRS.
Gain on Disposition of Class A Common Stock
Subject to the discussion of backup withholding below, any gain realized by a non-U.S. holder on the sale or other disposition of our Class A common stock generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax unless:
•the gain is effectively connected with a trade or business of the non-U.S. holder in the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to a United States permanent establishment of the non-U.S. holder);
•the non-U.S. holder is an individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of that disposition, and certain other conditions are met; or
•our Class A common stock constitutes a United States real property interest by reason of our status as a “United States real property holding corporation” (“USRPHC”), for U.S. federal income tax purposes at any time within the shorter of the five-year period preceding the non-U.S. holder’s disposition of, or holding period for, our Class A common stock, and, in the case where shares of our Class A common stock are regularly traded on an established securities market, such non-U.S. holder owns, or is treated as owning, more than 5% of our Class A common stock at any time during the foregoing period.
A non-U.S. holder described in the first bullet point immediately above will be subject to tax on the gain derived from the sale or other disposition in the same manner as if the non-U.S. holder were a United States person as defined under the Code. In addition, if any non-U.S. holder described in the first bullet point immediately above is a foreign corporation, the gain realized by such non-U.S. holder may be subject to an additional “branch profits tax” at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty. An individual non-U.S.
holder described in the second bullet point immediately above will be subject to a 30% tax on the gain derived from the sale or other disposition (unless an applicable income tax treaty provides for different treatment), which gain may be offset by United States source capital losses even though the individual is not considered a resident of the United States, provided the non-U.S. holder has timely filed U.S. federal income tax returns with respect to such losses.
Generally, a corporation is a USRPHC if the fair market value of its United States real property interests equals or exceeds 50% of the sum of the fair market value of its worldwide real property interests and its other assets used or held for use in a trade or business (all as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes). We believe we are not and do not anticipate becoming a “United States real property holding corporation” (“USRPHC”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, because the determination of whether we are a USRPHC depends on the fair market value of our U.S. real property relative to the fair market value of our other business assets, there can be no assurance that we will not become a USRPHC in the future. Even if we become a USRPHC, however, as long as our Class A common stock is regularly traded on an established securities market, such Class A common stock will be treated as U.S. real property interests only if a non-U.S. holder actually or constructively holds more than 5% of such regularly traded Class A common stock at any time during the shorter of the five-year period preceding such non-U.S. holder’s disposition of, or holding period for, our Class A common stock. No assurance can be provided that our Class A common stock will be regularly traded on an established securities market at all times for purposes of the rules described above.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
Distributions paid to a non-U.S. holder and the amount of any tax withheld with respect to such distributions generally will be reported to the IRS. Copies of the information returns reporting such distributions and any withholding may also be made available to the tax authorities in the country in which the non-U.S. holder resides under the provisions of an applicable income tax treaty.
Dividends paid by us or our paying agent to a non-U.S. holder may also be subject to backup withholding (currently at a rate of 24%). A non-U.S. holder will not be subject to backup withholding on dividends received if such holder provides a properly executed IRS Form W-BEN or Form W-8BEN-E (or other applicable form) certifying under penalty of perjury that it is a non-U.S. holder (and the payor does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that such holder is a United States person as defined under the Code), or such holder otherwise establishes an exemption.
Information reporting and, depending on the circumstances, backup withholding will apply to the proceeds of a sale or other disposition of our Class A common stock made within the United States or conducted through certain United States-related financial intermediaries, unless the beneficial owner certifies under penalty of perjury that it is a non-U.S. holder (and the payor does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that the beneficial owner is a United States person as defined under the Code), or such owner otherwise establishes an exemption.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax and any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a refund or a credit against a non-U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.
Additional Withholding Requirements
Under Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, the Treasury regulations thereunder and other official guidance (commonly referred to as “FATCA”), a 30% U.S. federal withholding tax may apply to any dividends on our Class A common stock paid to (i) a “foreign financial institution” (as specifically defined in the Code) which does not provide sufficient documentation, typically on IRS Form W-8BEN-E, evidencing either (x) an exemption from FATCA, or (y) its compliance (or deemed compliance) with FATCA (which may alternatively be in the form of compliance with an intergovernmental agreement with the United States) in a manner which avoids withholding, or (ii) a “non-financial foreign entity” (as specifically defined in the Code) which does not provide sufficient documentation, typically on IRS Form W-8BEN-E, evidencing either (x) an exemption from FATCA, or (y) adequate information regarding certain substantial United States beneficial owners of such entity (if any). If a dividend payment is both subject to withholding under FATCA and subject to the withholding tax discussed above
under “—Dividends,” the withholding under FATCA may be credited against, and therefore reduce, such other withholding tax. An intergovernmental agreement between the United States and an applicable foreign country may modify these requirements. Under proposed U.S. Treasury regulations, the preamble to which states that taxpayers may rely on the proposed Treasury regulations until final Treasury regulations are issued, withholding under FATCA will not apply to the gross proceeds from the sale or disposition of our Class A common stock. You should consult your tax advisors regarding these requirements and whether they may be relevant to your ownership and disposition of our Class A common stock.
UNDERWRITING (CONFLICTS OF INTEREST)
BofA Securities, Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Jefferies LLC are acting as representatives of each of the underwriters named below. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in an underwriting agreement among us and the underwriters, we have agreed to sell to the underwriters, and each of the underwriters has agreed, severally and not jointly, to purchase from us, the number of shares of Class A common stock set forth opposite its name below.
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Underwriter
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Number
of Shares
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BofA Securities, Inc.
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J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
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Jefferies LLC
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Barclays Capital Inc.
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Piper Sandler & Co.
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Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated
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William Blair & Company, L.L.C.
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Cowen and Company, LLC
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Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated
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AmeriVet Securities, Inc.
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Penserra Securities LLC
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R. Seelaus & Co., LLC
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Tribal Capital Markets, LLC
|
|
|
Total
|
|
21,052,632
|
|
Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the underwriting agreement, the underwriters have agreed, severally and not jointly, to purchase all the shares sold under the underwriting agreement if any of these shares are purchased. If an underwriter defaults, the underwriting agreement provides that the purchase commitments of the nondefaulting underwriters may be increased or the underwriting agreement may be terminated.
We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.
The underwriters are offering the shares, subject to prior sale, when, as and if issued to and accepted by them, subject to approval of legal matters by their counsel, including the validity of the shares, and other conditions contained in the underwriting agreement, such as the receipt by the underwriters of officer’s certificates and legal opinions. The underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify offers to the public and to reject orders in whole or in part.
Commissions and Discounts
The representatives have advised us that the underwriters propose initially to offer the shares to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus and to dealers at that price less a concession not in excess of $ per share. After the initial offering, the public offering price, concession or any other term of the offering may be changed.
The following table shows the public offering price, underwriting discount and proceeds before expenses to us. The information assumes either no exercise or full exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per Share
|
|
Without Option
|
|
With Option
|
Public offering price
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
Underwriting discount
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
Proceeds, before expenses, to us
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
The expenses of the offering, not including the underwriting discount, are estimated at $7.0 million and are payable by us.
Option to Purchase Additional Shares
We have granted an option to the underwriters, exercisable for 30 days after the date of this prospectus, to purchase up to 3,157,894 additional shares at the public offering price, less the underwriting discount. If the underwriters exercise this option, each will be obligated, subject to conditions contained in the underwriting agreement, to purchase a number of additional shares proportionate to that underwriter’s initial amount reflected in the above table.
Reserved Share Program
At our request, an affiliate of BofA Securities, Inc. has reserved for sale, at the initial public offering price, up to 5% of the shares offered by this prospectus for sale to certain employees, business associates and individuals identified by our officers and directors who have expressed an interest in purchasing common stock in this offering. If these persons purchase reserved shares it will reduce the number of shares available for sale to the general public. Any reserved shares that are not so purchased will be offered by the underwriters to the general public on the same terms as the other shares offered by this prospectus.
No Sales of Similar Securities
We, all our directors and executive officers, and the holders of substantially all of our Class A common stock and securities exercisable for or convertible into our Class A common stock outstanding immediately prior to the completion of this offering have agreed, or will agree, with the underwriters that, until the earlier of (1) the opening of trading on the third trading day immediately following the date we have publicly furnished our earnings release for the second quarter following the most recent period for which financial statements are included in this prospectus (so long as such date is at least 120 days from the date of this prospectus), or (2) 180 days from the date of this prospectus, we and they will not, subject to certain exceptions, sell or transfer any Class A common stock or securities convertible into, exchangeable for, exercisable for or repayable with Class A common stock, for the lock-up period following the date of this prospectus without first obtaining the written consent of BofA Securities, Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Jefferies LLC. Specifically, we and these other persons have agreed, with certain limited exceptions, not to directly or indirectly
•offer, pledge, sell or contract to sell any Class A common stock,
•sell any option or contract to purchase any Class A common stock,
•purchase any option or contract to sell any Class A common stock,
•grant any option, right or warrant for the sale of any Class A common stock,
•lend or otherwise dispose of or transfer any Class A common stock,
•request or demand that we file or make a confidential submission of a registration statement related to the Class A common stock, or
•enter into any swap or other agreement that transfers, in whole or in part, the economic consequence of ownership of any Class A common stock whether any such swap or transaction is to be settled by delivery of shares or other securities, in cash or otherwise.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, up to 25% of the shares held by current employees and consultants immediately prior to this offering (but excluding current executive officers and directors) may be sold beginning at the commencement of trading on the later of (x) the first trading day following the 40th day after the date of this prospectus and (y) the third trading day immediately following the date we have publicly furnished our earnings release for the first quarter following the most recent period for which financial statements are included in this prospectus. This lock-up provision applies to Class A common stock and to securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for or repayable with Class A common stock. It also applies to Class A common stock owned now or acquired later by the person executing the agreement or for which the person executing the agreement later acquires the power of disposition.
Listing
We intend to apply to list our Class A common stock on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “BROS.”
Price Stabilization, Short Positions
Until the distribution of the shares is completed, SEC rules may limit underwriters and selling group members from bidding for and purchasing our Class A common stock. However, the representatives may engage in transactions that stabilize the price of the Class A common stock, such as bids or purchases to peg, fix or maintain that price.
In connection with the offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell our Class A common stock in the open market. These transactions may include short sales, purchases on the open market to cover positions created by short sales and stabilizing transactions. Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of shares than they are required to purchase in the offering. “Covered” short sales are sales made in an amount not greater than the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares described above. The underwriters may close out any covered short position by either exercising their option to purchase additional shares or purchasing shares in the open market. In determining the source of shares to close out the covered short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase shares through the option granted to them. “Naked” short sales are sales in excess of such option. The underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of our Class A common stock in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of various bids for or purchases of shares of Class A common stock made by the underwriters in the open market prior to the completion of the offering.
Similar to other purchase transactions, the underwriters’ purchases to cover the syndicate short sales may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of our Class A common stock or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of our Class A common stock. As a result, the price of our Class A common stock may be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open market. The underwriters may conduct these transactions on the New York Stock Exchange, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.
Neither we nor any of the underwriters make any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of our Class A common stock. In addition, neither we nor any of the underwriters make any representation that the representatives will engage in these transactions or that these transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.
Electronic Distribution
In connection with the offering, certain of the underwriters or securities dealers may distribute prospectuses by electronic means, such as e-mail.
Other Relationships
Some of the underwriters and their affiliates have engaged in, and may in the future engage in, investment banking and other commercial dealings in the ordinary course of business with us or our affiliates. They have received, or may in the future receive, customary fees and commissions for these transactions.
In addition, in the ordinary course of their business activities, the underwriters and their affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers. Such investments and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of ours or our affiliates. The underwriters and their affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or financial instruments and may hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments. In addition, certain of the underwriters and/or their affiliates are lenders under our credit facility and, as such, may receive a portion of the net proceeds from this offering.
Notice to Prospective Investors in the European Economic Area
In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area (each a “Relevant State”), no Shares have been offered or will be offered pursuant to the offering to the public in that Relevant State prior to the publication of a prospectus in relation to the shares which has been approved by the competent authority in that Relevant State or, where appropriate, approved in another Relevant State and notified to the competent authority in that Relevant State, all in accordance with the Prospectus Regulation), except that offers of shares may be made to the public in that Relevant State at any time under the following exemptions under the Prospectus Regulation:
(a)to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined under the Prospectus Regulation;
(b)to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined under the Prospectus Regulation), subject to obtaining the prior consent of representatives for any such offer; or
(c)in any other circumstances falling within Article 1(4) of the Prospectus Regulation,
provided that no such offer of shares shall require the Issuer or any Manager to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Regulation or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 23 of the Prospectus Regulation.
Each person in a Relevant State who initially acquires any shares or to whom any offer is made will be deemed to have represented, acknowledged and agreed to and with Dutch Bros Inc. and the underwriters that it is a qualified investor within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation.
In the case of any shares being offered to a financial intermediary as that term is used in Article 5(1) of the Prospectus Regulation, each such financial intermediary will be deemed to have represented, acknowledged and agreed that the shares acquired by it in the offer have not been acquired on a non-discretionary basis on behalf of, nor have they been acquired with a view to their offer or resale to, persons in circumstances which may give rise to an offer to the public other than their offer or resale in a Relevant State to qualified investors, in circumstances in which the prior consent of the underwriters has been obtained to each such proposed offer or resale.
Dutch Bros Inc., the underwriters and their affiliates will rely upon the truth and accuracy of the foregoing representations, acknowledgments and agreements.
For the purposes of this provision, the expression an “offer to the public” in relation to any shares in any Relevant State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and any shares to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for any shares, and the expression “Prospectus Regulation” means Regulation (EU) 2017/1129.
The above selling restriction is in addition to any other selling restrictions set out below.
Notice to Prospective Investors in the United Kingdom
No shares have been offered or will be offered pursuant to the offering to the public in the United Kingdom prior to the publication of a prospectus in relation to the Shares which has been approved by the Financial Conduct Authority, except that the shares may be offered to the public in the United Kingdom at any time:
(a)to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined under Article 2 of the UK Prospectus Regulation;
(b)to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined under Article 2 of the UK Prospectus Regulation), subject to obtaining the prior consent of the representatives for any such offer; or
(c)in any other circumstances falling within Section 86 of the FSMA.
provided that no such offer of the shares shall require the Issuer or any Manager to publish a prospectus pursuant to Section 85 of the FSMA or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 23 of the UK Prospectus Regulation. For the purposes of this provision, the expression an “offer to the public” in relation to the shares in the United Kingdom means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and any shares to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for any shares and the expression “UK Prospectus Regulation” means Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Switzerland
The shares may not be publicly offered in Switzerland and will not be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (“SIX”) or on any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. This document has been prepared without regard to the disclosure standards for issuance prospectuses under art. 652a or art. 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations or the disclosure standards for listing prospectuses under art. 27 ff. of the SIX Listing Rules or the listing rules of any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the shares or the offering may be publicly distributed or otherwise made publicly available in Switzerland.
Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the offering, Dutch Bros Inc., the shares have been or will be filed with or approved by any Swiss regulatory authority. In particular, this document will not be filed with, and the offer of shares will not be supervised by, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA (FINMA), and the offer of shares has not been and will not be authorized under the Swiss Federal Act on Collective Investment Schemes (CISA). The investor protection afforded to acquirers of interests in collective investment schemes under the CISA does not extend to acquirers of shares.
Notice to Prospective Investors in the Dubai International Financial Centre
This prospectus supplement relates to an Exempt Offer in accordance with the Offered Securities Rules of the Dubai Financial Services Authority (“DFSA”). This prospectus supplement is intended for distribution only to persons of a type specified in the Offered Securities Rules of the DFSA. It must not be delivered to, or relied on by, any other person. The DFSA has no responsibility for reviewing or verifying any documents in connection with Exempt Offers. The DFSA has not approved this prospectus supplement nor taken steps to verify the information set forth herein and has no responsibility for the prospectus supplement. The shares to which this prospectus supplement relates may be illiquid and/or subject to restrictions on their resale. Prospective purchasers of the shares offered should conduct their own due diligence on the shares. If you do not understand the contents of this prospectus supplement you should consult an authorized financial advisor.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Australia
No placement document, prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document has been lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (“ASIC”), in relation to the offering. This prospectus does not constitute a prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document under the
Corporations Act 2001 (the “Corporations Act”), and does not purport to include the information required for a prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document under the Corporations Act.
Any offer in Australia of the shares may only be made to persons (the “Exempt Investors”) who are “sophisticated investors” (within the meaning of section 708(8) of the Corporations Act), “professional investors” (within the meaning of section 708(11) of the Corporations Act) or otherwise pursuant to one or more exemptions contained in section 708 of the Corporations Act so that it is lawful to offer the shares without disclosure to investors under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act.
The shares applied for by Exempt Investors in Australia must not be offered for sale in Australia in the period of 12 months after the date of allotment under the offering, except in circumstances where disclosure to investors under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act would not be required pursuant to an exemption under section 708 of the Corporations Act or otherwise or where the offer is pursuant to a disclosure document which complies with Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act. Any person acquiring shares must observe such Australian on-sale restrictions.
This prospectus contains general information only and does not take account of the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person. It does not contain any securities recommendations or financial product advice. Before making an investment decision, investors need to consider whether the information in this prospectus is appropriate to their needs, objectives and circumstances, and, if necessary, seek expert advice on those matters.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Hong Kong
The securities have not been offered or sold and will not be offered or sold in Hong Kong, by means of any document, other than (a) to “professional investors” as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) of Hong Kong and any rules made under that Ordinance; or (b) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a “prospectus” as defined in the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32) of Hong Kong or which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of that Ordinance. No advertisement, invitation or document relating to the securities has been or may be issued or has been or may be in the possession of any person for the purposes of issue, whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere, which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public of Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to securities which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to “professional investors” as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance and any rules made under that Ordinance.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Japan
The securities have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan (Law No. 25 of 1948, as amended) and, accordingly, will not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in Japan, or for the benefit of any Japanese Person or to others for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to any Japanese Person, except in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and ministerial guidelines promulgated by relevant Japanese governmental or regulatory authorities in effect at the relevant time. For the purposes of this paragraph, “Japanese Person” shall mean any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Singapore
This prospectus has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, the securities were not offered or sold or caused to be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase and will not be offered or sold or caused to be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, and this prospectus or any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the securities, has not been circulated or distributed, nor will it be circulated or distributed, whether directly or indirectly, to any person in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor (as defined in Section 4A of the Securities and Futures Act (Chapter 289) of Singapore, as modified or amended from time to time (the “SFA”)) pursuant to Section 274 of the SFA, (ii) to a relevant person (as defined in Section 275(2)
of the SFA) pursuant to Section 275(1) of the SFA, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A) of the SFA, and in accordance with the conditions specified in Section 275 of the SFA or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA.
Where the securities are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 of the SFA by a relevant person which is:
(a)a corporation (which is not an accredited investor (as defined in Section 4A of the SFA)) the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor; or
(b)a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary of the trust is an individual who is an accredited investor,
securities or securities-based derivatives contracts (each term as defined in Section 2(1) of the SFA) of that corporation or the beneficiaries’ rights and interest (howsoever described) in that trust shall not be transferred within six months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the securities pursuant to an offer made under Section 275 of the SFA except:
(a)to an institutional investor or to a relevant person, or to any person arising from an offer referred to in Section 275(1A) or Section 276(4)(i)(B) of the SFA;
(b)where no consideration is or will be given for the transfer;
(c)where the transfer is by operation of law; or
(d)as specified in Section 276(7) of the SFA.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Canada
The securities may be sold only to purchasers purchasing, or deemed to be purchasing, as principal that are accredited investors, as defined in National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions or subsection 73.3(1) of the Securities Act (Ontario), and are permitted clients, as defined in National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations. Any resale of the securities must be made in accordance with an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the prospectus requirements of applicable securities laws.
Securities legislation in certain provinces or territories of Canada may provide a purchaser with remedies for rescission or damages if this prospectus (including any amendment thereto) contains a misrepresentation, provided that the remedies for rescission or damages are exercised by the purchaser within the time limit prescribed by the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory. The purchaser should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory for particulars of these rights or consult with a legal advisor.
Pursuant to section 3A.3 (or, in the case of securities issued or guaranteed by the government of a non-Canadian jurisdiction, section 3A.4) of National Instrument 33-105 Underwriting Conflicts (NI 33-105), the underwriters are not required to comply with the disclosure requirements of NI 33-105 regarding underwriter conflicts of interest in connection with this offering.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the shares of Class A common stock being offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Cooley LLP, Palo Alto, California. Certain legal matters in connection with this offering will be passed upon for the underwriters by Latham & Watkins LLP, New York, New York.
EXPERTS
The financial statement of Dutch Bros Inc. as of June 4, 2021 and the consolidated financial statements of Dutch Mafia, LLC and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2019 and 2020 and for the years then ended have been included herein in reliance upon the reports of KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, appearing elsewhere herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing. The audit report covering the December 31, 2019 and 2020 consolidated financial statements of Dutch Mafia, LLC and subsidiaries refers to a change in the method of accounting for revenue as of January 1, 2019 due to the adoption of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act with respect to the shares of Class A common stock offered by this prospectus. This prospectus, which constitutes a part of the registration statement, does not contain all the information set forth in the registration statement, some of which is contained in exhibits to the registration statement as permitted by the rules and regulations of the SEC. For further information with respect to us and our Class A common stock, we refer you to the registration statement, including the exhibits filed as a part of the registration statement. Statements contained in this prospectus concerning the contents of any contract or any other document are not necessarily complete. If a contract or document has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, please see the copy of the contract or document that has been filed. Each statement in this prospectus relating to a contract or document filed as an exhibit is qualified in all respects by the filed exhibit. The SEC maintains an internet website that contains reports and other information about issuers, like us, that file electronically with the SEC. The address of that website is www.sec.gov.
Upon the completion of this offering, we will be subject to the information reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, and we will file reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. These reports, proxy statements and other information will be available at www.sec.gov.
We also maintain a website at www.dutchbros.com. Information contained in, or accessible through, our website is not a part of this prospectus, and the inclusion of our website address in this prospectus is only as an inactive textual reference.
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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Page
|
Audited Balance Sheet of Dutch Bros Inc.
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|
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|
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Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of Dutch Mafia, LLC and Subsidiaries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unaudited Balance Sheets of Dutch Bros Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of Dutch Mafia, LLC and Subsidiaries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
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|
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
Dutch Bros Inc.:
Opinion on the Financial Statement
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Dutch Bros Inc. (the Company) as of June 4, 2021, and the related notes (collectively, the financial statement). In our opinion, the financial statement presents fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of June 4, 2021, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Basis for Opinion
This financial statement is the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on this financial statement based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statement is free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statement, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statement. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statement. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/KPMG LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2021.
Portland, Oregon
June 10, 2021
DUTCH BROS INC.
Balance Sheet
|
|
|
|
|
|
ASSETS
|
June 4, 2021
|
Total assets
|
$
|
—
|
|
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
|
|
Common stock, par value $0.00001, 5,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding
|
$
|
—
|
|
Total stockholder's equity
|
$
|
—
|
|
See accompanying notes to the balance sheet.
DUTCH BROS INC.
Notes to Balance Sheet
June 4, 2021
(1)Organization
Dutch Bros Inc. (the “Corporation”) was organized as a Delaware corporation on June 4, 2021. The Corporation’s fiscal year end is December 31. Pursuant to a reorganization into a holding corporation structure, the Corporation will become a holding corporation and its sole assets are expected to be an equity interest in Dutch Mafia, LLC.
The Corporation will be the managing member of Dutch Mafia, LLC and will operate and control all of the business affairs of Dutch Mafia, LLC and, through Dutch Mafia, LLC and its subsidiaries, continue to conduct the business now conducted by these entities.
(2)Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Accounting
The Balance Sheet has been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Separate statements of income, changes in stockholder’s equity, and cash flows have not been presented in the financial statements because there have been no activities in this entity.
(3)Stockholder’s Equity
The Corporation is authorized to issue 5,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.00001 per share. Under the corporation’s certificate of incorporation in effect as of June 4, 2021, there is only one class of common stock.
(4)Subsequent Events
Events and transactions occurring through the date of issuance of the financial statements have been evaluated by management and, when appropriate, recognized or disclosed in the financial statements or notes to the financial statements.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Members and Board of Managers
Dutch Mafia, LLC:
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Dutch Mafia, LLC and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of income, changes in members’ deficit, and cash flows for each of the years in the two‑year period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the two‑year period ended December 31, 2020, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Change in Accounting Principle
As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for revenue as of January 1, 2019 due to the adoption of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/KPMG LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2020.
Portland, Oregon
June 10, 2021
DUTCH MAFIA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, 2019 and 2020
(in thousands, except unit data)
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2020
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
Current assets:
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
$
|
15,584
|
|
|
$
|
31,640
|
|
Accounts receivable, net
|
6,619
|
|
|
10,837
|
|
Inventory
|
10,915
|
|
|
15,580
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
|
3,731
|
|
|
5,015
|
|
Total current assets
|
36,849
|
|
|
63,072
|
|
Property and equipment, net
|
103,176
|
|
|
165,423
|
|
Intangibles, net
|
10,547
|
|
|
11,323
|
|
Goodwill
|
16,531
|
|
|
18,075
|
|
Other long-term assets
|
1,178
|
|
|
1,766
|
|
Total assets
|
$
|
168,281
|
|
|
$
|
259,659
|
|
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS’ DEFICIT
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities:
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
$
|
13,045
|
|
|
$
|
16,092
|
|
Accrued expenses
|
7,312
|
|
|
10,036
|
|
Other current liabilities
|
845
|
|
|
1,429
|
|
Deferred revenue
|
7,504
|
|
|
11,192
|
|
Line of credit
|
—
|
|
|
15,000
|
|
Current portion of capital lease obligations
|
1,041
|
|
|
2,331
|
|
Current portion of long-term debt
|
3,153
|
|
|
3,788
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
32,900
|
|
|
59,868
|
|
Deferred revenue, long term
|
4,015
|
|
|
4,746
|
|
Capital lease obligations, net of current portion
|
20,831
|
|
|
49,637
|
|
Long-term debt, net of current portion
|
22,881
|
|
|
24,367
|
|
Profits interest liability
|
6,758
|
|
|
41,845
|
|
Deferred rent
|
2,398
|
|
|
2,740
|
|
Other long-term liabilities
|
483
|
|
|
466
|
|
Total liabilities
|
90,266
|
|
|
183,669
|
|
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)
|
|
|
|
Temporary equity:
|
|
|
|
Redeemable common units (4,990,000 common units issued and outstanding at December 31, 2020 and 2019)
|
937,721
|
|
|
1,535,772
|
|
Permanent equity:
|
|
|
|
Members’ deficit (5,010,000 common units authorized, issued and outstanding at December 31, 2020 and 2019)
|
(859,706)
|
|
|
(1,459,782)
|
|
Total liabilities, temporary equity, and members’ deficit
|
$
|
168,281
|
|
|
$
|
259,659
|
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
DUTCH MAFIA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Income
Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2020
(in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2020
|
REVENUES
|
|
|
|
Company-operated shops
|
$
|
151,543
|
|
|
$
|
244,514
|
|
Franchising and other
|
86,825
|
|
|
82,899
|
|
Total revenues
|
238,368
|
|
|
327,413
|
|
COSTS AND EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
Cost of sales
|
142,307
|
|
|
211,659
|
|
Selling, general and administrative
|
65,764
|
|
|
105,087
|
|
Total costs and expenses
|
208,071
|
|
|
316,746
|
|
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
|
30,297
|
|
|
10,667
|
|
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
|
|
|
|
Interest expense, net
|
(2,346)
|
|
|
(3,736)
|
|
Other income (expense)
|
524
|
|
|
(363)
|
|
Total other income (expense)
|
(1,822)
|
|
|
(4,099)
|
|
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
|
28,475
|
|
|
6,568
|
|
Income tax expense
|
89
|
|
|
843
|
|
NET INCOME
|
$
|
28,386
|
|
|
$
|
5,725
|
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
DUTCH MAFIA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Members' Deficit
Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2020
(in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Members’
Deficit
|
Balance, December 31, 2018
|
$
|
(476,345)
|
|
Implementation of the adoption of new accounting standard (Topic 606)
|
(2,279)
|
|
Distributions to members
|
(6,625)
|
|
Increase in redemption value of redeemable common units
|
(402,843)
|
|
Net income
|
28,386
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2019
|
(859,706)
|
|
Distributions to members
|
(7,750)
|
|
Increase in redemption value of redeemable common units
|
(598,051)
|
|
Net income
|
5,725
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2020
|
$
|
(1,459,782)
|
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
DUTCH MAFIA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2020
(in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2020
|
Cash flows from operating activities:
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
$
|
28,386
|
|
|
$
|
5,725
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
9,670
|
|
|
15,537
|
|
Non-cash interest expense
|
98
|
|
|
98
|
|
Loss on disposal of assets
|
232
|
|
|
475
|
|
Equity-based compensation
|
6,758
|
|
|
35,087
|
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable, net
|
(612)
|
|
|
(4,218)
|
|
Inventory
|
222
|
|
|
(4,587)
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
|
2,220
|
|
|
(1,284)
|
|
Other long-term assets
|
495
|
|
|
(573)
|
|
Accounts payable
|
3,531
|
|
|
(518)
|
|
Accrued expenses
|
2,940
|
|
|
2,527
|
|
Other current liabilities
|
217
|
|
|
584
|
|
Deferred revenue
|
4,954
|
|
|
4,419
|
|
Deferred rent
|
552
|
|
|
343
|
|
Other long-term liabilities
|
(2,961)
|
|
|
(66)
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
56,702
|
|
|
53,549
|
|
Cash flows from investing activities:
|
|
|
|
Purchase of property and equipment
|
(39,465)
|
|
|
(40,575)
|
|
Proceeds from disposal of fixed assets
|
47
|
|
|
99
|
|
Acquisition of stores from franchisees
|
(530)
|
|
|
(5,094)
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
(39,948)
|
|
|
(45,570)
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities:
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from line of credit
|
—
|
|
|
30,000
|
|
Payments on line of credit
|
(1,958)
|
|
|
(15,000)
|
|
Payments on capital lease obligations
|
(1,104)
|
|
|
(1,195)
|
|
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
|
—
|
|
|
5,250
|
|
Payments on long-term debt
|
(2,993)
|
|
|
(3,228)
|
|
Proceeds from Paycheck Protection Program loan
|
—
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
Payments on Paycheck Protection Program loan
|
—
|
|
|
(10,000)
|
|
Distributions to members
|
(6,625)
|
|
|
(7,750)
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
|
(12,680)
|
|
|
8,077
|
|
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
|
4,074
|
|
|
16,056
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
|
11,510
|
|
|
15,584
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
|
$
|
15,584
|
|
|
$
|
31,640
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
|
|
|
|
Cash paid during the year for interest
|
$
|
2,415
|
|
|
$
|
3,829
|
|
Income taxes paid
|
103
|
|
|
338
|
|
Purchase of property with capital leases
|
13,797
|
|
|
31,291
|
|
Purchases of property and equipment accrued in accounts payable
|
4,329
|
|
|
3,518
|
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
DUTCH MAFIA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2020
(in thousands, except unit and per unit data)
(1)Description of Business
Dutch Mafia, LLC and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) are in the business of operating and franchising coffee shops as well as the wholesale sale and distribution of coffee, coffee-related products, and accessories. The Company franchises, owns and operates multiple retail coffee outlets. As of December 31, 2019 and 2020, the Company had 370 and 441 shops, of which 118 and 182 were company-operated and 252 and 259 were franchised, respectively, located throughout 9 U.S. states. The Company will continue indefinitely unless terminated sooner as provided for in the Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement (the “LLC Agreement”).
(2)Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
(a)Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Dutch Mafia, LLC and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
(b)Use of estimates
The presentation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions, primarily related to long-lived asset valuation, leases, and equity-based compensation that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Although management bases its estimates on historical experience and assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, actual results could differ from those estimates.
(c)Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income is defined as the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. Comprehensive income is the same as net income for all periods presented. Therefore, a separate statement of comprehensive income is not included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
(d)Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include all short-term highly liquid instruments with original maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase, as well as credit card receivables for sales to customers in company-operated shops that generally settle within two to five business days. The Company’s cash accounts are maintained at various high credit quality financial institutions and may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts.
(e)Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, consist primarily of royalty revenues and outstanding balances for sales of roasted coffee beans and other retail related supplies to franchisees. The allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated based on the Company’s historical losses, review of specific problem accounts, existing economic conditions in the industry, and the financial stability of its customers. Accounts receivable are charged off against the allowance for doubtful accounts when they are determined by management to be uncollectible. The Company had no allowance for doubtful accounts at December 31, 2019 and 2020.
(f)Inventory
Inventory consists primarily of equipment and parts, roasted and unroasted coffee beans, accessories, and other retail related supplies. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value, with the cost being determined by the standard cost method which approximates actual cost on a first in, first out basis. The Company
DUTCH MAFIA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2020
(in thousands, except unit and per unit data)
records inventory reserves for obsolete and slow-moving inventory and for estimated shrinkage between physical inventory counts. Inventory reserves are based on inventory obsolescence trends, historical experience and application of the specific identification method. As of December 31, 2019 and 2020, inventory reserves were $0 and $2,240, respectively.
(g)Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation. Expenditures for maintenance, repairs, and routine replacements are charged to expense as incurred. Expenditures for major repairs and improvements that extend the useful lives of property and equipment are capitalized. When property or equipment is sold or otherwise disposed of, the asset and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is included in income from operations in the accompany consolidated statements of income. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the following useful lives:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vehicles
|
5 - 10 years
|
Equipment
|
3 - 7 years
|
Leasehold improvements
|
5 - 9 years (lesser of the lease terms or useful lives)
|
Buildings
|
10 - 20 years
|
The Company capitalizes costs associated with the acquisition or development of major software for internal use and amortizes the assets over the expected life of the software, generally 3 years. The Company only capitalizes subsequent additions, modifications, or upgrades to internal-use software to the extent that such changes allow the software to perform a task it previously did not perform. The Company expenses software maintenance and training costs as incurred.
(h)Impairment of Long-lived Assets
Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. The Company’s assessment of recoverability of property and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets is performed at the component level, which is generally an individual shop, and requires judgment and an estimate of future undiscounted shop generated cash flows. The Company’s estimates of fair values are based on the best information available and require the use of estimates, judgments, and projections. The Company did not record any impairment losses on long-lived assets in the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020.
(i)Goodwill
On an annual basis (October 31st), and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable, the Company reviews the recoverability of goodwill on a reporting unit basis. The annual impairment test includes an option to perform a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying value; the qualitative test may be performed prior to, or as an alternative to, performing a quantitative goodwill impairment test. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, the Company determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then the Company is required to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. Otherwise, no further analysis is required. The quantitative impairment test involves the comparison of the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value. The Company calculates the fair value of each reporting unit using a discounted cash flows analysis that converts future cash flow amounts into a single discounted present value amount. The Company assesses the valuation methodology based upon the relevance and availability of the data at the time that the valuation is performed. The Company compares the estimate of fair value for the reporting unit to the carrying value of the reporting unit. All company-operated shops are deemed to have similar economic characteristics and are deemed to be one reporting unit. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the financial statement carrying amount exceeds the asset’s fair value. No impairment charges were recognized for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020.
DUTCH MAFIA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2020
(in thousands, except unit and per unit data)
(j)Leases
The Company leases all company-operated shops. At the inception of each lease, the Company determines the appropriate classification for each lease as operating or capital. The Company has estimated that the lease term, including reasonably assured renewal periods, is typically 20 years.
Operating Leases
Operating leases typically contain escalating rentals over the lease term, as well as optional renewal periods. Rent expense for operating leases is recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term and begins when the Company has the right to use the property, which is typically before payments are due under the lease. The difference between rent expense and cash payment is recorded as deferred rent on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Pre-opening rent is included in selling, general and administrative expenses on the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Tenant incentives used to fund leasehold improvements are recorded in deferred rent and amortized as reductions to rent expense over the term of the lease.
Capital Leases
Property under capital leases is stated at the net present value of the related minimum lease payments at lease inception and amortized over the initial lease term.
(k)Revenue Recognition
Consolidated revenues are recognized net of any discounts, returns, allowances and sales incentives. The Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, effective January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective method and recognized the cumulative effect of initially applying the new revenue standard as an adjustment to the opening balance of members’ deficit.
The following table disaggregates revenue by major component:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2020
|
Company-operated shops
|
$
|
151,543
|
|
|
$
|
244,514
|
|
Franchising
|
79,568
|
|
|
77,625
|
|
Other
|
7,257
|
|
|
5,274
|
|
|
$
|
238,368
|
|
|
$
|
327,413
|
|
Company-operated Shops Revenue
Retail sales from company-operated shops and through online channels are recognized at the point in time when the products are sold to the customers. The Company reports revenues net of sales taxes collected from customers and remitted to government taxing authorities.
Loyalty and Gift Card Programs
In January 2021, the Company transitioned from a traditional loyalty program to a digital loyalty program. Under the previous program, a customer earned a “Stamp” for each purchase at a Dutch Bros coffee shop. After accumulating a certain number of Stamps, the customer earned a reward that can be redeemed for free product that, regardless of where the related Stamps were earned, will be honored at company-operated shops and franchised shop locations. The Company deferred revenue associated with the estimated selling price of Stamps earned by customers towards free product as each Stamp is earned, and a corresponding contract liability is established within loyalty program liability on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The estimated selling price of each Stamp earned is based on the estimated value of the product for which the reward is expected to be redeemed, net of Stamps not expected to be redeemed, based on historical redemption patterns. Stamps did not expire. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic beginning in March 2020, the Company discontinued new Stamps. The Company
DUTCH MAFIA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2020
(in thousands, except unit and per unit data)
continued to redeem previously earned Stamps through March 2021. In January 2021, the Company developed a new loyalty program in which the customer earns rewards through use of the Company’s mobile app that can be redeemed for free product. The Company defers revenue as rewards are earned under the new loyalty program.
The Company also operates a gift card program and maintains a gift card contract liability for gift cards sold, recognizing revenue from gift cards when a gift card is redeemed. Gift cards do not have an expiration date or a service fee causing a decrement to the customer balance. Based on historical redemptions rates, a portion of gift cards is not expected to be redeemed and will be recognized as breakage over time in proportion to gift card redemptions. The redemption rates are based on historical redemption patterns. Breakage recognized for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020 was $95 and $169, respectively.
Deferred revenue activity related to the loyalty and gift card programs was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31,
|
2019
|
|
2020
|
Balance at beginning of year
|
$
|
4,532
|
|
|
$
|
8,768
|
|
Revenue recognition adoption impact
|
1,479
|
|
|
—
|
|
Revenue deferred - card activations and Stamps earned
|
31,173
|
|
|
22,165
|
|
Revenue recognized - card and Stamp redemptions and breakage
|
(28,416)
|
|
|
(20,357)
|
|
|
8,768
|
|
|
10,576
|
|
Less current portion
|
7,053
|
|
|
9,543
|
|
|
$
|
1,715
|
|
|
$
|
1,033
|
|
Franchising Revenue
Franchise royalties are computed as a percentage of net franchise sales in most cases, and as a flat monthly fee in other cases. The royalty fee is charged for continuing support of franchisees for training, marketing, and operations services provided by the Company. These services are highly interrelated and so are not individually distinct performance obligations. As a result, these are accounted as a single performance obligation. Revenue from franchise royalties is recognized on a monthly basis.
The Company receives marketing fees from franchisees which are used to promote the Dutch Bros brand. Contributions are based on a percentage of monthly shop sales. Marketing fees are billed monthly. Marketing fees are recognized as revenue and included in franchising and other revenues, while expenditures are included in selling, general, and administrative expenses, on the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Expenditures of the funds collected as marketing fees include payments to third parties, personnel expenses, and allocated costs. At each reporting date, to the extent receipts exceed related marketing expenditures on a cumulative basis, the excess fees collected are recorded in accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. At December 31, 2019 and 2020, there were no excess marketing fees recorded in accrued liabilities as cumulative expenditures exceeded contributions.
Revenue from the sale of individual franchises (“franchise fees”) are recognized ratably over the term of the contract, generally ten years, rather than at the time the shop is opened or a successive contract commences. Consideration received in advance of performing all significant services is included in initial franchise deposits and recorded as a contract liability. Deferred franchise fees for shops expected to open within a year and one year of amortization of the initial franchise fees are recorded as a contract liability and classified as a current liability.
Franchising and Other Revenues
Franchising and Other revenues, including coffee bean sales, Dutch Bros. Blue Rebel beverage sales, accessories and other sales, are recognized on the date of delivery, net of returns. Retail revenues, including retail coffee and other food and beverage sales, are recognized at the date of sale, net of returns. Other revenue consists of
DUTCH MAFIA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2020
(in thousands, except unit and per unit data)
sales of products through the Company website and are recognized at the point of time of shipment to customers, net of returns.
Deferred Revenues
Deferred revenue primarily consists of the unredeemed gift card liability and unredeemed stamp card liability with our loyalty program discussed above. Deferred revenue also includes advance customer payments and bean and beverage sales to distributors where the performance obligation has not yet been satisfied as control has not transferred to the customer. As of December 31, 2019 and 2020, this represents $0 and $2,815 of deferred revenue, respectively. Deferred revenue also includes initial unearned franchise fees from franchisees of $2,751 and $2,547 as of December 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively. Revenue recognized from initial unearned franchise fees totaled $444 and $496 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively. Future amortization of initial unearned franchise fees is as follows for years ending December 31:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years ending December 31:
|
|
2021
|
$
|
464
|
|
2022
|
428
|
|
2023
|
370
|
|
2024
|
308
|
|
2025
|
254
|
|
Thereafter
|
723
|
|
|
$
|
2,547
|
|
(l)Freight Expense
The Company includes freight costs related to products sold and purchased in cost of sales on the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Total freight expense for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020 was $2,571 and $3,224, respectively.
(m)Consideration from Vendors
The Company has entered into food and beverage supply agreements with certain major vendors. Pursuant to the terms of these arrangements, rebates are provided to the Company from the vendors based upon the dollar value of purchases for company-operated shops and franchised shops. These incentives are recognized as earned throughout the year and are classified as a reduction of cost of sales in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. The incentives recognized were $17,140 and $25,630 during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively.
(n)Advertising Expense
Advertising costs are expensed as they are incurred. Most franchise shops contribute to an advertising fund that the Company manages on behalf of the shops. Under the franchise agreement, the contributions received must be spent on marketing, creative efforts, media support, or other related purposes specified in the agreement. The expenditures are primarily amounts paid to third parties but may also include personnel expenses and allocated costs. Advertising expense totaled $13,723 and $18,047 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively.
(o)Equity-Based Compensation
The Company has granted time-vesting and performance-based profits interest units (“PI Units”) in Dutch Mafia, LLC to certain employees. The PI Units pay out upon the occurrence of a liquidation event or sale of the Company, and do not participate until a specified distribution threshold per unit is reached (“Distribution Threshold”). The PI Units require cash settlement and do not represent any kind of legal equity interest in the Company. Accordingly, the PI Units are accounted for as liability-classified awards and require initial and
DUTCH MAFIA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2020
(in thousands, except unit and per unit data)
subsequent measurement at fair value. A liability for the PI Units is recorded at fair value at the end of each reporting period. The change in fair value from the prior period is recorded as current period equity-based compensation expense in selling, general and administrative expense on the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
The cost of the time-vesting PI Units is recognized as expense over the employee’s requisite service period, which coincides with the vesting period of the award. For performance-based PI Units, if and when the achievement of the predetermined performance criteria becomes probable, expense is recognized. The Company accounts for forfeitures as they occur.
(p)Income Taxes
The Company, except for subsidiary DB Management Corporation, are limited liability companies and are treated as pass-through entities for federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, no recognition has been given to federal income taxes in the accompanying consolidated financial statements since each company’s income or loss is attributable to the members of the Company.
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal and various state jurisdictions. Management believes that the Company does not have any entity level uncertain tax positions.
DB Management Corporation’s income taxes are accounted for using an asset and liability approach that requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities at the applicable enacted tax rates. Changes in income tax rates are accounted for through the provision for income taxes in the period such changes are enacted. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. DB Management Corporation evaluates the realizability of its deferred tax assets by assessing its valuation allowance and by adjusting the amount of such allowance, if necessary.
DB Management Corporation recognizes the tax benefit from uncertain tax positions only if it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on examination by the tax authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefit is measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Management does not believe DB Management Corporation has any entity level uncertain tax positions requiring accrual. DB Management Corporation recognizes interest related to unrecognized tax benefits and penalties in income tax expense.
In 2019, the State of Oregon enacted a Corporate Activity Tax (“CAT”) that is applicable to all business with annual Oregon gross revenues in excess of $1,000. The CAT is in addition to the state’s corporate income tax and imposes a 0.57% tax on certain Oregon gross receipts less a reduction for a portion of cost of sales or labor. The CAT legislation became effective September 29, 2019 and applies to calendar years beginning January 1, 2020. The expense associated with the CAT of $641 in 2020 is a component of income tax expense on the accompanying consolidated statements of income. There was no CAT for 2019.
(q)Shop Pre-opening Costs
Pre-opening costs incurred with the opening of new company-operated shops are expensed as incurred. These costs include rent expense, wages, benefits, travel and lodging for the training and opening management teams, and beverage and other shop operating expenses incurred prior to a shop opening for business and are included in cost of sales on the accompanying statements of income.
(r)Fair Value Measurements
The Company applies fair value accounting for all financial assets and liabilities and non-financial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis. The
DUTCH MAFIA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2020
(in thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Company categorizes assets and liabilities, based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique, into a three-level fair value hierarchy as set forth below. The three levels of the hierarchy are defined as follows:
Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
Level 3 – Inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurements reflecting an entity's estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
The Company’s consolidated financial statements include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities, for which the carrying amounts approximate fair value due to their short-term maturity. The fair value of the Company’s term loans described in note 8 is approximately $29,000 as of December 31, 2020 based on current market rates. The Company estimated the fair value of the term loans using quoted market prices which are Level 2 inputs within the fair value hierarchy that is described above. The fair value of the Company’s variable-rate revolving loan approximates its carrying amount as the Company’s cost of borrowing is variable and approximates current market prices.
(s)Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Updated (“ASU”) No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842).” The pronouncement requires lessees to recognize a liability for lease obligations, which represent the discounted obligation to make future minimum lease payments, and a corresponding right-of-use asset on the balance sheet. The guidance requires disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements which are intended to give financial statement users the ability to assess the amount, timing, and potential uncertainty of cash flows related to leases. The Company expects to adopt the requirements of the new lease standard effective January 1, 2022. Management is currently evaluating the provisions of the new lease standard, including optional practical expedients, and assessing the Company’s existing lease portfolio in order to determine the impact to its accounting systems, processes and internal control over financial reporting. The adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets because it will record material assets and obligations for current operating leases. Management is still assessing the expected impact on the consolidated balance sheets, statements of income and cash flows.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment.” The amendments in this update simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill by removing the second step of the two-step impairment test. The amendment requires an entity to perform its annual or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An impairment charge should be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. The amendment should be applied on a prospective basis. ASU 2017-04 is effective for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021. The amendments in ASU 2017-04 are to be applied on a prospective basis. and the adoption is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” ASU 2016-13 replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. For accounts receivables and other financial instruments, the Company will be required to use a forward-looking expected loss model rather than the incurred loss model for recognizing credit losses which reflects losses that are probable. ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. Application of the amendments is through a
DUTCH MAFIA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2020
(in thousands, except unit and per unit data)
cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the effective date. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.
(3)Shop Acquisitions
The Company purchased the franchise rights and assets of one coffee shop back from a franchisee in Oregon and five coffee shops back from a franchisee in Colorado during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively. The following table summarizes the allocations of the purchase prices to the estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as a result of these acquisitions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2020
|
Acquisition consideration
|
|
|
|
Cash paid
|
$
|
530
|
|
|
$
|
5,094
|
|
Equipment and fixtures
|
47
|
|
|
314
|
|
Inventory
|
9
|
|
|
79
|
|
Other assets
|
1
|
|
|
14
|
|
Reacquired franchise rights
|
252
|
|
|
3,437
|
|
Other liabilities
|
(12)
|
|
|
(96)
|
|
Gift card liability
|
(52)
|
|
|
(198)
|
|
Net assets acquired
|
245
|
|
|
3,550
|
|
Goodwill
|
$
|
285
|
|
|
$
|
1,544
|
|
Reacquired franchise rights acquired have weighted average useful lives of 7.6 and 4.7 years at the time of purchase for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively. The excess of the purchase price over the aggregate fair value of assets acquired was allocated to goodwill and is attributable to the benefits expected as a result of the acquisition, including sales and growth opportunities and is expected to be fully deductible for tax purposes. Goodwill is allocated entirely to the Company-operated shops segment.
The fair value measurement of tangible and intangible assets and liabilities as of the acquisition date is based on significant inputs not observed in the market and thus represents a Level 3 fair value measurement. Fair value measurements for reacquired franchise rights were determined using the income approach. Fair value measurements for property and equipment were determined using the cost approach.
The following table reflects the unaudited pro forma results of the Company and the five coffee shops purchased in 2020 as if the acquisitions had taken place as of January 1, 2019:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2020
|
Revenue
|
$
|
244,797
|
|
|
$
|
333,751
|
|
Net income
|
28,404
|
|
|
7,190
|
|
The results of the five coffee shops operations are included in the Company’s consolidated statements of income beginning on the date of acquisition. Revenues of $2,008 and net income of $136 are included in the Company’s consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2020.
DUTCH MAFIA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2020
(in thousands, except unit and per unit data)
(4)Inventory
Inventory, net consists of the following as of December 31:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2020
|
Raw materials
|
$
|
1,408
|
|
|
$
|
5,004
|
|
Finished goods
|
9,507
|
|
|
10,576
|
|
|
$
|
10,915
|
|
|
$
|
15,580
|
|
(5)Intangible Assets and Goodwill
(a)Goodwill
The following is a summary of goodwill balances and activity:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2018
|
$
|
16,246
|
|
Business combinations
|
285
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2019
|
16,531
|
|
Business combinations
|
1,544
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2020
|
$
|
18,075
|
|
(b)Intangible Assets
The Company’s definite-lived intangible assets consist of reacquired franchise rights recorded as part of the Company’s acquisitions of franchised shops and are as follows as of December 31:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
Weighted average amortization period
|
|
Gross
carrying
amount
|
|
Accumulated
amortization
|
|
Net
carrying
amount
|
Intangible assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reacquired franchise rights
|
5.13 yrs.
|
|
$
|
18,563
|
|
|
8,016
|
|
|
$
|
10,547
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2020
|
|
Weighted average amortization period
|
|
Gross
carrying
amount
|
|
Accumulated
amortization
|
|
Net
carrying
amount
|
Intangible assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reacquired franchise rights
|
4.17 yrs.
|
|
$
|
22,000
|
|
|
10,677
|
|
|
$
|
11,323
|
|
Amortization expense for reacquired franchise rights was $2,331 and $2,665 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively. The estimated future amortization expense of these intangible assets for the five succeeding fiscal years and the aggregate thereafter as of December 31, 2020 is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years ending December 31:
|
|
2021
|
$
|
3,143
|
|
2022
|
2,725
|
|
2023
|
2,473
|
|
2024
|
1,783
|
|
2025
|
860
|
|
Thereafter
|
339
|
|
|
$
|
11,323
|
|
DUTCH MAFIA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2020
(in thousands, except unit and per unit data)
(6)Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, net, consists of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31
|
|
2019
|
|
2020
|
Buildings
|
$
|
55,244
|
|
|
$
|
112,106
|
|
Land
|
4,211
|
|
|
4,211
|
|
Vehicles
|
13,751
|
|
|
13,751
|
|
Equipment and fixtures
|
22,204
|
|
|
36,454
|
|
Software
|
1,052
|
|
|
2,995
|
|
Leasehold improvements
|
9,957
|
|
|
15,228
|
|
Construction-in-progress
|
19,463
|
|
|
15,437
|
|
|
125,882
|
|
|
200,182
|
|
Less accumulated depreciation
|
(22,706)
|
|
|
(34,759)
|
|
|
$
|
103,176
|
|
|
$
|
165,423
|
|
Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020 was $7,340 and $12,877, respectively. Depreciation expense includes $6,243 and $11,426 which is included in cost of sales in the accompanying statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively.
(7)Leases
As of December 31, 2020, the Company is obligated under multiple capital leases for buildings that expire at various dates through 2035. Amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2019 and 2020 were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2020
|
Capital leases:
|
|
|
|
Buildings
|
$
|
24,991
|
|
|
$
|
56,283
|
|
Accumulated amortization
|
(3,830)
|
|
|
(6,104)
|
|
|
$
|
21,161
|
|
|
$
|
50,179
|
|
Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating leases and capital lease obligations were as follows at December 31, 2020:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital
|
|
Operating
|
2021
|
$
|
5,226
|
|
|
$
|
9,083
|
|
2022
|
5,248
|
|
|
8,884
|
|
2023
|
5,123
|
|
|
8,539
|
|
2024
|
5,254
|
|
|
8,261
|
|
2025
|
5,475
|
|
|
8,018
|
|
Thereafter
|
51,440
|
|
|
82,473
|
|
Total
|
$
|
77,766
|
|
|
$
|
125,258
|
|
Less imputed interest
|
(25,798)
|
|
|
|
Present value of minimum capital lease payments
|
51,968
|
|
|
|
Less current portion of capital lease obligations
|
(2,331)
|
|
|
|
Capital lease obligations, net of current portion
|
$
|
49,637
|
|
|
|
DUTCH MAFIA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2020
(in thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Rent expense was $5,002 and $7,999 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively.
The Company has sale and leaseback transactions that do not qualify for sale-leaseback accounting because of deemed continuing involvement by the Company, which results in the transaction being recorded under the financing method. Under the financing method, the assets remain on the consolidated balance sheets and the proceeds from the transactions are recorded as a financing liability. A portion of lease payments are applied as payments of deemed principal and imputed interest. The deemed landlord financing liability was $2,157 and $4,155 as of December 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively, with the liability included in capital lease obligations in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
(8)Debt
Secured Credit Facility
On May 16, 2018, the Company entered into a $70,000 amended secured credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) consisting of a $40,000 term loan and a $30,000 revolving credit facility, which includes a $3,000 letter of credit sub-facility and a $3,000 swing-line loan sub-facility. Closing fees of $294 were incurred as a result of this transaction and are amortized over the duration of the facility. Each draw on the term loan has a maturity date of 10 years from the draw down date. The term loans are scheduled to mature through October 2030 and loans made under the revolving credit facility were scheduled to mature May 16, 2021. In May 2021, the Company entered into a new facility, see Note 15.
Each term loan bears interest during the first five years of its term at the treasury rate most recently published on or prior to the date such term loan is drawn, plus 2.25%, and bear interest during the second five years of its term at the treasury rate most recently published on or prior to the date five years after the date such term loan is drawn, plus 2.25%.
The revolving loan bears interest at the Prime Rate less 0.50%, adjusted as of each date on which the Prime Rate changes. The interest rate on the revolving loan was 4.75% and 2.75% at December 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively. The total balance on the revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2019 and 2020 was $0 and $15,000, respectively. At December 31, 2020, there was $15,000 available under the revolving credit facility.
The obligations under the Credit Facility are guaranteed by certain subsidiaries of the Company and are secured by substantially all assets of the Company and subsidiaries. The Credit Facility also contains financial, affirmative and negative covenants that are typical for loan facilities of this type, including (i) maintaining a consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio equal to or greater than 1.5x, (ii) maintaining a consolidated net leverage ratio equal to or less than 2.25x, and (iii) covenants that, among other things, restrict the Company’s ability and the ability of its subsidiaries to incur indebtedness, issue certain types of equity, incur liens, enter into fundamental changes, including mergers and consolidations, sell assets, make dividends, distributions and investments, and prepay subordinate indebtedness, subject to customary exceptions. The Company was in compliance with the financial covenants as of December 31, 2020.
Note Payable
In 2017, the Company entered into an unsecured note payable with a former franchisee for a principal balance of $1,034 which bears interest at a rate of 6% and matures April 1, 2027.
Debt consists of the following as of December 31:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2020
|
Term loans under credit facility:
|
|
|
|
4.95% term loan, due May 2022
|
$
|
695
|
|
|
$
|
417
|
|
4.95% term loan, due June 2025
|
2,258
|
|
|
1,893
|
|
4.95% term loan, due October 2026
|
2,038
|
|
|
1,781
|
|
DUTCH MAFIA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2020
(in thousands, except unit and per unit data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.95% term loan, due March 2027
|
1,914
|
|
|
1,692
|
|
4.95% term loan, due September 2027
|
4,828
|
|
|
4,306
|
|
5.32% term loan, due November 2028
|
3,892
|
|
|
3,544
|
|
5.07% term loan, due May 2028
|
6,253
|
|
|
5,644
|
|
5.07% term loan, due May 2028
|
874
|
|
|
789
|
|
5.07% term loan, due May 2028
|
874
|
|
|
789
|
|
2.49% term loan, due October 2030
|
—
|
|
|
5,173
|
|
4.95% term loan, due May 2025
|
1,731
|
|
|
1,444
|
|
Note payable
|
816
|
|
|
724
|
|
|
26,173
|
|
|
28,196
|
|
Less: loan origination fees
|
(139)
|
|
|
(41)
|
|
Less: current portion
|
(3,153)
|
|
|
(3,788)
|
|
|
$
|
22,881
|
|
|
$
|
24,367
|
|
Future annual maturities of debt are as follows for years ending December 31:
|
|
|
|
|
|
2021
|
$
|
3,788
|
|
2022
|
3,794
|
|
2023
|
3,847
|
|
2024
|
4,033
|
|
2025
|
3,780
|
|
Thereafter
|
8,954
|
|
|
$
|
28,196
|
|
(9)Members’ Deficit
The Company has authorized and issued 10,000,000 common units. All common units are held by a single individual or entities controlled by the individual. On September 28, 2018, the Company sold 4,990,000 redeemable common units for $71.28 per unit for net proceeds of $359,105. As of December 31, 2019 and 2020, 4,990,000 redeemable units are issued and outstanding and 5,010,000 common units were issued and outstanding. The redeemable units share in the Company’s income and losses with the common units.
The rights and privileges of the redeemable units and common units are as follows:
Voting
Each Redeemable Unit and common unit is entitled to one vote per unit.
Distributions
The holders of the redeemable units will have the same right to distributions as the common units, pro rata in accordance with the number of redeemable units and common units held by each holder.
Board Representation
The Board comprises five managers. The majority investor appoints three managers to the Board, including the chairman of the Board. The holder of the redeemable units appoints two managers to the Board. Each manager has one vote on all matters put before the Board, with the exception of the Chairman who has five votes on all matters.
DUTCH MAFIA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2020
(in thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Redemption
The holders of the redeemable units have a put option that requires the Company to acquire all of the outstanding redeemable units by payment of cash any time on or after September 28, 2025. Accordingly, these redeemable units subject to possible redemption are presented as temporary equity, outside of the members’ deficit section of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at the units’ estimated redemption amount. The estimated redemption amount is based on the full equity value of the Company unless the amount payable is in excess of three times the initial investment in which case the redemption is reduced by fifteen percent subject to a floor of three times the initial investment. The redeemable unit holders are entitled to an additional redemption cash payment equal to any increase in fair value implied by a company sale, initial public offering or any other material transaction for two years following the exercise of the put option. The holder of the common units has the right, any time on or after September 28, 2024, to require the Company to acquire all the outstanding redeemable units by payment of cash equal to the put option redemption amount described above.
After adjusting for the increase in redemption value of redeemable common units the net loss available to common unit holders is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2020
|
Net income
|
$
|
28,386
|
|
|
$
|
5,725
|
|
Less: Increase in redemption value of redeemable common units
|
(402,843)
|
|
|
(598,051)
|
|
Net loss available to common unit holders
|
$
|
(374,457)
|
|
|
$
|
(592,326)
|
|
(10)Commitments and Contingencies
Purchase Obligations
The Company enters into fixed-price and price-to-be fixed green coffee purchase commitments. For both fixed-price and price-to-be fixed purchase commitments, the Company expects to take delivery of green coffee and to utilize the coffee in a reasonable period of time in the ordinary course of business. Such contracts are used in the normal purchases of green coffee and not for speculative purposes. The Company does not enter into futures contracts or other derivative instruments.
Guarantees
The Company periodically provides guarantees to franchisees for lease payments. Annually, the Company determines if a liability needs to be recorded related to these guarantees. As of December 31, 2020, the Company has guaranteed $1,896 in franchisee lease payments and has not established a liability for these guarantees as any liability arising from the guarantees is not material to the consolidated financial statements.
Legal Proceedings
The Company is a party to legal actions arising in the ordinary course of its business. These claims, legal proceedings and litigation principally arise from alleged casualty, employment, and other disputes. In determining loss contingencies, the Company considers the likelihood of loss as well as the ability to reasonably estimate the amount of such loss or liability. An estimated loss is recognized when it is considered probable that a liability has been incurred and when the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. While any claim, proceeding or litigation has an element of uncertainty, the Company believes the outcome of any of these that are pending or threatened will not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
(11)Related Party Transactions
The Company donated $1,500 and $5,848 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively, to Dutch Bros Foundation, a not-for-profit founded by the Company that provides philanthropy to coffee farmers and local communities and for which the Company’s chief executive officer serves on the board of directors.
DUTCH MAFIA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2020
(in thousands, except unit and per unit data)
(12)Profits Interest Units
The Company has granted PI Units to employees in accordance with the LLC Agreement which are liability classified given history of cash settlement upon grantee employment termination. The LLC Agreement allows the board of managers to grant up to 1,111,111 PI Units to eligible individuals. The estimated fair value of the PI Units at December 31, 2019 and 2020 was derived using the option-pricing method, which treats the various interests in the Company as call options with exercise prices determined based on their respective rights to participate in distributions by the Company. Because there has been no public market for the Company’s common units, the board of managers has estimated the price of the Company’s equity based upon several factors, including, but not limited to, third-party valuations and the Company’s operating and financial performance. These valuations were performed in accordance with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ Audit and Accounting Practice Aid, Valuation of Privately Held Company Equity Securities Issued as Compensation.
The enterprise value of the Company was determined using various valuation methods including a combination of the income and market approach. The income approach estimates value based on the expectation of future cash flows that the Company will generate. These future cash flows are discounted to their present values using a discount rate that is derived from an analysis of the cost of capital of comparable publicly traded companies or those with similar business operations and is adjusted to reflect the risks inherent in the estimated cash flows. The market approach estimates value based on a comparison to comparable public companies in a similar line of business. From the comparable companies, a representative market value multiple is determined and then applied to financial forecasts to estimate the value of our company. The third-party valuations took into consideration several factors, including:
•the Company’s stage of development and revenue growth;
•the state of the industry and the economy;
•the lack of marketability of the Company’s common units; and
•the likelihood of achieving a liquidity event for the shares of common stock underlying the options, such as an initial public offering or sale of the Company, given prevailing market conditions.
The assumptions used for the option pricing model at December 31 were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2020
|
Risk-free interest rate
|
1.64
|
%
|
|
0.09
|
%
|
Expected volatility
|
33.40
|
%
|
|
46.94
|
%
|
Expected term (in years)
|
4.00
|
|
0.75
|
Dividend yield
|
0.00%
|
|
0.00%
|
Discount for lack of marketability
|
21.6% - 29.7%
|
|
11.6% - 20.1%
|
The expected term was based on the anticipated time to liquidity. The risk-free interest rate has been determined based on the yields for U.S. Treasury securities for a period approximating the expected term. The expected volatility has been estimated based on the volatilities using a weighted peer group of companies that are deemed to be similar to the Company and is calculated using the expected term of the PI Units granted. The dividend rate is based on the historical rate, which the Company anticipated to remain at zero at the valuation date.
The Company issued time-vesting PI Units and performance-vesting PI Units. PI Units are awarded with a Distribution Threshold whereby, they only participate in distributions to equity holders that exceed the Distribution Threshold, as defined in the Management Incentive Plan. The weighted average Distribution Threshold of time-vesting PI Units was $71.89 and $72.85 at December 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively.
The time-vesting PI Units generally vest 20% annually over five years following the vesting commencement date, subject to continued employment of the grantee.
DUTCH MAFIA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2020
(in thousands, except unit and per unit data)
A summary of the liability-classified time-vesting PI Units for the year ended December 31, 2020 is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PI Units outstanding
|
|
Time-
vesting
PI Units
|
|
Weighted-
average
reporting
date
fair value
|
|
Weighted-
average
Distribution
Threshold
|
Balance, December 31, 2019
|
|
480,552
|
|
|
$
|
72.16
|
|
|
$
|
71.89
|
|
Granted
|
|
65,222
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
79.80
|
|
Forfeited
|
|
(4,167)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
71.76
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2020
|
|
541,607
|
|
|
$
|
208.35
|
|
|
72.85
|
|
Vested, December 31, 2020
|
|
95,277
|
|
|
$
|
209.30
|
|
|
|
Equity-based compensation expense related to the time-vesting PI Units was $6,758 and $35,087 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively. As of December 31, 2020, the unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested time-vesting PI Units was $71,010, which will be recognized over the remaining weighted-average vesting period of 3.14 years. During 2019 and 2020, cash paid to redeem PI Units was $0 and $6, respectively.
Performance-vesting PI Units only vest upon meeting the applicable performance criteria which are linked to a liquidation event if cash proceeds received by holders of the units is greater than $200 per PI Unit, provided the grantee remains employed through the liquidation event. Any performance-vesting PI Units that do not vest in connection with a liquidation event will immediately be forfeited without any further action and no consideration will be due to the holder.
A summary of the liability-classified performance-vesting PI Units activity for the year ended December 31, 2020 is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PI Units outstanding
|
|
Performance-
vesting
PI Units
|
|
Weighted-
average
Distribution
Threshold
|
Balance, December 31, 2019
|
|
230,552
|
|
|
$
|
72.04
|
|
Granted
|
|
65,222
|
|
|
79.80
|
|
Forfeited
|
|
(4,166)
|
|
|
71.76
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2020
|
|
291,608
|
|
|
73.78
|
|
Vested and expected to vest, December 31, 2020
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
As the performance criteria have not been achieved, and the achievement of the performance criteria has not been deemed to be probable at any time up to and including December 31, 2020, no compensation expense was recorded related to the performance-vesting PI Units. As of December 31, 2020, unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested performance-vesting PI Units was $26,870.
(13)Employee Benefit Plans
The Company established a 401(k) profit-sharing plan that covers substantially all employees of the Company having completed one year of employment and who are 21 years of age. Contributions to the plan are determined by each participant and are made through the Company, which contributes a portion of each participant’s compensation by the means of an elective deferral. The Company matches 100% of employee contributions, up to 4% of eligible compensation deferred to the plan. The total employer contributions to the plan for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020 were $446 and $759, respectively.
DUTCH MAFIA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2020
(in thousands, except unit and per unit data)
(14)Segment Information
In accordance with ASC 280, “Segment Reporting,” the Company uses the management approach for determining its operating segments. The management approach is based upon the way management reviews performance and allocates resources. The Company has identified its chief executive officer (“CEO”) as its chief operating decision maker (“CODM”). The Company’s CEO evaluates the financial performance of the Company based on two operating segments: Company-operated shops and Franchising and other. The Company-operated shops segment represents coffee shop sales to customers. The Franchising and other segment represents bean and product sales to franchisees and includes the initial franchise fees, royalties, marketing fees, and lease income.
The CODM reviews segment performance and allocates resources based upon segment contribution, which is defined as segment gross profit before depreciation and amortization.
Selling, general and administrative expenses primarily consist of the Company’s unallocated corporate expenses. Unallocated corporate expenses include corporate administrative functions that support the operating segments but are not directly attributable to or managed by any segment and are not included in the reported financial results of the operating segments.
All segment revenue is earned in the United States and there are no intersegment revenues. As the CODM is not provided with asset information by segment, assets are reported only on a consolidated basis.
Below is the financial information for the Company’s reportable segments for the years ended December 31:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2020
|
Revenue:
|
|
|
|
Company-operated shops
|
$
|
151,543
|
|
|
$
|
244,514
|
|
Franchising and other
|
86,825
|
|
|
82,899
|
|
Total revenue
|
238,368
|
|
|
327,413
|
|
Cost of sales:
|
|
|
|
Company-operated shops
|
125,244
|
|
|
184,146
|
|
Franchising and other
|
17,063
|
|
|
27,513
|
|
Total cost of sales
|
142,307
|
|
|
211,659
|
|
Segment contribution
|
|
|
|
Company-operated shops
|
33,795
|
|
|
70,104
|
|
Franchising and other
|
70,839
|
|
|
59,736
|
|
Total segment contribution
|
104,634
|
|
|
129,840
|
|
Depreciation and amortization:
|
|
|
|
Company-operated shops
|
7,496
|
|
|
9,737
|
|
Franchising and other
|
1,077
|
|
|
4,349
|
|
Total depreciation and amortization
|
8,573
|
|
|
14,086
|
|
Selling, general and administrative
|
(65,764)
|
|
|
(105,087)
|
|
Interest expense, net
|
(2,346)
|
|
|
(3,736)
|
|
Other income (expense)
|
524
|
|
|
(363)
|
|
Income before income taxes
|
$
|
28,475
|
|
|
$
|
6,568
|
|
No customer represents more than 10% of total accounts receivable or revenues as of and for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020.
DUTCH MAFIA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2020
(in thousands, except unit and per unit data)
(15)Subsequent Events
Acquisition
In April 2021, the Company purchased the franchise rights and assets of three coffee shops back from a franchisee in Washington for $2,650. The allocation of the purchase price consideration to assets and liabilities is not yet finalized.
Credit Facility
In May 2021, the Company entered into a new credit facility with a total capacity of $350,000, of which $150,000 is available for revolving loans and $200,000 is available for term loans, all of which have a maturity date of May 2026. The new credit facility also includes a $30,000 letter of credit sub-facility and a $10,000 swing-line loan sub-facility Upon entering into the new credit facility, the Company drew $25,000 in revolving loans and $200,000 in term loans, and the existing credit facility was repaid and terminated.
Dividend
In May 2021, the Company paid a dividend totaling $200,000 to the members.
DUTCH BROS INC.
Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ASSETS
|
June 4, 2021
|
|
June 30, 2021
|
Total assets
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
|
|
|
|
Common stock, par value $0.00001, 5,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Total stockholder's equity
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
See accompanying notes to the balance sheets.
DUTCH BROS INC.
Notes to Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
June 4, 2021 and June 30, 2021
(1)Organization
Dutch Bros Inc. (the “Corporation”) was organized as a Delaware corporation on June 4, 2021. The Corporation’s fiscal year end is December 31. Pursuant to a reorganization into a holding corporation structure, the Corporation will become a holding corporation and its sole assets are expected to be an equity interest in Dutch Mafia, LLC.
The Corporation will be the managing member of Dutch Mafia, LLC and will operate and control all of the business affairs of Dutch Mafia, LLC and, through Dutch Mafia, LLC and its subsidiaries, continue to conduct the business now conducted by these entities.
(2)Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Accounting
The Balance Sheets have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Separate statements of income, changes in stockholder’s equity, and cash flows have not been presented in the financial statements because there have been no activities in this entity.
(3)Stockholder’s Equity
The Corporation is authorized to issue 5,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.00001 per share. Under the corporation’s certificate of incorporation in effect as of June 4, 2021, there is only one class of common stock.
(4)Subsequent Events
Events and transactions occurring through the date of issuance of the financial statements have been evaluated by management and, when appropriate, recognized or disclosed in the financial statements or notes to the financial statements.
DUTCH MAFIA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
(in thousands, except unit data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
2020
|
|
June 30,
2021
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
Current assets:
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
$
|
31,640
|
|
|
$
|
19,577
|
|
Accounts receivable, net
|
10,837
|
|
|
12,131
|
|
Inventories
|
15,580
|
|
|
13,262
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
|
5,015
|
|
|
4,324
|
|
Total current assets
|
63,072
|
|
|
49,294
|
|
Property and equipment, net
|
165,423
|
|
|
204,564
|
|
Intangibles, net
|
11,323
|
|
|
11,349
|
|
Goodwill
|
18,075
|
|
|
18,245
|
|
Other long-term assets
|
1,766
|
|
|
1,775
|
|
Total assets
|
$
|
259,659
|
|
|
$
|
285,227
|
|
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' DEFICIT
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities:
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
$
|
16,092
|
|
|
$
|
18,648
|
|
Accrued expenses
|
10,036
|
|
|
16,532
|
|
Other current liabilities
|
1,429
|
|
|
4,408
|
|
Deferred revenue
|
11,192
|
|
|
14,517
|
|
Line of credit
|
15,000
|
|
|
24,001
|
|
Current portion of capital lease obligations
|
2,331
|
|
|
2,684
|
|
Current portion of long-term debt
|
3,788
|
|
|
6,350
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
59,868
|
|
|
87,140
|
|
Deferred revenue, long term
|
4,746
|
|
|
5,071
|
|
Capital lease obligations, net of current portion
|
49,637
|
|
|
60,202
|
|
Long-term debt, net of current portion
|
24,367
|
|
|
191,745
|
|
Profits interest liability
|
41,845
|
|
|
64,827
|
|
Deferred rent
|
2,740
|
|
|
2,945
|
|
Other long-term liabilities
|
466
|
|
|
576
|
|
Total liabilities
|
183,669
|
|
|
412,506
|
|
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)
|
|
|
|
Temporary equity:
|
|
|
|
Redeemable common units (4,990,000 common units issued and outstanding at December 31, 2020 and June 30, 2021)
|
1,535,772
|
|
|
1,710,622
|
|
Permanent equity:
|
|
|
|
Members' deficit (5,010,000 common units authorized, issued and outstanding at December 31, 2020 and June 30, 2021)
|
(1,459,782)
|
|
|
(1,837,901)
|
|
Total liabilities, temporary equity, and members' deficit
|
$
|
259,659
|
|
|
$
|
285,227
|
|
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
DUTCH MAFIA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
(in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six months ended June 30,
|
|
2020
|
|
2021
|
REVENUES
|
|
|
|
Company-operated shops
|
$
|
109,072
|
|
|
$
|
180,887
|
|
Franchising and other
|
41,787
|
|
|
47,106
|
|
Total revenues
|
150,859
|
|
|
227,993
|
|
COSTS AND EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
Cost of sales
|
94,929
|
|
|
148,809
|
|
Selling, general and administrative
|
48,300
|
|
|
69,868
|
|
Total costs and expenses
|
143,229
|
|
|
218,677
|
|
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
|
7,630
|
|
|
9,316
|
|
OTHER EXPENSE
|
|
|
|
Interest expense, net
|
(1,700)
|
|
|
(2,855)
|
|
Other expense
|
(316)
|
|
|
(58)
|
|
Total other expense
|
(2,016)
|
|
|
(2,913)
|
|
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
|
5,614
|
|
|
6,403
|
|
Income tax expense
|
338
|
|
|
564
|
|
NET INCOME
|
$
|
5,276
|
|
|
$
|
5,839
|
|
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
DUTCH MAFIA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Members' Deficit (Unaudited)
(in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Members'
Deficit
|
Balance, December 31, 2019
|
$
|
(859,706)
|
|
Dividends and distributions to members
|
(3,140)
|
|
Increase in redemption value of redeemable common units
|
(297,404)
|
|
Net income
|
5,276
|
|
Balance, June 30, 2020
|
$
|
(1,154,974)
|
|
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2020
|
$
|
(1,459,782)
|
|
Dividends and distributions to members
|
(209,108)
|
|
Increase in redemption value of redeemable common units
|
(174,850)
|
|
Net income
|
5,839
|
|
Balance, June 30, 2021
|
$
|
(1,837,901)
|
|
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
DUTCH MAFIA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
(in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six months ended June 30,
|
|
2020
|
|
2021
|
Cash flows from operating activities:
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
$
|
5,276
|
|
|
$
|
5,839
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
7,089
|
|
|
11,031
|
|
Non-cash interest expense
|
49
|
|
|
116
|
|
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets
|
138
|
|
|
(162)
|
|
Equity-based compensation
|
13,557
|
|
|
22,982
|
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable, net
|
158
|
|
|
(1,294)
|
|
Inventories
|
(2,431)
|
|
|
2,364
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
|
(1,973)
|
|
|
1,163
|
|
Other long-term assets
|
(4)
|
|
|
(9)
|
|
Accounts payable
|
(5,534)
|
|
|
928
|
|
Accrued expenses
|
3,613
|
|
|
6,496
|
|
Other current liabilities
|
943
|
|
|
2,892
|
|
Deferred revenue
|
(133)
|
|
|
3,538
|
|
Deferred rent
|
148
|
|
|
205
|
|
Other long-term liabilities
|
(8)
|
|
|
110
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
20,888
|
|
|
56,199
|
|
Cash flows from investing activities:
|
|
|
|
Purchases of property and equipment
|
(14,430)
|
|
|
(34,896)
|
|
Proceeds from disposal of fixed assets
|
—
|
|
|
1,019
|
|
Acquisition of stores from franchisees
|
—
|
|
|
(2,509)
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
(14,430)
|
|
|
(36,386)
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities:
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from line of credit
|
30,000
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
Payments on line of credit
|
(15,000)
|
|
|
(15,000)
|
|
Payments on capital lease and financing obligations
|
(247)
|
|
|
(1,135)
|
|
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
|
—
|
|
|
200,000
|
|
Payment of debt issuance costs
|
—
|
|
|
(2,406)
|
|
Payments on long-term debt
|
(1,607)
|
|
|
(28,769)
|
|
Proceeds from Paycheck Protection Program loan
|
10,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
Payments on Paycheck Protection Program loan
|
(10,000)
|
|
|
—
|
|
Payment of deferred offering costs
|
—
|
|
|
(458)
|
|
Dividends and distributions to members
|
(3,140)
|
|
|
(209,108)
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
|
10,006
|
|
|
(31,876)
|
|
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
|
16,464
|
|
|
(12,063)
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
|
15,584
|
|
|
31,640
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
|
$
|
32,048
|
|
|
$
|
19,577
|
|
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
|
|
|
|
Cash paid during the period for interest
|
$
|
1,767
|
|
|
$
|
2,981
|
|
Income taxes paid
|
24
|
|
|
310
|
|
Additions of property with capital leases and financing obligations
|
13,896
|
|
|
12,053
|
|
Additions to property and equipment accrued in accounts payable
|
1,678
|
|
1,628
|
|
Accrued deferred offering costs
|
—
|
|
|
366
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
DUTCH MAFIA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 and 2021
(in thousands, except unit and per unit data)
(1)Description of Business
Dutch Mafia, LLC and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) are in the business of operating and franchising coffee shops as well as the wholesale sale and distribution of coffee, coffee-related products, and accessories. The Company franchises, owns and operates multiple retail coffee outlets. As of December 31, 2020 and June 30, 2021, the Company had 441 and 471 shops, of which 182 and 207 were company-operated and 259 and 264 were franchised, respectively, located throughout 11 U.S. states. The Company will continue indefinitely unless terminated sooner as provided for in the Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement (the “LLC Agreement”).
(2)Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
(a)Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Dutch Mafia, LLC and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
(b)Use of estimates
The presentation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions, primarily related to long-lived asset valuation, leases, temporary equity, and equity-based compensation that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Although management bases its estimates on historical experience and assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, actual results could differ from those estimates.
(c)Unaudited Interim Financial Statements
The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2021, and the condensed consolidated statements of income, changes in members’ deficit, and cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2021, and the related interim disclosures are unaudited. In management’s opinion, the accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP for interim financial information. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments necessary, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, to fairly state the financial position and results of the Company’s operations and cash flows for interim periods in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Interim period results are not necessarily indicative of results of operations or cash flows for a full year or any subsequent interim period. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes, which are included elsewhere in this prospectus.
(d)Consideration from Vendors
Incentives recognized in cost of sales were $11,987 and $18,763 during the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2021, respectively.
(e)Advertising Expense
Advertising expense totaled $8,743 and $12,346 for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2021, respectively.
(f)Equity-Based Compensation
The Company has granted time-vesting and performance-based profits interest units (“PI Units”) in Dutch Mafia, LLC to certain employees. The PI Units pay out upon the occurrence of a liquidation event or sale of the Company, and do not participate until a specified distribution threshold per unit is reached (“Distribution Threshold”). The PI Units require cash settlement and do not represent any kind of legal equity interest in the Company. Accordingly, the PI Units are accounted for as liability-classified awards and require initial and
DUTCH MAFIA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 and 2021
(in thousands, except unit and per unit data)
subsequent measurement at fair value. A liability for the PI Units is recorded at fair value at the end of each reporting period. The change in fair value from the prior period is recorded as current period equity-based compensation expense in selling, general and administrative expense on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income.
The cost of the time-vesting PI Units is recognized as expense over the employee’s requisite service period, which coincides with the vesting period of the award. For performance-based PI Units, if and when the achievement of the predetermined performance criteria becomes probable, expense is recognized. The Company accounts for forfeitures as they occur.
(g)Fair Value Measurements
The Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities, for which the carrying amounts approximate fair value due to their short-term maturity. The fair value of the Company’s variable-rate revolving loan and term loan approximates their carrying amounts as the Company’s cost of borrowing is variable and approximates current market rates.
(h)Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Updated (“ASU”) No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842).” The pronouncement requires lessees to recognize a liability for lease obligations, which represent the discounted obligation to make future minimum lease payments, and a corresponding right-of-use asset on the balance sheet. The guidance requires disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements which are intended to give financial statement users the ability to assess the amount, timing, and potential uncertainty of cash flows related to leases. The Company expects to adopt the requirements of the new lease standard effective January 1, 2022. Management is currently evaluating the provisions of the new lease standard, including optional practical expedients, and assessing the Company’s existing lease portfolio in order to determine the impact to its accounting systems, processes and internal control over financial reporting. The adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets because it will record material assets and obligations for current operating leases. Management is still assessing the expected impact on the consolidated balance sheets, statements of income and cash flows.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment.” The amendments in this update simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill by removing the second step of the two-step impairment test. The amendment requires an entity to perform its annual or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An impairment charge should be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. The amendment should be applied on a prospective basis. ASU 2017-04 is effective for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021. The Company expects to adopt the requirements of the new goodwill standard effective January 1, 2022. The amendments in ASU 2017-04 are to be applied on a prospective basis, and the adoption is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” ASU 2016-13 replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. For accounts receivables and other financial instruments, the Company will be required to use a forward-looking expected loss model rather than the incurred loss model for recognizing credit losses which reflects losses that are probable. ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. The Company expects to adopt the requirements of the new credit losses standard effective January 1, 2023. Application of the amendments is through a cumulative-effect
DUTCH MAFIA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 and 2021
(in thousands, except unit and per unit data)
adjustment to retained earnings as of the effective date. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.
(3)Revenue Recognition
The following table disaggregates revenue by major component:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six months ended June 30,
|
|
2020
|
|
2021
|
Company-operated shops
|
$
|
109,072
|
|
|
$
|
180,887
|
|
Franchising
|
38,952
|
|
|
45,193
|
|
Other
|
2,835
|
|
|
1,913
|
|
|
$
|
150,859
|
|
|
$
|
227,993
|
|
Loyalty and Gift Card Programs
In January 2021, the Company transitioned from a traditional loyalty program to a digital loyalty program. Under the previous program, a customer earned a “Stamp” for each purchase at a Dutch Bros coffee shop. After accumulating a certain number of Stamps, the customer earned a reward that can be redeemed for free product that, regardless of where the related Stamps were earned, will be honored at Company-operated shops and franchised shop locations. The Company deferred revenue associated with the estimated selling price of Stamps earned by customers towards free product as each Stamp is earned, and a corresponding contract liability is established within loyalty program liability on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. The estimated selling price of each Stamp earned is based on the estimated value of the product for which the reward is expected to be redeemed, net of Stamps not expected to be redeemed, based on historical redemption patterns. Stamps did not expire. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic beginning in March 2020, the Company discontinued new Stamps. The Company continued to redeem previously earned Stamps through March 2021. In January 2021, the Company developed a new loyalty program in which the customer earns rewards through use of the Company’s mobile app that can be redeemed for free product. The Company defers revenue as rewards are earned under the new loyalty program.
The Company also operates a gift card program and maintains a gift card contract liability for gift cards sold, recognizing revenue from gift cards when a gift card is redeemed. Gift cards do not have an expiration date or a service fee causing a decrement to the customer balance. Based on historical redemptions rates, a portion of gift cards is not expected to be redeemed and will be recognized as breakage over time in proportion to gift card redemptions. The redemption rates are based on historical redemption patterns. Breakage recognized for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2021 was $85 and $160, respectively.
Deferred revenue activity related to the loyalty and gift card programs was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six months ended June 30,
|
|
2020
|
|
2021
|
Balance at beginning of year
|
$
|
8,768
|
|
|
$
|
10,576
|
|
Revenue deferred - card activations and rewards earned
|
11,184
|
|
|
72,932
|
|
Revenue recognized - card and rewards redemptions and breakage
|
(11,323)
|
|
|
(69,882)
|
|
|
8,629
|
|
|
13,626
|
|
Less current portion
|
6,688
|
|
|
11,393
|
|
|
$
|
1,941
|
|
|
$
|
2,233
|
|
Deferred Revenues
Deferred revenue primarily consists of the unredeemed gift card liability, unredeemed stamp card liability, and rewards liability from our loyalty program discussed above. Deferred revenue also includes advance customer payments and bean and beverage sales to distributors where the performance obligation has not yet been satisfied as control has not transferred to the customer. As of December 31, 2020 and June 30, 2021, this represents $2,815 and
DUTCH MAFIA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 and 2021
(in thousands, except unit and per unit data)
$2,657 of deferred revenue, respectively. Deferred revenue also includes initial unearned franchise fees from franchisees of $2,547 and $2,724 as of December 31, 2020 and June 30, 2021, respectively. Revenue recognized from initial unearned franchise fees totaled $221 and $316 for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2021, respectively.
(4)Shop Acquisitions
The Company purchased the franchise rights and assets of five coffee shops back from a franchisee in Colorado during the year ended December 31, 2020. The Company purchased the franchise rights and assets of three coffee shops back from a franchisee in Washington during the six months ended June 30, 2021. The allocation of purchase price consideration to assets and liabilities is not yet finalized. The following table summarizes the preliminary allocations of the purchase prices to the estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as a result of these acquisitions and are subject to change within the measurement period (up to one year from the acquisition dates):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of
December 31, 2020
|
|
As of
June 30,
2021
|
Acquisition consideration
|
|
|
|
Cash paid
|
$
|
5,094
|
|
|
$
|
2,509
|
|
Equipment and fixtures
|
314
|
|
|
95
|
|
Building and leasehold improvements
|
—
|
|
|
726
|
|
Inventories
|
79
|
|
|
46
|
|
Other assets
|
14
|
|
|
14
|
|
Reaquired franchise rights
|
3,437
|
|
|
1,657
|
|
Other liabilities
|
(96)
|
|
|
(87)
|
|
Gift card liability
|
(198)
|
|
|
(112)
|
|
Net assets acquired
|
3,550
|
|
|
2,339
|
|
Goodwill
|
$
|
1,544
|
|
|
$
|
170
|
|
Reacquired franchise rights acquired have weighted average useful lives of 4.7 and 6.4 years at the time of purchase for the year ended December 31, 2020 and six months ended June 30, 2021, respectively. The excess of the purchase price over the aggregate fair value of assets acquired was allocated to goodwill and is attributable to the benefits expected as a result of the acquisitions, including sales and growth opportunities and is expected to be fully deductible for tax purposes. Goodwill is allocated entirely to the Company-operated shops segment.
The fair value measurement of tangible and intangible assets and liabilities as of the acquisition dates is based on significant inputs not observed in the market and thus represents a Level 3 fair value measurement. Fair value measurements for reacquired franchise rights were determined using the income approach. Fair value measurements for property and equipment were determined using the cost approach.
The results of operations for the 2021 acquisitions are included in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of income beginning on the date of acquisition. Revenues of $878 and net income of $88 are included in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of income for the six months ended June 30, 2021.
The following table reflects the unaudited pro forma results of the Company and the three coffee shops purchased in 2021 as if the acquisition had taken place as of January 1, 2020:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six months ended June 30,
|
|
2020
|
|
2021
|
Revenue
|
$
|
153,093
|
|
|
$
|
229,403
|
|
Net income
|
5,575
|
|
|
5,981
|
|
DUTCH MAFIA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 and 2021
(in thousands, except unit and per unit data)
(5)Inventories
Inventories, net consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of
December 31, 2020
|
|
As of
June 30,
2021
|
Raw materials
|
$
|
5,004
|
|
|
$
|
3,848
|
|
Finished goods
|
10,576
|
|
|
9,414
|
|
|
$
|
15,580
|
|
|
$
|
13,262
|
|
As of December 31, 2020 and June 30, 2021, inventory reserves were $2,240 and $2,182, respectively.
(6)Intangible Assets and Goodwill
(a)Goodwill
The following is a summary of goodwill balances and activity:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2019
|
$
|
16,531
|
|
Business combinations
|
1,544
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2020
|
18,075
|
|
Business combination
|
170
|
|
Balance at June 30, 2021
|
$
|
18,245
|
|
No impairment charges were recognized for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2021.
(b)Intangible Assets
The Company’s definite-lived intangible assets consist of reacquired franchise rights recorded as part of the Company’s acquisitions of franchised shops and are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2020
|
|
Weighted average amortization period
|
|
Gross carrying amount
|
|
Accumulated amortization
|
|
Net carrying amount
|
Intangible assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reacquired franchise rights
|
4.17 yrs.
|
|
$
|
22,000
|
|
|
10,677
|
|
|
$
|
11,323
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of June 30, 2020
|
|
Weighted average amortization period
|
|
Gross carrying amount
|
|
Accumulated amortization
|
|
Net carrying amount
|
Intangible assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reacquired franchise rights
|
4.14 yrs.
|
|
$
|
23,657
|
|
|
12,308
|
|
|
$
|
11,349
|
|
Amortization expense for reacquired franchise rights is recognized straight-line over the estimated useful life and was $1,332 and $1,631 for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2021, respectively.
DUTCH MAFIA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 and 2021
(in thousands, except unit and per unit data)
(7)Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, net, consists of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2020
|
|
As of June 30, 2021
|
Buildings
|
$
|
112,106
|
|
|
$
|
126,856
|
|
Land
|
4,211
|
|
|
4,211
|
|
Vehicles
|
13,751
|
|
|
12,593
|
|
Equipment and fixtures
|
36,454
|
|
|
44,128
|
|
Software
|
2,995
|
|
|
7,132
|
|
Leasehold improvements
|
15,228
|
|
|
16,903
|
|
Construction-in-progress
|
15,437
|
|
|
36,702
|
|
|
200,182
|
|
|
248,525
|
|
Less: accumulated depreciation
|
(34,759)
|
|
|
(43,961)
|
|
|
$
|
165,423
|
|
|
$
|
204,564
|
|
Depreciation expense for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2021 was $5,757 and $9,391, respectively. Depreciation expense includes $4,984 and $8,138 which is included in cost of sales in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2021, respectively.
(8)Leases
As of June 30, 2021, the Company is obligated under multiple capital leases for buildings that expire at various dates through 2036. Amounts reported in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets under property and equipment, net were as follows for the periods presented:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2020
|
|
As of June 30, 2021
|
Capital leases:
|
|
|
|
Buildings
|
$
|
56,283
|
|
|
$
|
68,336
|
|
Less: accumulated amortization
|
(6,104)
|
|
|
(8,244)
|
|
|
$
|
50,179
|
|
|
$
|
60,092
|
|
Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating leases and capital lease obligations were as follows at June 30, 2021:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital
|
|
Operating
|
Remainder of 2021
|
$
|
3,097
|
|
|
$
|
4,810
|
|
2022
|
5,654
|
|
|
9,346
|
|
2023
|
6,083
|
|
|
9,366
|
|
2024
|
5,991
|
|
|
8,977
|
|
2025
|
6,169
|
|
|
8,631
|
|
Thereafter
|
68,941
|
|
|
77,786
|
|
Total
|
$
|
95,935
|
|
|
$
|
118,916
|
|
Less: imputed interest
|
(33,049)
|
|
|
|
Present value of minimum capital lease payments
|
62,886
|
|
|
|
Less: current portion of capital lease obligations
|
(2,684)
|
|
|
|
Capital lease obligations, net of current portion
|
$
|
60,202
|
|
|
|
DUTCH MAFIA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 and 2021
(in thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Rent expense was $3,812 and $4,281 for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2021, respectively.
(9)Debt
Secured Credit Facility
On May 16, 2018, the Company entered into a $70,000 amended secured credit facility consisting of a $40,000 term loan and a $30,000 revolving credit facility, which included a $3,000 letter of credit sub-facility and a $3,000 swing-line loan sub-facility. In May 2021, the Company entered into a new credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with a total capacity of $350,000, of which $150,000 is available for revolving loans and $200,000 is available for term loans, all of which have a maturity date of May 2026. The Credit Facility also includes a $30,000 letter of credit sub-facility and a $10,000 swing-line loan sub-facility Upon entering into the Credit Facility, the Company drew a $25,000 revolving loan and a $200,000 term loan, and the existing May 2018 credit facility was repaid and terminated.
Each revolving loan and term loan bears interest during its term at the Company’s election of either Adjusted LIBOR plus a Eurodollar Spread or an Alternate Base Rate plus an alternate base spread. The Alternate Base Rate is equal to the greater of the Prime Rate, the NY Federal Reserve Rate, or the 1-month Adjusted LIBOR. The Eurodollar Spread and alternate base spread are based on the Company’s net-lease adjusted total leverage ratio. The Company elects the interest rate separately for the revolving loan and term loan and can change election of the interest rate with notice to the lender. At closing of the Credit Facility, the Company elected both the revolving loan and the term loan to accrue interest at Adjusted LIBOR plus a Eurodollar Spread. The interest rate on the revolving loan and term loan was 2.75% and 2.375% at December 31, 2020 and June 30, 2021, respectively. The total balance on the revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2020 and June 30, 2021 was $15,000 and $25,000, respectively. At June 30, 2021, there was $125,000 available under the revolving credit facility.
The obligations under the Credit Facility are secured by substantially all assets of the Company. The Credit Facility also contains financial, affirmative and negative covenants that are typical for loan facilities of this type, including as of June 30, 2021 (i) maintaining a consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio equal to or greater than 1.25x, (ii) maintaining a consolidated net lease-adjusted total leverage ratio equal to or less than 4.75x, and (iii) covenants that, among other things, restrict the Company’s ability to incur indebtedness and liens, enter into fundamental changes including mergers and consolidations, sell assets, and make certain equity distributions and investments, subject to customary exceptions. The Company was in compliance with the financial covenants as of June 30, 2021.
Note Payable
In 2017, the Company entered into an unsecured note payable with a former franchisee for a principal balance of $1,034 which bears interest at a rate of 6% and matures April 1, 2027.
Debt consists of the following as of June 30, 2021:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Variable-rate term loan (2.375% at June 30, 2021) due 2026
|
$
|
198,750
|
|
Note payable
|
677
|
|
|
199,427
|
|
Less: loan origination fees
|
(1,332)
|
|
Less: current portion
|
(6,350)
|
|
|
$
|
191,745
|
|
DUTCH MAFIA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 and 2021
(in thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Future annual maturities of debt as of June 30, 2021 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Remainder of 2021
|
$
|
2,500
|
|
2022
|
8,750
|
|
2023
|
13,750
|
|
2024
|
18,750
|
|
2025
|
23,750
|
|
Thereafter
|
131,927
|
|
|
$
|
199,427
|
|
(10)Members’ Deficit
The Company has authorized and issued 10,000,000 common units. All common units are held by a single individual or entities controlled by the individual. On September 28, 2018, the Company sold 4,990,000 redeemable common units for $71.28 per unit for net proceeds of $359,105. As of December 31, 2020 and June 30, 2021, 4,990,000 redeemable units are issued and outstanding and 5,010,000 common units were issued and outstanding. The redeemable units share in the Company’s income and losses with the common units.
The rights and privileges of the redeemable units and common units are as follows:
Voting
Each Redeemable Unit and common unit is entitled to one vote per unit.
Distributions
The holders of the redeemable units will have the same right to distributions as the common units, pro rata in accordance with the number of redeemable units and common units held by each holder. In May 2021, the Company paid a dividend totaling $200,000 to the members, or $20 per common unit.
Board Representation
The Board comprises five managers. The majority investor appoints three managers to the Board, including the chairman of the Board. The holder of the redeemable units appoints two managers to the Board. Each manager has one vote on all matters put before the Board, with the exception of the Chairman who has five votes on all matters.
Redemption
The holders of the redeemable units have a put option that requires the Company to acquire all of the outstanding redeemable units by payment of cash any time on or after September 28, 2025. Accordingly, these redeemable units subject to possible redemption are presented as temporary equity, outside of the members’ deficit section of the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets at the units’ estimated redemption amount. The estimated redemption amount is based on the full equity value of the Company unless the amount payable is in excess of three times the initial investment in which case the redemption is reduced by fifteen percent subject to a floor of three times the initial investment. The redeemable unit holders are entitled to an additional redemption cash payment equal to any increase in fair value implied by a company sale, initial public offering or any other material transaction for two years following the exercise of the put option. The holder of the common units has the right, any time on or after September 28, 2024, to require the Company to acquire all the outstanding redeemable units by payment of cash equal to the put option redemption amount described above.
DUTCH MAFIA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 and 2021
(in thousands, except unit and per unit data)
After adjusting for the increase in redemption value of redeemable common units, the net loss available to common unit holders is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months Ended June 30,
|
|
2020
|
|
2021
|
Net income
|
$
|
5,350
|
|
|
$
|
5,839
|
|
Less: increase in redemption value of redeemable common units
|
(297,404)
|
|
|
(174,850)
|
|
Net loss available to common unit holders
|
$
|
(292,054)
|
|
|
$
|
(169,011)
|
|
(11)Commitments and Contingencies
Purchase Obligations
The Company enters into fixed-price and price-to-be fixed green coffee purchase commitments. For both fixed-price and price-to-be fixed purchase commitments, the Company expects to take delivery of green coffee and to utilize the coffee in a reasonable period of time in the ordinary course of business. Such contracts are used in the normal purchases of green coffee and not for speculative purposes. The Company does not enter into futures contracts or other derivative instruments.
Guarantees
The Company periodically provides guarantees to franchisees for lease payments. Annually, the Company determines if a liability needs to be recorded related to these guarantees. As of June 30, 2021, the Company has guaranteed $1,821 in franchisee lease payments and has not established a liability for these guarantees as any liability arising from the guarantees is not material to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
Legal Proceedings
The Company is a party to legal actions arising in the ordinary course of its business. These claims, legal proceedings and litigation principally arise from alleged casualty, employment, and other disputes. In determining loss contingencies, the Company considers the likelihood of loss as well as the ability to reasonably estimate the amount of such loss or liability. An estimated loss is recognized when it is considered probable that a liability has been incurred and when the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. While any claim, proceeding or litigation has an element of uncertainty, the Company believes the outcome of any of these that are pending or threatened will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
(12)Related Party Transactions
The Company donated $2,079 and $4,317 for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2021, respectively, to Dutch Bros Foundation, a not-for-profit founded by the Company that provides philanthropy to coffee farmers and local communities and for which the Company’s chief executive officer serves on the board of directors.
(13)Segment Information
The Company has identified its chief executive officer (“CEO”) as its chief operating decision maker (“CODM”). The Company’s CEO evaluates the financial performance of the Company based on two operating segments: Company-operated shops and Franchising and other. The Company-operated shops segment includes coffee shop sales to customers. The Franchising and other segment includes bean and product sales to franchisees and includes the initial franchise fees, royalties, marketing fees, and lease income.
The CODM reviews segment performance and allocates resources based upon segment contribution, which is defined as segment gross profit before depreciation and amortization.
Selling, general and administrative expenses primarily consist of the Company’s unallocated corporate expenses. Unallocated corporate expenses include corporate administrative functions that support the operating
DUTCH MAFIA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 and 2021
(in thousands, except unit and per unit data)
segments but are not directly attributable to or managed by any segment and are not included in the reported financial results of the operating segments.
All segment revenue is earned in the United States and there are no intersegment revenues. As the CODM is not provided with asset information by segment, assets are reported only on a consolidated basis.
Below is the financial information for the Company’s operating segments for the six months ended June 30:
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2020
|
|
2021
|
Revenue:
|
|
|
|
Company-operated shops
|
$
|
109,072
|
|
|
$
|
180,887
|
|
Franchising and other
|
41,787
|
|
|
47,106
|
|
Total revenue
|
150,859
|
|
|
227,993
|
|
Cost of sales:
|
|
|
|
Company-operated shops
|
82,018
|
|
|
134,657
|
|
Franchising and other
|
12,911
|
|
|
14,152
|
|
Total cost of sales
|
94,929
|
|
|
148,809
|
|
Segment contribution:
|
|
|
|
Company-operated shops
|
31,397
|
|
|
52,974
|
|
Franchising and other
|
30,849
|
|
|
35,979
|
|
Total segment contribution
|
$
|
62,246
|
|
|
$
|
88,953
|
|
Depreciation and amortization:
|
|
|
|
Company-operated shops
|
4,343
|
|
|
6,744
|
|
Franchising and other
|
1,973
|
|
|
3,025
|
|
Total depreciation and amortization
|
6,316
|
|
|
9,769
|
|
Selling, general and administrative
|
(48,300)
|
|
|
(69,868)
|
|
Interest expense, net
|
(1,700)
|
|
|
(2,855)
|
|
Other expense
|
(316)
|
|
|
(58)
|
|
Income before income taxes
|
$
|
5,614
|
|
|
$
|
6,403
|
|
No customer represents more than 10% of total revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2021.
(14)Subsequent Event
Acquisition
In July 2021, the Company purchased the franchise rights and assets of four coffee shops back from a franchisee in Washington for $2,900. The allocation of the purchase price consideration to assets and liabilities is not yet finalized.
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Unless otherwise indicated, all references to “Dutch Bros Inc.,” the “company,” “we,” “our,” “us” or similar terms refer to Dutch Bros Inc. and its subsidiaries.
Item 13. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.
The following table sets forth all expenses to be paid by us, other than underwriting discounts and commissions, in connection with this offering. All amounts shown are estimates except for the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) registration fee, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) filing fee and the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) listing fee.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SEC registration fee
|
$
|
52,828
|
|
FINRA filing fee
|
|
73,132
|
|
NYSE listing fee
|
|
125,000
|
|
Printing and engraving expenses
|
|
240,000
|
Legal and other advisory fees and expenses
|
|
2,300,000
|
|
Accounting fees and expenses
|
|
3,275,000
|
Custodian, transfer agent and registrar fees
|
|
5,000
|
|
Miscellaneous
|
|
929,040
|
Total
|
$
|
7,000,000
|
__________________
*To be provided by amendment.
Item 14. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law authorizes a court to award, or a corporation’s board of directors to grant, indemnity to directors and officers in terms sufficiently broad to permit such indemnification under certain circumstances for liabilities, including reimbursement for expenses incurred, arising under the Securities Act. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation that will be in effect prior to the completion of this offering permits indemnification of our directors, officers, employees and other agents to the maximum extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, and our amended and restated bylaws that will be in effect immediately prior to the closing of this offering provide that we will indemnify our directors and executive officers and permit us to indemnify our other officers, employees and other agents, in each case to the maximum extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law.
We have entered into indemnification agreements with our directors and executive officers, whereby we have agreed to indemnify our directors and executive officers to the fullest extent permitted by law, including indemnification against expenses and liabilities incurred in legal proceedings to which the director or executive officer was, or is threatened to be made, a party by reason of the fact that such director or executive officer is or was a director, executive officer, employee or agent of Dutch Bros Inc., provided that such director or executive officer acted in good faith and in a manner that the director or executive officer reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interest of Dutch Bros Inc. At present, there is no pending litigation or proceeding involving a director or executive officer of Dutch Bros Inc. regarding which indemnification is sought, nor is the registrant aware of any threatened litigation that may result in claims for indemnification.
We maintain insurance policies that indemnify our directors and officers against various liabilities arising under the Securities Act and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that might be incurred by any director or officer in his capacity as such.
The underwriters are obligated, under certain circumstances, under the underwriting agreement to be filed as Exhibit 1.1 hereto, to indemnify us and our officers and directors against liabilities under the Securities Act.
Item 15. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.
None.
Item 16. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
(a)Exhibits.
The following exhibits are included herein or incorporated herein by reference:
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|
Exhibit Number
|
|
Description
|
|
|
1.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.1†
|
|
|
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|
|
3.2
|
|
|
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|
|
3.3†
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.4†
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.2†
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.3†
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.4†
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.6
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.7+
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.8+
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.9+
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.10+
|
|
|
|
|
|
21.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
23.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
23.2
|
|
|
|
|
|
23.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
23.4†
|
|
|
|
|
|
24.1†
|
|
|
__________________
+ Indicates management contract or compensatory plan.
†Previously filed.
a.Financial Statement Schedules.
All financial statement schedules are omitted because the information required to be set forth therein is not applicable or is shown in the consolidated financial statements or the notes thereto.
Item 17. Undertakings.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant under the foregoing provisions or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:
(1)For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance on Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant under Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act will be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.
(2)For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus will be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time will be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Grants Pass, State of Oregon, on September 7, 2021.
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|
|
|
Dutch Bros Inc.
|
|
|
By:
|
/s/ Joth Ricci
|
Name:
|
Joth Ricci
|
Title:
|
Chief Executive Officer and President
|
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Signature
|
|
Title
|
|
Date
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Joth Ricci
|
|
Chief Executive Officer and President
(Principal Executive Officer)
|
|
September 7, 2021
|
Joth Ricci
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
Executive Chairman
|
|
September 7, 2021
|
Travis Boersma
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Charles L. Jemley
|
|
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
|
|
September 7, 2021
|
Charles L. Jemley
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
Director
|
|
September 7, 2021
|
Shelley Broader
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
Director
|
|
September 7, 2021
|
Thomas Davis
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
Director
|
|
September 7, 2021
|
Charles Esserman
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
Director
|
|
September 7, 2021
|
Kathryn George
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
Director
|
|
September 7, 2021
|
Blythe Jack
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*By:
|
/s/ Joth Ricci
|
|
Joth Ricci
|
|
Attorney-in-Fact
|
|
|
Dutch Bros Inc.
(a Delaware corporation)
[l] Shares of Class A Common Stock
UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT
Dated: [l], 2021
Dutch Bros Inc.
(a Delaware corporation)
[l] Shares of Class A Common Stock
UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT
[●], 2021
BofA Securities, Inc.
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
Jefferies LLC
as Representatives of the several Underwriters
c/o BofA Securities, Inc.
One Bryant Park
New York, New York 10036
c/o J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
383 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10179
c/o Jefferies LLC
520 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10022
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Dutch Bros Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), confirms its agreement with each of BofA Securities, Inc. (“BofA”), J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (“JPM”), Jefferies LLC (“Jefferies”) and each of the other Underwriters named in Schedule A hereto (collectively, the “Underwriters,” which term shall also include any underwriter substituted as hereinafter provided in Section 10 hereof), for whom BofA, JPM and Jefferies are acting as representatives (in such capacity, the “Representatives”), with respect to (i) the sale by the Company and the purchase by the Underwriters, acting severally and not jointly, of the respective numbers of shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.00001 per share, of the Company (“Class A Common Stock”) set forth in Schedule A hereto and (ii) the grant by the Company to the Underwriters, acting severally and not jointly, of the option described in Section 1(b) hereof to purchase all or any part of [●] additional shares of Class A Common Stock. The aforesaid [●] shares of Class A Common Stock (the “Initial Securities”) to be purchased by the Underwriters and all or any part of the [●] shares of Class A Common Stock subject to the option described in Section 1(c) hereof (the “Option Securities”) are herein called, collectively, the “Securities.”
The Company understands that the Underwriters propose to make a public offering of the Securities as soon as the Representatives deem advisable after this Agreement has been executed and delivered.
In connection with the offering contemplated by this Agreement, the “Organizational Structure” (as such term is defined in the Registration Statement and the General Disclosure Package
(each as defined below) under the caption “Organizational Structure”) was or will be effected, pursuant to which the Company will become the sole managing member of Dutch Mafia LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“OpCo”), and will operate and control all of the business and affairs of OpCo and, through OpCo and its subsidiaries, conduct its business. The Company and OpCo are collectively referred to herein as the “Dutch Parties.”
The Company and the Underwriters agree that up to [l] shares of the Initial Securities to be purchased by the Underwriters (the “Reserved Securities”) shall be reserved for sale by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (an affiliate of BofA, hereinafter referred to as “Merrill Lynch”) to certain persons designated by the Company (the “Invitees”), as part of the distribution of the Securities by the Underwriters, subject to the terms of this Agreement, the applicable rules, regulations and interpretations of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) and all other applicable laws, rules and regulations. The Company has solely determined, without any direct or indirect participation by the Underwriters or Merrill Lynch, the Invitees who will purchase Reserved Securities (including the amount to be purchased by such persons) sold by Merrill Lynch. To the extent that such Reserved Securities are not orally confirmed for purchase by Invitees by 11:59 P.M. (New York City time) on the date of this Agreement, such Reserved Securities may be offered to the public as part of the public offering contemplated hereby.
The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) a registration statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-258988), including the related preliminary prospectus or prospectuses, covering the registration of the sale of the Securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”). Promptly after execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Company will prepare and file a prospectus in accordance with the provisions of Rule 430A (“Rule 430A”) of the rules and regulations of the Commission under the 1933 Act (the “1933 Act Regulations”) and Rule 424(b) (“Rule 424(b)”) of the 1933 Act Regulations. The information included in such prospectus that was omitted from such registration statement at the time it became effective but that is deemed to be part of such registration statement at the time it became effective pursuant to Rule 430A(b) is herein called the “Rule 430A Information.” Such registration statement, including the amendments thereto, the exhibits thereto and any schedules thereto, at the time it became effective, and including the Rule 430A Information, is herein called the “Registration Statement.” Any registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) of the 1933 Act Regulations is herein called the “Rule 462(b) Registration Statement” and, after such filing, the term “Registration Statement” shall include the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement. Each prospectus used prior to the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, and each prospectus that omitted the Rule 430A Information that was used after such effectiveness and prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement, is herein called a “preliminary prospectus.” The final prospectus, in the form first furnished to the Underwriters for use in connection with the offering of the Securities, is herein called the “Prospectus.” For purposes of this Agreement, all references to the Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus, the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing shall be deemed to include the copy filed with the Commission pursuant to its Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval system or any successor system (“EDGAR”).
As used in this Agreement:
“Applicable Time” means [l] [P.M][A.M.], New York City time, on [l], 2021 or such other time as agreed by the Company and the Representatives.
“General Disclosure Package” means any Issuer General Use Free Writing Prospectuses issued at or prior to the Applicable Time, the most recent preliminary prospectus that is
distributed to investors prior to the Applicable Time and the information included on Schedule B hereto, all considered together.
“Issuer Free Writing Prospectus” means any “issuer free writing prospectus,” as defined in Rule 433 of the 1933 Act Regulations (“Rule 433”), including without limitation any “free writing prospectus” (as defined in Rule 405 of the 1933 Act Regulations (“Rule 405”)) relating to the Securities that is (i) required to be filed with the Commission by the Company, (ii) a “road show that is a written communication” within the meaning of Rule 433(d)(8)(i), whether or not required to be filed with the Commission, or (iii) exempt from filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 433(d)(5)(i) because it contains a description of the Securities or of the offering that does not reflect the final terms, in each case in the form filed or required to be filed with the Commission or, if not required to be filed, in the form retained in the Company’s records pursuant to Rule 433(g).
“Issuer General Use Free Writing Prospectus” means any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus that is intended for general distribution to prospective investors (other than a “bona fide electronic road show,” as defined in Rule 433 (the “Bona Fide Electronic Road Show”)), as evidenced by its being specified in Schedule C hereto.
“Issuer Limited Use Free Writing Prospectus” means any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus that is not an Issuer General Use Free Writing Prospectus.
“Testing-the-Waters Communication” means any oral or written communication with potential investors in connection with this offer and sale of the Securities undertaken in reliance on Section 5(d) of the 1933 Act.
“Written Testing-the-Waters Communication” means any Testing-the-Waters Communication that is a written communication within the meaning of Rule 405 under the 1933 Act.
SECTION 1. Representations and Warranties.
(a) Representations and Warranties by the Company. The Company represents and warrants to each Underwriter as of the date hereof, the Applicable Time, the Closing Time (as defined below) and any Date of Delivery (as defined below), and agrees with each Underwriter, as follows:
(i) Registration Statement and Prospectuses. Each of the Registration Statement and any amendment thereto has become effective under the 1933 Act. No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto has been issued by the Commission under the 1933 Act, no order preventing or suspending the use of any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus has been issued by the Commission and no proceedings for any of those purposes have been instituted or are pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened by the Commission. The Company has complied with each request (if any) from the Commission for additional information.
Each of the Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto, at the time it became effective, the Applicable Time, the Closing Time and any Date of Delivery complied and will comply in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the 1933 Act and the 1933 Act Regulations. Each preliminary prospectus, the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto, at the time each was filed with the Commission, and, in each case, at the
Applicable Time, the Closing Time and any Date of Delivery complied and will comply in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the 1933 Act and the 1933 Act Regulations. Each preliminary prospectus delivered to the Underwriters for use in connection with this offering and the Prospectus was or will be identical to the electronically transmitted copies thereof filed with the Commission pursuant to EDGAR, except to the extent permitted by Regulation S-T.
(ii) Accurate Disclosure. Neither the Registration Statement nor any amendment thereto, at its effective time, on the date hereof, at the Closing Time or at any Date of Delivery, contained, contains or will contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted, omits or will omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading. At the Applicable Time and any Date of Delivery, none of (A) the General Disclosure Package, (B) any individual Issuer Limited Use Free Writing Prospectus, when considered together with the General Disclosure Package and (C) any individual Written Testing-the-Waters Communication, when considered together with the General Disclosure Package, included, includes or will include an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted, omits or will omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. Neither the Prospectus nor any amendment or supplement thereto, as of its issue date, at the time of any filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b), at the Closing Time or at any Date of Delivery, included, includes or will include an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted, omits or will omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
The representations and warranties in this subsection shall not apply to statements in or omissions from the Registration Statement (or any amendment thereto), the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto) made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by any Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use therein. For purposes of this Agreement, the only information so furnished shall be, For purposes of this Agreement, the only information so furnished shall be the information in the first paragraph under the heading “Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest)–Commissions and Discounts,” the information in the second, third and fourth paragraphs under the heading “Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest)–Price Stabilization, Short Positions and Penalty Bids” and the information under the heading “Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest)–Electronic Distribution,” in each case contained in the Prospectus (collectively, the “Underwriter Information”).
(iii) Issuer Free Writing Prospectuses. No Issuer Free Writing Prospectus conflicts or will conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, and any preliminary or other prospectus deemed to be a part thereof that has not been superseded or modified. The Company has made available a Bona Fide Electronic Road Show in compliance with Rule 433(d)(8)(ii) such that no filing of any “road show” (as defined in Rule 433(h)) is required in connection with the offering of the Securities.
(iv) Testing-the-Waters Materials. The Company (A) has not engaged in any Testing-the-Waters Communication other than Testing-the-Waters Communications with the consent of the Representatives with entities that are qualified institutional buyers within the meaning of Rule 144A under the 1933 Act or institutions that are accredited investors within the meaning of Rule 501 under the 1933 Act and (B) has not authorized anyone other than the
Representatives to engage in Testing-the-Waters Communications. The Company reconfirms that the Representatives have been authorized to act on its behalf in undertaking Testing-the-Waters Communications. The Company has not distributed any Written Testing-the-Waters Communications other than those listed on Schedule C hereto.
(v) Company Not Ineligible Issuer. At the time of filing the Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto, at the earliest time thereafter that the Company or another offering participant made a bona fide offer (within the meaning of Rule 164(h)(2) of the 1933 Act Regulations) of the Securities and at the date hereof, the Company was not and is not an “ineligible issuer,” as defined in Rule 405, without taking account of any determination by the Commission pursuant to Rule 405 that it is not necessary that the Company be considered an ineligible issuer.
(vi) Emerging Growth Company Status. From the time of the initial confidential submission of the Registration Statement to the Commission (or, if earlier, the first date on which the Company engaged directly or through any individual or entity (a “Person”) authorized to act on its behalf in any Testing-the-Waters Communication) through the date hereof, the Company has been and is an “emerging growth company,” as defined in Section 2(a) of the 1933 Act (an “Emerging Growth Company”).
(vii) Independent Accountants. The accountants who certified the financial statements and supporting schedules, if any, included in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus are independent public accountants as required by the 1933 Act, the 1933 Act Regulations and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.
(viii) Financial Statements; Non-GAAP Financial Measures. The financial statements included in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, together with the related schedules and notes, present fairly in all material respects the financial position of the entities purported to be shown thereby at the dates indicated and the statement of operations and cash flows of the entities purported to be shown thereby for the periods specified; said financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods involved, except, in the case of unaudited interim financial statements, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the exclusion of certain footnotes as permitted by the applicable rules of the Commission. The supporting schedules, if any, present fairly in all material respects in accordance with GAAP the information required to be stated therein. The selected financial data and the summary financial information included in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus present fairly in all material respects the information shown therein and have been compiled on a basis consistent with that of the audited financial statements included therein. The pro forma financial statements and the related notes thereto included in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus present fairly in all material respects the information shown therein, have been prepared in all material respects in accordance with the Commission’s rules and guidelines with respect to pro forma financial statements and have been properly compiled on the bases described therein, and the assumptions used in the preparation thereof are reasonable and the adjustments used therein are appropriate to give effect to the transactions and circumstances referred to therein. Except as included in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, no historical or pro forma financial statements or supporting schedules are required to be included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package or the
Prospectus under the 1933 Act or the 1933 Act Regulations. All disclosures contained in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus regarding “non-GAAP financial measures” (as such term is defined by the rules and regulations of the Commission) comply with Regulation G of the 1934 Act and Item 10 of Regulation S-K of the 1933 Act, to the extent applicable.
(ix) No Material Adverse Change in Business. Except as otherwise stated therein, since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, (A) there has been no material adverse change in the condition, financial or otherwise, or in the earnings, business affairs or business prospects of the Company and its subsidiaries considered as one enterprise, whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business (a “Material Adverse Effect”), (B) except for the Organizational Structure transactions, there have been no transactions entered into by the Dutch Parties or any of their subsidiaries, other than those in the ordinary course of business, which are material with respect to the Company and its subsidiaries considered as one enterprise, and (C) except for the Organizational Structure transactions, there has been no dividend or distribution of any kind declared, paid or made by the Company on any class of its capital stock.
(x) Good Standing of the Company. The Company has been duly organized and is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to conduct its business as described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus and to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement; and the Company is duly qualified as a foreign corporation to transact business and is in good standing in each other jurisdiction in which such qualification is required, whether by reason of the ownership or leasing of property or the conduct of business, except where the failure so to qualify or to be in good standing would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
(xi) Good Standing of Subsidiaries. Each “significant subsidiary” of the Company (as such term is defined in Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X) (each, a “Subsidiary” and, collectively, the “Subsidiaries”) has been duly organized and is validly existing in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization, has corporate or similar power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to conduct its business as described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus and is duly qualified to transact business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which such qualification is required, whether by reason of the ownership or leasing of property or the conduct of business, except where the failure to so qualify or to be in good standing would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. Except as otherwise disclosed in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, all of the issued and outstanding capital stock, membership or other equity interests of each Subsidiary have been duly authorized and validly issued, to the extent such Subsidiary is a corporation, are fully paid and non-assessable and are owned by the Company, directly or indirectly through subsidiaries, free and clear of any security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien, encumbrance, claim or equity. None of the outstanding shares of capital stock, membership interest or other equity interests of any Subsidiary were issued in violation of the preemptive or similar rights of any securityholder of such Subsidiary. The only subsidiaries of the Company are (A) the subsidiaries listed on Exhibit 21.1 to the Registration Statement and (B) certain other subsidiaries which, considered in the aggregate as a single subsidiary, do not constitute a “significant subsidiary” as defined in Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X.
(xii) Capitalization. The authorized, issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company are as set forth in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus in the column titled “Actual” under the caption “Capitalization” (except for subsequent issuances, if any, (A) pursuant to this Agreement, (B) pursuant to reservations, agreements or employee benefit plans referred to in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus or (C) pursuant to the exercise of convertible securities or options referred to in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus). The outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable. None of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company were issued in violation of the preemptive or other similar rights of any securityholder of the Company.
(xiii) Authorization of Agreement. This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company.
(xiv) Authorization and Description of Securities. The Securities to be purchased by the Underwriters from the Company have been duly authorized for issuance and sale to the Underwriters pursuant to this Agreement and, when issued and delivered by the Company pursuant to this Agreement against payment of the consideration set forth herein, will be validly issued and fully paid and non-assessable; and the issuance of the Securities is not subject to the preemptive or other similar rights of any securityholder of the Company. The Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, no par value per share, the Company’s Class C Common Stock, no par value per share and the Company’s Class D Common Stock, par value $0.00001 per share, conforms in all material respects to all statements relating thereto contained in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus and such description conforms in all material respects to the rights set forth in the instruments defining the same. No holder of Securities will be subject to personal liability solely by reason of being such a holder.
(xv) Registration Rights. There are no persons with registration rights or other similar rights to have any securities registered for sale pursuant to the Registration Statement or otherwise registered for sale or sold by the Company under the 1933 Act pursuant to this Agreement, other than those rights that have been disclosed in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.
(xvi) Absence of Violations, Defaults and Conflicts. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is (A) in violation of its charter, by-laws or similar organizational document, (B) in default in the performance or observance of any obligation, agreement, covenant or condition contained in any contract, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan or credit agreement, note, lease or other agreement or instrument to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by which it or any of them may be bound or to which any of the properties or assets of the Company or any subsidiary is subject (collectively, “Agreements and Instruments”), except for such defaults that would not, singly or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, or (C) in violation of any law, statute, rule, regulation, judgment, order, writ or decree of any arbitrator, court, governmental body, regulatory body, administrative agency or other authority, body or agency having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any of their respective properties, assets or operations (each, a “Governmental Entity”), except for such violations that would not, singly or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein and in the Registration Statement, the
General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus (including the issuance and sale of the Securities, the transactions contemplated by the Organizational Structure and the use of the proceeds from the sale of the Securities as described therein under the caption “Use of Proceeds”) and compliance by the Company with its obligations hereunder have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action and do not and will not, whether with or without the giving of notice or passage of time or both, conflict with or constitute a breach of, or default or Repayment Event (as defined below) under, or result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any properties or assets of the Dutch Parties or any of their subsidiaries pursuant to, the Agreements and Instruments (except for such conflicts, breaches, defaults or Repayment Events or liens, charges or encumbrances that would not, singly or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect), nor will such action result in any violation of (i) the provisions of the charter, by-laws or similar organizational document of the Dutch Parties or any of their subsidiaries or (ii) any law, statute, rule, regulation, judgment, order, writ or decree of any Governmental Entity, except in the case of clause (ii) above, for such violations that would not, singly or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. As used herein, a “Repayment Event” means any event or condition which gives the holder of any note, debenture or other evidence of indebtedness (or any person acting on such holder’s behalf) the right to require the repurchase, redemption or repayment of all or a portion of such indebtedness by the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
(xvii) Absence of Labor Dispute. No labor dispute with the employees of Dutch Parties or any of their subsidiaries exists or, to the knowledge of the Company, is imminent, and the Company is not aware of any existing or imminent labor disturbance by the employees of any of its or any subsidiary’s principal suppliers, manufacturers, customers or contractors, which, in either case, would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
(xviii) Absence of Proceedings. Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, there is no action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation before or brought by any Governmental Entity now pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened, against or affecting the Dutch Parties or any of their subsidiaries, which would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, or which would reasonably be expected to materially and adversely affect their respective properties or assets or the consummation of the transactions contemplated in this Agreement or the performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder; and the aggregate of all pending legal or governmental proceedings to which the Company or any such subsidiary is a party or of which any of their respective properties or assets is the subject which are not described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, including ordinary routine litigation incidental to the business, would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
(xix) Accuracy of Exhibits. There are no contracts or documents which are required under the 1933 Act or 1933 Act Regulations to be described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus or to be filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement which have not been so described and filed as required.
(xx) Absence of Further Requirements. No filing with, or authorization, approval, consent, license, order, registration, qualification or decree of, any Governmental Entity is necessary or required for the performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder, in connection with the offering, issuance or sale of the Securities hereunder or the consummation of
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except (A) such as have been already obtained or as may be required under the 1933 Act, the 1933 Act Regulations, the rules of the New York Stock Exchange, state securities laws or the rules of FINRA and (B) such as have been obtained under the laws and regulations of jurisdictions outside the United States in which the Reserved Securities were offered
(xxi) Possession of Licenses and Permits. The Dutch Parties and their subsidiaries possess such permits, licenses, approvals, consents and other authorizations (collectively, “Governmental Licenses”) issued by the appropriate Governmental Entities necessary to conduct the business now operated by them, except where the failure so to possess would not, singly or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. The Dutch Parties and their subsidiaries are in compliance with the terms and conditions of all Governmental Licenses, except where the failure so to comply would not, singly or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. All of the Governmental Licenses are valid and in full force and effect, except when the invalidity of such Governmental Licenses or the failure of such Governmental Licenses to be in full force and effect would not, singly or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. Neither the Dutch Parties nor any of their subsidiaries has received any notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification of any Governmental Licenses which, singly or in the aggregate, if the subject of an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding, would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
(xxii) Title to Property. The Dutch Parties and their subsidiaries have good and marketable title to all real property owned by them and good title to all other properties owned by them, in each case, free and clear of all mortgages, pledges, liens, security interests, claims, restrictions or encumbrances of any kind except such as (A) are described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus or (B) do not, singly or in the aggregate, materially and adversely affect the value of such property and do not materially and adversely interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such property by the Dutch Parties or any of their subsidiaries; and all of the leases and subleases material to the business of the Dutch Parties and their subsidiaries, considered as one enterprise, and under which the Dutch Parties or any of their subsidiaries holds properties described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, are in full force and effect, and neither the Dutch Parties nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any such subsidiary has any notice of any material claim of any sort that has been asserted by anyone adverse to the rights of Dutch Parties or any subsidiary under any of the leases or subleases mentioned above, or affecting or questioning the rights of either Dutch Party or any such subsidiary to the continued possession of the leased or subleased premises under any such lease or sublease.
(xxiii) Possession of Intellectual Property. The Company and its subsidiaries own or have the right to use or can acquire on reasonable terms, all patents, inventions, copyrights, know-how (including trade secrets and other unpatented and/or unpatentable proprietary or confidential information, systems or procedures), trademarks, service marks, trade names or other intellectual property (collectively, “Intellectual Property”) that is used in the conduct of the business now operated by them, and neither the Dutch Parties nor any of their subsidiaries has received any notice or is otherwise aware of any infringement, misappropriation, dilution or other violation of or conflict with asserted rights of others with respect to any Intellectual Property of any third-party or of any facts or circumstances which would render any Intellectual Property owned by the Dutch Parties or any of their subsidiaries invalid or unenforceable, except in each
case as would not (if the subject of any unfavorable decision, ruling or finding) reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
(xxiv) Environmental Laws. Except as described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus or would not, singly or in the aggregate, reasonably be expect to result in a Material Adverse Effect, (A) neither the Dutch Parties nor any of their subsidiaries is in violation of any federal, state, local or foreign statute, law, rule, regulation, ordinance, code, policy or rule of common law or any judicial or administrative interpretation thereof, including any judicial or administrative order, consent, decree or judgment, relating to pollution or protection of human health, the environment (including, without limitation, ambient air, surface water, groundwater, land surface or subsurface strata) or wildlife, including, without limitation, laws and regulations relating to the release or threatened release of chemicals, pollutants, contaminants, wastes, toxic substances, hazardous substances, petroleum or petroleum products, asbestos-containing materials or mold (collectively, “Hazardous Materials”) or to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport or handling of Hazardous Materials (collectively, “Environmental Laws”), (B) the Dutch Parties and their subsidiaries have all permits, authorizations and approvals required under any applicable Environmental Laws and are each in compliance with their requirements, (C) there are no pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened, administrative, regulatory or judicial actions, suits, demands, demand letters, claims, liens, notices of noncompliance or violation, investigations or proceedings relating to any Environmental Law against the Dutch Parties or, to the knowledge of the Company, any of its subsidiaries and (D) to the knowledge of the Company, there are no events or circumstances that would reasonably be expected to form the basis of an order for clean-up or remediation, or an action, suit or proceeding by any private party or Governmental Entity, against or affecting the Company or any of its subsidiaries relating to Hazardous Materials or any Environmental Laws.
(xxv) Accounting Controls. Except as described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the Company and each of its subsidiaries maintain effective internal control over financial reporting (as defined under Rule 13-a15 and 15d-15 under the rules and regulations of the Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act,” and such rules and regulations, the “1934 Act Regulations”) and a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurances that (A) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; (B) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP and to maintain accountability for assets; (C) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; and (D) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences. Except as described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, since the end of the Company’s most recent audited fiscal year, there has been, to the Company’s knowledge, (1) no material weakness in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (whether or not remediated) and (2) no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially and adversely affected, or is reasonably likely to materially and adversely affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (it being understood that this subsection shall not require the Company to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder or implementing the provisions thereof (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”) as of an earlier date than it would otherwise be required to comply).
(xxvi) Compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The Company has taken all necessary actions to ensure that, upon the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, it will be in compliance with all provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act that are then in effect and with which the Company is required to comply as of the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, and is taking steps to enable it to comply with other provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act not currently in effect, upon the effectiveness of such provisions, or which will become applicable to the Company at all times after the effectiveness of the Registration Statement.
(xxvii) Payment of Taxes. All United States federal income tax returns of the Dutch Parties and their subsidiaries required by law to be filed have been timely filed (after giving effect to any extensions provided by law) and all taxes shown by such returns or otherwise assessed, which are due and payable, have been paid, except assessments against which appeals have been or will be promptly taken and as to which adequate reserves have been provided. The Dutch Parties and their subsidiaries have filed all other tax returns that are required to have been filed by them pursuant to applicable foreign, state, local or other law except insofar as the failure to file such returns would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, and have paid all taxes due and payable by the Dutch Parties and their subsidiaries, except for such taxes, if any, as are being contested in good faith and as to which adequate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP. The charges, accruals and reserves on the books of the Company in respect of any income and corporation tax liability for any years not finally determined are adequate to meet any assessments or re-assessments for additional income tax for any years not finally determined, except to the extent of any inadequacy that would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
(xxviii) Insurance. Each Dutch Party carries or is entitled to the benefits of insurance, with financially sound and reputable insurers, in such amounts and covering such risks as is generally maintained by companies of established repute engaged in the same or similar business, and all such insurance is in full force and effect. The Company has no reason to believe that the Dutch Parties will not be able (A) to renew its existing insurance coverage as and when such policies expire or (B) to obtain comparable coverage from similar institutions as may be necessary or appropriate to conduct its business as now conducted and at a cost that would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. Neither of the Dutch Parties nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any of their subsidiaries has been denied any insurance coverage which it has sought or for which it has applied.
(xxix) Investment Company Act. The Company is not required, and upon the issuance and sale of the Securities as herein contemplated and the application of the net proceeds therefrom as described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus will not be required, to register as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”).
(xxx) Absence of Manipulation. Neither the Company, nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any controlled affiliate of the Company, has taken, nor will the Company or any controlled affiliate of the Company take, directly or indirectly, any action which is designed, or would reasonably be expected, to cause or result in, or which constitutes, the stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of the Securities or to result in a violation of Regulation M under the 1934 Act.
(xxxi) Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Neither Dutch Party, nor any of their subsidiaries, any director, officer, agent, employee, controlled affiliate or other person acting on behalf of the Dutch Parties or any of their subsidiaries is aware of or has taken any action, directly or indirectly, that would result in a violation by such persons of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (the “FCPA”), including, without limitation, making use of the mails or any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce corruptly in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay or authorization of the payment of any money, or other property, gift, promise to give, or authorization of the giving of anything of value to any “foreign official” (as such term is defined in the FCPA) or any foreign political party or official thereof or any candidate for foreign political office, in contravention of the FCPA and the Dutch Parties and, to the knowledge of the Company, its controlled affiliates have conducted their businesses in compliance with the FCPA and have instituted and maintain policies and procedures designed to ensure, and which are reasonably expected to continue to ensure, continued compliance therewith.
(xxxii) Money Laundering Laws. The operations of the Dutch Parties and their subsidiaries are and have been conducted at all times in compliance with applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements of the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970, as amended, the money laundering statutes of applicable jurisdictions, the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by any Governmental Entity (collectively, the “Money Laundering Laws”); and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any Governmental Entity involving Dutch Parties or, to the knowledge of the Company, any of their subsidiaries with respect to the Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened.
(xxxiii) OFAC. Neither of the Dutch Parties nor any of their subsidiaries, any director, officer, agent, employee, affiliate or representative of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is an individual or entity currently the subject or target of any sanctions administered or enforced by the United States Government, including, without limitation, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”), the United Nations Security Council (“UNSC”), the European Union, Her Majesty’s Treasury (“HMT”), or other relevant sanctions authority (collectively, “Sanctions”), nor is the Company located, organized or resident in a country or territory that is the subject of Sanctions; and the Company will not directly or indirectly use the proceeds of the sale of the Securities, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any subsidiaries, joint venture partners or other Person, to fund any activities of or business with any Person, or in any country or territory, that, at the time of such funding, is the subject of Sanctions or in any other manner that will result in a violation by any Person (including any Person participating in the transaction, whether as underwriter, advisor, investor or otherwise) of Sanctions.
(xxxiv) Lending Relationship. Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the Company (i) does not have any material lending or other relationship with any bank or lending affiliate of any Underwriter and (ii) does not intend to use any of the proceeds from the sale of the Securities to repay any outstanding debt owed to any affiliate of any Underwriter.
(xxxv) Sales of Reserved Securities. In connection with any offer and sale of Reserved Securities outside the United States, each preliminary prospectus, the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto, at the time it was filed, complied and will comply in all
material respects with any applicable laws or regulations of foreign jurisdictions in which the same is distributed. The Company has not offered, or caused the Representatives or Merrill Lynch to offer, Reserved Securities to any person with the specific intent to unlawfully influence (i) a customer or supplier of the Company or any of its affiliates to alter the customer’s or supplier’s level or type of business with any such entity or (ii) a trade journalist or publication to write or publish favorable information about the Company or any of its affiliates, or their respective businesses or products.
(xxxvi) Statistical and Market-Related Data. Any statistical and market-related data included in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus are based on or derived from sources that the Company believes, after reasonable inquiry, to be reliable and accurate in all material respects and, to the extent required, the Company has obtained the written consent to the use of such data from such sources.
(xxxvii) No Ratings. Neither of the Dutch Parties nor any of their subsidiaries have any debt securities or preferred stock that are rated by any “nationally recognized statistical rating organization” (as defined in Section 3(a)(62) of the 1934 Act).
(xxxviii) Cybersecurity. Except as would not, singly or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, there has been no security breach or incident, unauthorized access or disclosure, or other compromise of or relating to the Dutch Parties or their subsidiaries information technology and computer systems, networks, hardware, software, data and databases (including the data and information of their respective customers, employees, suppliers, vendors and any third party data maintained, processed or stored by the Dutch Parties and any such data processed or stored by third parties on behalf of the Dutch Parties), equipment or technology (collectively, “IT Systems and Data”). Neither the Dutch Parties nor their subsidiaries have been notified of, and each of them have no knowledge of any event or condition that could reasonably be expected to result in, any security breach or incident, unauthorized access or disclosure or other compromise to their IT Systems and Data, except as would not, singly or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. The Dutch Parties, and their subsidiaries have implemented appropriate controls, policies, procedures, and technological safeguards to maintain and protect the integrity, continuous operation, redundancy and security of their IT Systems and Data reasonably consistent with industry standards and practices, and, in all material respects, as required by applicable regulatory standards. The Dutch Parties and each of their subsidiaries are presently in compliance with all applicable laws or statutes and all judgments, orders, rules and regulations of any court or arbitrator or governmental or regulatory authority, internal policies and contractual obligations relating to the privacy and security of IT Systems and Data, except as would not, singly or in the aggregate be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, and to the protection of such IT Systems and Data from unauthorized use, access, misappropriation or modification.
(xxxix) Franchise Agreements. Each of the franchise agreements entered into by OpCo and described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus (collectively, the “Franchise Agreements”) is in full force and effect; to the Company’s knowledge, none of the persons or entities (the “Franchise Owners”) holding franchise rights from the Company or any of its subsidiary is in breach or violation of, or in default under (nor has any event occurred which with notice, lapse of time, or both would result in any breach or violation of, or constitute a default under) any such Franchise Agreement, except for any such breach, violation or default that would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse
Effect; to the Company’s knowledge, no Franchise Owner has the right to terminate any Franchise Agreement prior to the termination of its stated term, and no event or circumstance has occurred which, with notice, lapse of time or both, would create such a right; and neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has received, or been threatened with, a termination notice from any Franchise Owner or any other party with respect to a Franchise Agreement, nor is the Company aware that any person or entity intends to furnish such a notice.
(xl) Franchise Owners and Franchises. To the Company’s knowledge: (i) each of the Franchise Owners and the franchises (collectively, the “Franchises”) operated by any of the Franchise Owners has all necessary licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals and has made all necessary filings required under any federal, state, local or foreign law, regulation or rule, and has obtained all necessary licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals from other persons, in order to conduct its business, except where the failure to obtain any such licenses, authorizations, consents or approvals or make any such filings could not be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect; (ii) none of the Franchise Owners is in violation of, or in default under, or has received notice of any proceedings relating to revocation or modification of, any such license, authorization, consent or approval or any federal, state, local or foreign law, regulation or rule (including those federal, state, local or foreign laws, regulations or rules applicable to reimbursement for healthcare or any related services) or any decree, order or judgment applicable to such Franchise Owner or the business conducted thereby, except where such violation, default, revocation or modification could not, individually or in the aggregate, be reasonably expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; and (iii) there are no actions, suits, claims, investigations or proceedings pending or threatened or contemplated to which any of the Franchise Owners is or would be a party or of which any of their respective properties is or would be subject at law or in equity, before or by any federal, state, local or foreign governmental or regulatory commission, board, body, authority or agency, or before or by any self-regulatory organization or other non-governmental regulatory authority, except any such action, suit, claim, investigation or proceeding which could not reasonably be expected to result in a judgment, decree or order resulting, individually or in the aggregate, in a Material Adverse Effect.
(c) Officer’s Certificates. Any certificate signed by any officer of the Company or any of its subsidiaries delivered to the Representatives or to counsel for the Underwriters shall be deemed a representation and warranty by the Company to each Underwriter as to the matters covered thereby.;
(d) Sale and Delivery to Underwriters; Closing.
(b) Initial Securities. On the basis of the representations and warranties herein contained and subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth, the Company agrees to sell to each Underwriter, severally and not jointly, and each Underwriter, severally and not jointly, agrees to purchase from the Company, at the price per share set forth in Schedule A, the number of Initial Securities set forth in Schedule A opposite the name of such Underwriter, plus any additional number of Initial Securities which such Underwriter may become obligated to purchase pursuant to the provisions of Section 10 hereof, , subject, in each case, to such adjustments among the Underwriters as the Representatives in their sole discretion shall make to eliminate any sales or purchases of fractional shares.
(c) Option Securities. In addition, on the basis of the representations and warranties herein contained and subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth, the Company hereby grants an option to the Underwriters, severally and not jointly, to purchase up to an additional [●] shares of Class A Common Stock, as set forth in Schedule B, at the price per share set forth in Schedule B, less an amount
per share equal to any dividends or distributions declared by the Company and payable on the Initial Securities but not payable on the Option Securities. The option hereby granted may be exercised for 30 days after the date hereof and may be exercised in whole or in part at any time from time to time upon notice by the Representatives to the Company setting forth the number of Option Securities as to which the several Underwriters are then exercising the option and the time and date of payment and delivery for such Option Securities. Any such time and date of delivery (a “Date of Delivery”) shall be determined by the Representatives, but shall not be later than seven full business days after the exercise of said option, nor in any event prior to the Closing Time. If the option is exercised as to all or any portion of the Option Securities, each of the Underwriters, acting severally and not jointly, will purchase that proportion of the total number of Option Securities then being purchased which the number of Initial Securities set forth in Schedule A opposite the name of such Underwriter bears to the total number of Initial Securities, subject, in each case, to such adjustments as the Representatives in their sole discretion shall make to eliminate any sales or purchases of fractional shares.
(d) Payment. Payment of the purchase price for, and delivery of certificates or security entitlements for, the Initial Securities shall be made at the offices of Latham & Watkins LLP, 1271 Avenue of Americas, New York, New York 10020, or at such other place as shall be agreed upon by the Representatives and the Company, at 9:00 A.M. (New York City time) on the second (third, if the pricing occurs after 4:30 P.M. (New York City time) on any given day) business day after the date hereof (unless postponed in accordance with the provisions of Section 10), or such other time not later than ten business days after such date as shall be agreed upon by the Representatives and the Company (such time and date of payment and delivery being herein called “Closing Time”).
In addition, in the event that any or all of the Option Securities are purchased by the Underwriters, payment of the purchase price for, and delivery of certificates or security entitlements for, such Option Securities shall be made at the above-mentioned offices, or at such other place as shall be agreed upon by the Representatives and the Company, on each Date of Delivery as specified in the notice from the Representatives to the Company.
Payment shall be made to the Company by wire transfer of immediately available funds to bank accounts designated by the Company against delivery to the Representatives for the respective accounts of the Underwriters of certificates or security entitlements for the Securities to be purchased by them. It is understood that each Underwriter has authorized the Representatives, for its account, to accept delivery of, receipt for, and make payment of the purchase price for, the Initial Securities and the Option Securities, if any, which it has agreed to purchase. Each of the Representatives, individually and not as representative of the Underwriters, may (but shall not be obligated to) make payment of the purchase price for the Initial Securities or the Option Securities, if any, to be purchased by any Underwriter whose funds have not been received by the Closing Time or the relevant Date of Delivery, as the case may be, but such payment shall not relieve such Underwriter from its obligations hereunder.
SECTION 2. Covenants of the Company. The Company covenants with each Underwriter as follows:
(a) Compliance with Securities Regulations and Commission Requests. The Company, subject to Section 3(b), will comply with the requirements of Rule 430A, and will notify the Representatives as soon as practicable, and confirm the notice in writing, (i) when any post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement shall become effective or any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus shall have been filed, (ii) of the receipt of any comments from the Commission, (iii) of any request by the Commission for any amendment to the Registration Statement or any amendment or
supplement to the Prospectus or for additional information, (iv) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment or of any order preventing or suspending the use of any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus, or of the suspension of the qualification of the Securities for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, or of the initiation or threatening of any proceedings for any of such purposes or of any examination pursuant to Section 8(d) or 8(e) of the 1933 Act concerning the Registration Statement, and (v) if the Company becomes the subject of a proceeding under Section 8A of the 1933 Act in connection with the offering of the Securities. The Company will effect all filings required under Rule 424(b), in the manner and within the time period required by Rule 424(b) (without reliance on Rule 424(b)(8)), and will take such steps as it deems necessary to ascertain promptly whether the form of prospectus transmitted for filing under Rule 424(b) was received for filing by the Commission and, in the event that it was not, it will promptly file such prospectus. The Company will make reasonable best efforts to prevent the issuance of any stop order, prevention or suspension and, if any such order is issued, to obtain the lifting thereof as soon as practicable.
(b) Continued Compliance with Securities Laws. The Company will comply with the 1933 Act and the 1933 Act Regulations so as to permit the completion of the distribution of the Securities as contemplated in this Agreement and in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus. If at any time when a prospectus relating to the Securities is (or, but for the exception afforded by Rule 172 of the 1933 Act Regulations (“Rule 172”), would be) required by the 1933 Act to be delivered in connection with sales of the Securities, any event shall occur or condition shall exist as a result of which it is necessary, in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters or for the Company, to (i) amend the Registration Statement in order that the Registration Statement will not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, (ii) amend or supplement the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus in order that the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, as the case may be, will not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading in the light of the circumstances existing at the time it is delivered to a purchaser or (iii) amend the Registration Statement or amend or supplement the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, as the case may be, in order to comply with the requirements of the 1933 Act or the 1933 Act Regulations, the Company will promptly (A) give the Representatives notice of such event, (B) prepare any amendment or supplement as may be necessary to correct such statement or omission or to make the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus comply with such requirements and, a reasonable amount of time prior to any proposed filing or use, furnish the Representatives with copies of any such amendment or supplement and (C) file with the Commission any such amendment or supplement; provided that the Company shall not file or use any such amendment or supplement to which the Representatives or counsel for the Underwriters shall reasonably object. The Company will furnish to the Underwriters such number of copies of such amendment or supplement as the Underwriters may reasonably request. The Company has used reasonable best efforts to give the Representatives notice of any filings made pursuant to the 1934 Act or 1934 Act Regulations within 48 hours prior to the Applicable Time; the Company will give the Representatives notice of its intention to make any such filing from the Applicable Time to the Closing Time and will furnish the Representatives with copies of any such documents a reasonable amount of time prior to such proposed filing, as the case may be, and will not file or use any such document to which the Representatives or counsel for the Underwriters shall reasonably object.
(c) Delivery of Registration Statements. The Company has furnished or will deliver to the Representatives and counsel for the Underwriters, without charge, conformed copies of the Registration Statement as originally filed and each amendment thereto (including exhibits filed therewith) and
conformed copies of all consents and certificates of experts, and will also deliver, upon written request from a Representative, such requesting Representative, without charge, a conformed copy of the Registration Statement as originally filed and each amendment thereto (without exhibits) for each of the Underwriters. The copies of the Registration Statement and each amendment thereto furnished to the Underwriters will be identical to the electronically transmitted copies thereof filed with the Commission pursuant to EDGAR, except to the extent permitted by Regulation S-T.
(d) Delivery of Prospectuses. The Company has delivered to each Underwriter, without charge, as many copies of each preliminary prospectus as such Underwriter reasonably requested, and the Company hereby consents to the use of such copies for purposes permitted by the 1933 Act. The Company will furnish to each Underwriter, without charge, during the period when a prospectus relating to the Securities is (or, but for the exception afforded by Rule 172, would be) required to be delivered under the 1933 Act, such number of copies of the Prospectus (as amended or supplemented) as such Underwriter may reasonably request. The Prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto furnished to the Underwriters will be identical to the electronically transmitted copies thereof filed with the Commission pursuant to EDGAR, except to the extent permitted by Regulation S-T.
(e) Blue Sky Qualifications. The Company will use its reasonable best efforts, in cooperation with the Underwriters, to qualify the Securities for offering and sale under the applicable securities laws of such states and other jurisdictions (domestic or foreign) as the Representatives may designate and to maintain such qualifications in effect so long as required to complete the distribution of the Securities; provided, however, that the Company shall not be obligated to file any general consent to service of process or to qualify as a foreign corporation or as a dealer in securities in any jurisdiction in which it is not so qualified or to subject itself to taxation in respect of doing business in any jurisdiction in which it is not otherwise so subject.
(f) Rule 158. The Company will timely file such reports pursuant to the 1934 Act as are necessary in order to make generally available (which may be satisfied by filing with the Commission pursuant to EDGAR) to its securityholders as soon as practicable an earnings statement for the purposes of, and to provide to the Underwriters the benefits contemplated by, the last paragraph of Section 11(a) of the 1933 Act.
(g) Use of Proceeds. The Company will use the net proceeds received by it from the sale of the Securities in the manner specified in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus under “Use of Proceeds.”
(h) Listing. The Company will use its reasonable best efforts to effect and maintain the listing of the Class A Common Stock (including the Securities) on the New York Stock Exchange.
(i) Restriction on Sale of Securities. During a period of 180 days from the date of the Prospectus, the Company will not, without the prior written consent of the Representatives, (i) directly or indirectly, offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase or otherwise transfer or dispose of any shares of Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock or file or confidentially submit any registration statement under the 1933 Act with respect to any of the foregoing or (ii) enter into any swap or any other agreement or any transaction that transfers, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, the economic consequence of ownership of the Common Stock, whether any such swap or transaction described in clause (i) or (ii) above is to be settled by delivery of Common Stock or other securities, in cash or otherwise. The foregoing sentence shall not apply to: (A) the
Securities to be sold hereunder or securities issued, transferred, redeemed or exchanged in connection with the Organizational Structure, (B) any shares of Common Stock issued by the Company upon the exercise of an option or warrant or the conversion or exchange of a security of the Company outstanding on the date hereof and referred to in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, (C) any shares of Common Stock issued or options to purchase Common Stock or other equity awards covering Common Stock, in each case, granted pursuant to existing employee benefit plans of the Company referred to in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, (D) any shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to any non-employee director stock plan or dividend reinvestment plan referred to in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, (E) the filing of any registration statement on Form S-8 or any successor form thereto with respect to the registration of securities to be offered under any employee benefit or equity incentive plans of the Company referred to in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, or (F) the issuance of shares of Common Stock, restricted stock awards or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of Common Stock in connection with (i) the acquisition of the securities, business, property or other assets of another Person or pursuant to any employee benefit plan assumed in connection with any such acquisition, (ii) joint ventures, (iii) commercial relationships or (iv) other strategic transactions, provided that the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock, restricted stock awards and shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion, exercise or exchange of securities (on an as converted or as exercised basis, as the case may be) issued pursuant to this clause (F) shall not exceed 5% of the total number of shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately following the issuance and sale of the Initial Securities at the Closing Time pursuant hereto; and provided, further, that each recipient of shares of Common Stock, restricted stock awards or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of Common Stock pursuant to this clause shall execute a lock-up agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto.
(j) If the Representatives, in their sole discretion, agree to release or waive the restrictions set forth in a lock-up agreement described in Section 5(j) hereof for an officer or director of the Company and provides the Company with notice of the impending release or waiver at least three business days before the effective date of the release or waiver, the Company agrees to announce the impending release or waiver by a press release substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto through a major news service at least two business days before the effective date of the release or waiver.
(k) Reporting Requirements. The Company, during the period when a Prospectus relating to the Securities is (or, but for the exception afforded by Rule 172, would be) required to be delivered under the 1933 Act, will file all documents required to be filed with the Commission pursuant to the 1934 Act within the time periods required by the 1934 Act and 1934 Act Regulations. Additionally, the Company shall report the use of proceeds from the issuance of the Shares as may be required under Rule 463 under the 1933 Act.
(l) Issuer Free Writing Prospectuses. The Company agrees that, unless it obtains the prior written consent of the Representatives, it will not make any offer relating to the Securities that would constitute an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or that would otherwise constitute a “free writing prospectus,” or a portion thereof, required to be filed by the Company with the Commission or retained by the Company under Rule 433; provided that the Representatives will be deemed to have consented to the Issuer Free Writing Prospectuses listed on Schedule C hereto and any “road show that is a written communication” within the meaning of Rule 433(d)(8)(i) that has been reviewed by the Representatives. The Company represents that it has treated or agrees that it will treat each such free writing prospectus consented to, or deemed consented to, by the Representatives as an “issuer free writing prospectus,” as defined in Rule 433, and that it has complied and will comply with the applicable requirements of Rule
433 with respect thereto, including timely filing with the Commission where required, legending and record keeping. If at any time following issuance of an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus there occurred or occurs an event or development as a result of which such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus conflicted or would conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus or included or would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or would omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances existing at that subsequent time, not misleading, the Company will promptly notify the Representatives and will promptly amend or supplement, at its own expense, such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus to eliminate or correct such conflict, untrue statement or omission.
(m) Certification Regarding Beneficial Owners. The Company will deliver to the Representatives, on the date of execution of this Agreement, a properly completed and executed Certification Regarding Beneficial Owners of Legal Entity Customers, together with copies of identifying documentation, and the Company undertakes to provide such additional supporting documentation as the Representatives may reasonably request in connection with the verification of the foregoing certification.
(n) Testing-the-Waters Materials. If at any time following the distribution of any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication there occurred or occurs an event or development as a result of which such Written Testing-the-Waters Communication included or would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or would omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances existing at that subsequent time, not misleading, the Company will promptly notify the Representatives and will promptly amend or supplement, at its own expense, such Written Testing-the-Waters Communication to eliminate or correct such untrue statement or omission.
(o) Emerging Growth Company Status. The Company will promptly notify the Representatives if the Company ceases to be an Emerging Growth Company at any time prior to the later of (i) completion of the distribution of the Securities within the meaning of the 1933 Act and (ii) completion of the 180-day restricted period referred to in Section 3(i).
(p) The Company hereby agrees that it will make reasonable best efforts ensure that the Reserved Securities will be restricted as required by FINRA or the FINRA rules from sale, transfer, assignment, pledge or hypothecation for a period of three months following the date of this Agreement. Merrill Lynch will notify the Company as to which persons will need to be so restricted. At the request of the Underwriters, the Company will direct the transfer agent to place a stop transfer restriction upon such securities for such period of time. Should the Company release, or seek to release, from such restrictions any of the Reserved Securities, the Company agrees to reimburse Merrill Lynch for any reasonable expenses (including, without limitation, legal expenses) they incur in connection with such release.
SECTION 3. Payment of Expenses.
(a) Expenses. The Company will pay or cause to be paid all expenses incident to the performance of its obligations under this Agreement, including (i) the preparation, printing and filing of the Registration Statement (including financial statements and exhibits) as originally filed and each amendment thereto, (ii) the preparation, printing and delivery to the Underwriters of copies of each preliminary prospectus, each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus and the Prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto and any costs associated with electronic delivery of any of the foregoing by the Underwriters to investors, (iii) the preparation, issuance and delivery of the certificates or security entitlements for the Securities to the Underwriters, including any stock or other transfer taxes and any
stamp or other duties payable upon the sale, issuance or delivery of the Securities to the Underwriters, (iv) the fees and disbursements of the Company’s counsel, accountants and other advisors, (v) the qualification of the Securities under securities laws in accordance with the provisions of Section 3(e) hereof, including filing fees and the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Underwriters in connection therewith and in connection with the preparation of the Blue Sky Survey and any supplement thereto, (vi) the fees and expenses of any transfer agent or registrar for the Securities, (vii) the costs and expenses of the Company relating to investor presentations on any “road show” undertaken in connection with the marketing of the Securities, including without limitation, expenses associated with the production of road show slides and graphics, fees and expenses of any consultants engaged by the Company in connection with the road show presentations, travel and lodging expenses of the representatives and officers of the Company and any such consultants, and the cost of aircraft and other transportation chartered in connection with the road show, (viii) the filing fees incident to, and the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel to the Underwriters in connection with, the review by FINRA of the terms of the sale of the Securities; provided that the amount payable to counsel to the Underwriters pursuant to this clause (viii) and clause (v) above shall not exceed $35,000 in the aggregate, (ix) the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the listing of the Securities on the New York Stock Exchange, (x) the costs and expenses (including, without limitation, any damages or other amounts payable in connection with legal or contractual liability) associated with the reforming of any contracts for sale of the Securities made by the Underwriters caused by a breach of the representation contained in the third sentence of Section 1(a)(ii) and (xi) all costs and expenses of the Underwriters and Merrill Lynch, including the fees and disbursements of counsel for the Underwriters and counsel for Merrill Lynch, in connection with matters related to the Reserved Securities which are designated by the Company for sale to Invitees.
(b) Termination of Agreement. If this Agreement is terminated by the Representatives in accordance with the provisions of Section 5, Section 9(a)(i) or (iii), or Section 10 hereof, the Company shall reimburse the non-defaulting Underwriters for all of their reasonably incurred out-of-pocket expenses, including the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Underwriters; provided that, if this Agreement is terminated by the Representatives pursuant to Section 10 hereof, the Company will have no obligation to reimburse any defaulting Underwriter.
SECTION 4. Conditions of Underwriters’ Obligations. The obligations of the several Underwriters hereunder are subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Company contained herein or in certificates of any officer of the Company or any of its subsidiaries delivered pursuant to the provisions hereof, to the performance by the Company of its covenants and other obligations hereunder, and to the following further conditions:
(a) Effectiveness of Registration Statement; Rule 430A Information. The Registration Statement, including any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, has become effective and, at the Closing Time, no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto has been issued under the 1933 Act, no order preventing or suspending the use of any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus has been issued and no proceedings for any of those purposes have been instituted or are pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, contemplated; and the Company has complied with each request (if any) from the Commission for additional information. A prospectus containing the Rule 430A Information shall have been filed with the Commission in the manner and within the time frame required by Rule 424(b) without reliance on Rule 424(b)(8) or a post-effective amendment providing such information shall have been filed with, and declared effective by, the Commission in accordance with the requirements of Rule 430A.
(b) Opinion of Counsel for Company. At the Closing Time, the Representatives shall have received the opinion and negative assurances letter, each dated the Closing Time, of Cooley LLP, counsel for the Company, each in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters, together with signed or reproduced copies of such letter for each of the other Underwriters .
(c) Opinion of Counsel for Underwriters. At the Closing Time, the Representatives shall have received the favorable opinion, dated the Closing Time, of Latham & Watkins LLP, counsel for the Underwriters, in form and substance satisfactory to the Underwriters.
(d) Officers’ Certificate. At the Closing Time, there shall not have been, since the date hereof or since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, any material adverse change in the condition, financial or otherwise, or in the earnings, business affairs or business prospects of the Company and its subsidiaries considered as one enterprise, whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business, and the Representatives shall have received a certificate of the Chief Executive Officer or the President of the Company and of the chief financial or chief accounting officer of the Company, dated the Closing Time, to the effect that (i) there has been no such material adverse change, (ii) the representations and warranties of the Company in this Agreement are true and correct with the same force and effect as though expressly made at and as of the Closing Time, (iii) the Company has complied with all agreements and satisfied all conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied at or prior to the Closing Time, and (iv) no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement under the 1933 Act has been issued, no order preventing or suspending the use of any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus has been issued and no proceedings for any of those purposes have been instituted or are pending or, to their knowledge, contemplated.
(e) Accountant’s Comfort Letter. At the time of the execution of this Agreement, the Representatives shall have received from KPMG LLP a letter, dated such date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Representatives, together with signed or reproduced copies of such letter for each of the other Underwriters containing statements and information of the type ordinarily included in accountants’ “comfort letters” to underwriters with respect to the financial statements and certain financial information contained in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.
(f) Bring-down Comfort Letter. At the Closing Time, the Representatives shall have received from KPMG LLP a letter, dated as of the Closing Time, to the effect that they reaffirm the statements made in the letter furnished pursuant to subsection (g) of this Section, except that the specified date referred to shall be a date not more than three business days prior to the Closing Time.
(g) Approval of Listing. At the Closing Time, the Securities shall have been approved for listing on the New York Stock Exchange, subject only to official notice of issuance.
(h) No Objection. FINRA has confirmed that it has not raised any objection with respect to the fairness and reasonableness of the underwriting terms and arrangements relating to the offering of the Securities.
(i) Lock-up Agreements. At the date of this Agreement, the Representatives shall have received an agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto signed by the persons listed on Schedule D hereto.
(j) Chief Financial Officer’s Certificate. At the date of this Agreement and at the Closing Time, the Representatives shall have received from the chief financial officer of the Company a certificate
with respect to certain financial information contained in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representatives.
(k) Conditions to Purchase of Option Securities. In the event that the Underwriters exercise their option provided in Section 2(b) hereof to purchase all or any portion of the Option Securities, the representations and warranties of the Company contained herein and the statements in any certificates furnished by the Company, any of its subsidiaries hereunder shall be true and correct as of each Date of Delivery and, at the relevant Date of Delivery, the Representatives shall have received:
(i) Officers’ Certificate. A certificate, dated such Date of Delivery, of the President or a Vice President of the Company and of the chief financial or chief accounting officer of the Company confirming that the certificate delivered at the Closing Time pursuant to Section 5(e) hereof remains true and correct as of such Date of Delivery.
(ii) Opinion of Counsel for Company. If requested by the Representatives, the opinion of Cooley LLP, counsel for the Company, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters, dated such Date of Delivery, relating to the Option Securities to be purchased on such Date of Delivery and otherwise to the same effect as the opinion required by Section 5(b) hereof.
(iii) Opinion of Counsel for Underwriters. If requested by the Representatives, the favorable opinion of Latham & Watkins LLP, counsel for the Underwriters, dated such Date of Delivery, relating to the Option Securities to be purchased on such Date of Delivery and otherwise to the same effect as the opinion required by Section 5(d) hereof.
(iv) Bring-down Comfort Letter. If requested by the Representatives, a letter from KPMG LLP, in form and substance satisfactory to the Representatives and dated such Date of Delivery, substantially in the same form and substance as the letter furnished to the Representatives pursuant to Section 5(g) hereof, except that the “specified date” in the letter furnished pursuant to this paragraph shall be a date not more than three business days prior to such Date of Delivery.
(l) Additional Documents. At the Closing Time and at each Date of Delivery (if any) counsel for the Underwriters shall have been furnished with such documents and opinions as they may reasonably require for the purpose of enabling them to pass upon the issuance and sale of the Securities as herein contemplated, or in order to evidence the accuracy of any of the representations or warranties, or the fulfillment of any of the conditions, herein contained; and all proceedings taken by the Company in connection with the issuance and sale of the Securities as herein contemplated shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Representatives and counsel for the Underwriters.
(m) Termination of Agreement. If any condition specified in this Section shall not have been fulfilled when and as required to be fulfilled, this Agreement, or, in the case of any condition to the purchase of Option Securities on a Date of Delivery which is after the Closing Time, the obligations of the several Underwriters to purchase the relevant Option Securities, may be terminated by the Representatives by notice to the Company at any time at or prior to Closing Time or such Date of Delivery, as the case may be, and such termination shall be without liability of any party to any other party except as provided in Section 4 and except that Sections 1, 6, 7, 8, 14, 15, 16 and 17 shall survive any such termination and remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 5. Indemnification.
(a) Indemnification of Underwriters. The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter, its affiliates (as such term is defined in Rule 501(b) under the 1933 Act (each, an “Affiliate”)), its selling agents and each person, if any, who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20 of the 1934 Act as follows:
(i) against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense whatsoever, as incurred, arising out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement (or any amendment thereto), including the Rule 430A Information, or the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading or arising out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact included (A) in any preliminary prospectus, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication, the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto), or (B) in any materials or information provided to investors by, or with the approval of, the Company in connection with the marketing of the offering of the Securities (“Marketing Materials”), including any roadshow or investor presentations made to investors by the Company (whether in person or electronically), or the omission or alleged omission in any preliminary prospectus, Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication, Prospectus or in any Marketing Materials of a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;
(ii) against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense whatsoever, as incurred, to the extent of the aggregate amount paid in settlement of any litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or of any claim whatsoever based upon any such untrue statement or omission, or any such alleged untrue statement or omission; provided that (subject to Section 6(e) below) any such settlement is effected with the written consent of the Company;
(iii) against any and all expense whatsoever, as incurred (including the fees and disbursements of counsel chosen by the Representatives); provided; however; that the Company shall not be liable for more than one separate counsel for all Underwriters (in addition to a single local counsel), reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever based upon any such untrue statement or omission, or any such alleged untrue statement or omission, to the extent that any such expense is not paid under (i) or (ii) above;
provided, however, that this indemnity agreement shall not apply to any loss, liability, claim, damage or expense to the extent arising out of any untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in the Registration Statement (or any amendment thereto), including the Rule 430A Information, the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto) in reliance upon and in conformity with the Underwriter Information.
(b) Indemnification of Dutch Parties, Directors and Officers. Each Underwriter severally agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Dutch Parties or any of their directors, each of their officers who signed the Registration Statement, as applicable, and each person, if any, who controls any Dutch Party within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20 of the 1934 Act, against any and all
loss, liability, claim, damage and expense described in the indemnity contained in subsection (a) of this Section, as incurred, but only with respect to untrue statements or omissions, or alleged untrue statements or omissions, made in the Registration Statement (or any amendment thereto), including the Rule 430A Information, the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto) in reliance upon and in conformity with the Underwriter Information.
(c) Actions against Parties; Notification. Each indemnified party shall give notice as promptly as reasonably practicable to each indemnifying party of any action commenced against it in respect of which indemnity may be sought hereunder, but failure to so notify an indemnifying party shall not relieve such indemnifying party from any liability hereunder to the extent it is not materially prejudiced as a result thereof and in any event shall not relieve it from any liability which it may have otherwise than on account of this indemnity agreement. In the case of parties indemnified pursuant to Section 6(a) and 6(b) above, counsel to the indemnified parties shall be selected by the Representatives, and, in the case of parties indemnified pursuant to Section 6(c) above, counsel to the indemnified parties shall be selected by the Company. An indemnifying party may participate at its own expense in the defense of any such action; provided, however, that counsel to the indemnifying party shall not (except with the consent of the indemnified party) also be counsel to the indemnified party. In no event shall the indemnifying parties be liable for fees and expenses of more than one counsel (in addition to any local counsel) separate from their own counsel for all indemnified parties in connection with any one action or separate but similar or related actions in the same jurisdiction arising out of the same general allegations or circumstances. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the indemnified parties, settle or compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to any litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever in respect of which indemnification or contribution could be sought under this Section 6 or Section 7 hereof (whether or not the indemnified parties are actual or potential parties thereto), unless such settlement, compromise or consent (i) includes an unconditional release of each indemnified party from all liability arising out of such litigation, investigation, proceeding or claim and (ii) does not include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of any indemnified party.
(d) Settlement without Consent if Failure to Reimburse. If at any time an indemnified party shall have requested an indemnifying party to reimburse the indemnified party for fees and expenses of counsel, such indemnifying party agrees that it shall be liable for any settlement of the nature contemplated by Section 6(a)(ii) effected without its written consent if (i) such settlement is entered into more than 45 days after receipt by such indemnifying party of the aforesaid request, (ii) such indemnifying party shall have received notice of the terms of such settlement at least 30 days prior to such settlement being entered into and (iii) such indemnifying party shall not have reimbursed such indemnified party in accordance with such request prior to the date of such settlement.
(e) Indemnification for Reserved Securities. In connection with the offer and sale of the Reserved Securities, the Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Underwriters, their Affiliates (including Merrill Lynch) and selling agents and each person, if any, who controls any Underwriter or Merrill Lynch within the meaning of either Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20 of the 1934 Act, from and against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense (including, without limitation, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with defending, investigating or settling any such action or claim), as incurred, (i) arising out of the violation of any applicable laws or regulations of foreign jurisdictions where Reserved Securities have been offered, (ii) arising out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any material prepared by or with the consent of the Company for distribution to Invitees in connection with the offering of the
Reserved Securities or caused by any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, (iii) caused by the failure of any Invitee to pay for and accept delivery of Reserved Securities which have been orally confirmed for purchase by any Invitee by 11:59 P.M. (New York City time) on the date of the Agreement or (iv) related to, or arising out of or in connection with, the offering of the Reserved Securities.
SECTION 6. Contribution. If the indemnification provided for in Section 6 hereof is for any reason unavailable to or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party in respect of any losses, liabilities, claims, damages or expenses referred to therein, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to the aggregate amount of such losses, liabilities, claims, damages and expenses incurred by such indemnified party, as incurred, (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other hand, from the offering of the Securities pursuant to this Agreement or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i) is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) above but also the relative fault of the Company, on the one hand, and of the Underwriters, on the other hand, in connection with the statements or omissions, which resulted in such losses, liabilities, claims, damages or expenses, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations.
The relative benefits received by the Company, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other hand, in connection with the offering of the Securities pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed to be in the same respective proportions as the total net proceeds from the offering of the Securities pursuant to this Agreement (before deducting expenses) received by the Company, on the one hand, and the total underwriting discount received by the Underwriters, on the other hand, in each case as set forth on the cover of the Prospectus, bear to the aggregate initial public offering price of the Securities as set forth on the cover of the Prospectus.
The relative fault of the Company, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other hand, shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any such untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company or by the Underwriters and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.
The Company and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 6 were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Underwriters were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to above in this Section 6. The aggregate amount of losses, liabilities, claims, damages and expenses incurred by an indemnified party and referred to above in this Section 7 shall be deemed to include any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in investigating, preparing or defending against any litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever based upon any such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 6, no Underwriter shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the underwriting commissions received by such Underwriter in connection with the Shares underwritten by it and distributed to the public.
No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the 1933 Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.
For purposes of this Section 6, each person, if any, who controls an Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20 of the 1934 Act and each Underwriter’s Affiliates and selling agents shall have the same rights to contribution as such Underwriter, and each director of the Company, each officer of the Company who signed the Registration Statement, and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20 of the 1934 Act shall have the same rights to contribution as the Company. The Underwriters’ respective obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section 7 are several in proportion to the number of Initial Securities set forth opposite their respective names in Schedule A hereto and not joint.
SECTION 7. Representations, Warranties and Agreements to Survive. All representations, warranties and agreements contained in this Agreement or in certificates of officers of the Company or any of its subsidiaries submitted pursuant hereto, shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of (i) any investigation made by or on behalf of any Underwriter or its Affiliates or selling agents, any person controlling any Underwriter, its officers or directors, any person controlling the Company and (ii) delivery of and payment for the Securities.
SECTION 8. Termination of Agreement.
(a) Termination. The Representatives may terminate this Agreement, by notice to the Company, at any time at or prior to the Closing Time (i) if there has been, in the reasonable judgment of the Representatives, since the time of execution of this Agreement or since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, any material adverse change in the condition, financial or otherwise, or in the earnings, business affairs or business prospects of the Company and its subsidiaries considered as one enterprise, whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business, or (ii) if there has occurred any material adverse change in the financial markets in the United States or the international financial markets, any outbreak of hostilities or escalation thereof or other calamity or crisis or any change or development involving a prospective change in national or international political, financial or economic conditions, in each case the effect of which is such as to make it, in the reasonable judgment of the Representatives, impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the completion of the offering or to enforce contracts for the sale of the Securities, or (iii) if trading in any securities of the Company has been suspended or materially limited by the Commission or the New York Stock Exchange or (iv) if trading generally on the NYSE MKT or the New York Stock Exchange has been suspended or materially limited, or minimum or maximum prices for trading have been fixed generally, or maximum ranges for prices have been required generally, by any of said exchanges or by order of the Commission, FINRA or any other governmental authority, or (v) a material disruption has occurred in commercial banking or securities settlement or clearance services in the United States or with respect to Clearstream or Euroclear systems in Europe, or (vi) if a banking moratorium has been declared by either Federal or New York authorities.
(b) Liabilities. If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to this Section, such termination shall be without liability of any party to any other party except as provided in Section 4 hereof, and provided further that Sections 1, 6, 7, 8, 14, 15, 16 and 17 shall survive such termination and remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 9. Default by One or More of the Underwriters. If one or more of the Underwriters shall fail at the Closing Time or a Date of Delivery to purchase the Securities which it or they are obligated to purchase under this Agreement (the “Defaulted Securities”), the Representatives shall have the right, within 24 hours thereafter, to make arrangements for one or more of the non-defaulting Underwriters, or any other underwriters, to purchase all, but not less than all, of the Defaulted Securities
in such amounts as may be agreed upon and upon the terms herein set forth; if, however, the Representatives shall not have completed such arrangements within such 24-hour period, then:
(i) if the number of Defaulted Securities does not exceed 10% of the number of Securities to be purchased on such date, each of the non-defaulting Underwriters shall be obligated, severally and not jointly, to purchase the full amount thereof in the proportions that their respective underwriting obligations hereunder bear to the underwriting obligations of all non-defaulting Underwriters, or
(ii) if the number of Defaulted Securities exceeds 10% of the number of Securities to be purchased on such date, this Agreement or, with respect to any Date of Delivery which occurs after the Closing Time, the obligation of the Underwriters to purchase, and the Company to sell, the Option Securities to be purchased and sold on such Date of Delivery shall terminate without liability on the part of any non-defaulting Underwriter.
No action taken pursuant to this Section shall relieve any defaulting Underwriter from liability in respect of its default.
In the event of any such default which does not result in a termination of this Agreement or, in the case of a Date of Delivery which is after the Closing Time, which does not result in a termination of the obligation of the Underwriters to purchase and the Company to sell the relevant Option Securities, as the case may be, either the (i) Representatives or (ii) the Company shall have the right to postpone Closing Time or the relevant Date of Delivery, as the case may be, for a period not exceeding seven days in order to effect any required changes in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus or in any other documents or arrangements. As used herein, the term “Underwriter” includes any person substituted for an Underwriter under this Section 10.
SECTION 10. Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if mailed or transmitted by any standard form of telecommunication. Notices to the Underwriters shall be directed to BofA at One Bryant Park, New York, New York 10036, attention of Syndicate Department (facsimile: (646) 855-3073), with a copy to ECM Legal (facsimile: (212) 230-8730); notices to the Company shall be directed to it at [●], attention of [●]1, with a copy (which shall not constitute notice, to Cooley LLP, 3175 Hanover Street, Palo Alto, California 94304, Attn: Eric Jensen;
SECTION 11. No Advisory or Fiduciary Relationship. The Company acknowledges and agrees that (a) the purchase and sale of the Securities pursuant to this Agreement, including the determination of the initial public offering price of the Securities and any related discounts and commissions, is an arm’s-length commercial transaction between the Company, on the one hand, and the several Underwriters, on the other hand, and does not constitute a recommendation, investment advice, or solicitation of any action by the Underwriters, (b) in connection with the offering of the Securities and the process leading thereto, each Underwriter is and has been acting solely as a principal and is not the agent or fiduciary of the Company, any of its subsidiaries or their respective stockholders, members, partners, creditors, employees or any other party, (c) no Underwriter has assumed or will assume an advisory or fiduciary responsibility in favor of the Company with respect to the offering of the Securities or the process leading thereto (irrespective of whether such Underwriter has advised or is currently advising the Company, any of its subsidiaries on other matters) and no Underwriter has any obligation to the Company with respect to the offering of the Securities except the obligations expressly set forth in this Agreement, (d) the
1 NTD: Cooley to confirm.
Underwriters and their respective affiliates may be engaged in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from those of the Company, and (e) the Underwriters have not provided any legal, accounting, regulatory, investment or tax advice with respect to the offering of the Securities and the Company has consulted its own respective legal, accounting, financial, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent it deemed appropriate, and (f) none of the activities of the Underwriters in connection with the transactions contemplated herein constitutes a recommendation, investment advice or solicitation of any action by the Underwriters with respect to any entity or natural person.
SECTION 12. Recognition of the U.S. Special Resolution Regimes.
(a) In the event that any Underwriter that is a Covered Entity becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, the transfer from such Underwriter of this Agreement, and any interest and obligation in or under this Agreement, will be effective to the same extent as the transfer would be effective under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if this Agreement, and any such interest and obligation, were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States.
(b) In the event that any Underwriter that is a Covered Entity or a BHC Act Affiliate of such Underwriter becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, Default Rights under this Agreement that may be exercised against such Underwriter are permitted to be exercised to no greater extent than such Default Rights could be exercised under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if this Agreement were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States.
For purposes of this Section 13, a “BHC Act Affiliate” has the meaning assigned to the term “affiliate” in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. § 1841(k). “Covered Entity” means any of the following: (i) a “covered entity” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 252.82(b); (ii) a “covered bank” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 47.3(b); or (iii) a “covered FSI” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 382.2(b). “Default Right” has the meaning assigned to that term in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. §§ 252.81, 47.2 or 382.1, as applicable. “U.S. Special Resolution Regime” means each of (i) the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder and (ii) Title II of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
SECTION 13. Parties. This Agreement shall each inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Underwriters, the Company and their respective successors. Nothing expressed or mentioned in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to give any person, firm or corporation, other than the Underwriters, the Company and their respective successors and the controlling persons and officers and directors referred to in Sections 6 and 7 and their heirs and legal representatives, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Agreement or any provision herein contained. This Agreement and all conditions and provisions hereof are intended to be for the sole and exclusive benefit of the Underwriters, the Company and their respective successors, and said controlling persons and officers and directors and their heirs and legal representatives, and for the benefit of no other person, firm or corporation. No purchaser of Securities from any Underwriter shall be deemed to be a successor by reason merely of such purchase.
SECTION 14. Trial by Jury. The Company (on its behalf and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, on behalf of its stockholders and affiliates) and each of the Underwriters hereby
irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any and all right to trial by jury in any legal proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.
SECTION 15. GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT AND ANY CLAIM, CONTROVERSY OR DISPUTE ARISING UNDER OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF, THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO ITS CHOICE OF LAW PROVISIONS.
SECTION 16. Consent to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Immunity. Any legal suit, action or proceeding arising out of or based upon this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby (“Related Proceedings”) shall be instituted in (i) the federal courts of the United States of America located in the City and County of New York, Borough of Manhattan or (ii) the courts of the State of New York located in the City and County of New York, Borough of Manhattan (collectively, the “Specified Courts”), and each party irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction (except for proceedings instituted in regard to the enforcement of a judgment of any such court (a “Related Judgment”), as to which such jurisdiction is non-exclusive) of such courts in any such suit, action or proceeding. Service of any process, summons, notice or document by mail to such party’s address set forth above shall be effective service of process for any suit, action or other proceeding brought in any such court. The parties irrevocably and unconditionally waive any objection to the laying of venue of any suit, action or other proceeding in the Specified Courts and irrevocably and unconditionally waive and agree not to plead or claim in any such court that any such suit, action or other proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.
SECTION 17. TIME. TIME SHALL BE OF THE ESSENCE OF THIS AGREEMENT. EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE SET FORTH HEREIN, SPECIFIED TIMES OF DAY REFER TO NEW YORK CITY TIME.
SECTION 18. Counterparts and Electronic Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same Agreement. Counterparts may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including any electronic signature covered by the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, the Electronic Signatures and Records Act (N.Y. State Tech. §§ 301-309), as amended from time to time, or other applicable law, e.g., www.docusign.com) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.
SECTION 19. Effect of Headings. The Section headings herein are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.
If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of our agreement, please sign and return to the Company a counterpart hereof, whereupon this instrument, along with all counterparts, will become a binding agreement among the Underwriters and the Company in accordance with its terms.
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Very truly yours,
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Dutch Bros Inc.
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By
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Title:
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CONFIRMED AND ACCEPTED,
as of the date first above written:
BOFA SECURITIES, INC.
J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES LLC
JEFFERIES LLC
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By: BOFA SECURITIES, INC.
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By
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Authorized Signatory
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By: J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES LLC
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By
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Authorized Signatory
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By: JEFFERIES LLC
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By
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Authorized Signatory
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For themselves and as Representatives of the other Underwriters named in Schedule A hereto.
SCHEDULE A
The initial public offering price per share for the Securities shall be $[l].
The purchase price per share for the Securities to be paid by the several Underwriters shall be $[l], being an amount equal to the initial public offering price set forth above less $[l] per share, subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 2(b) for dividends or distributions declared by the Company and payable on the Initial Securities but not payable on the Option Securities.
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Name of Underwriter
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Number of
Initial Securities
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BofA Securities, Inc.
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J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
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Jefferies LLC
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Barclays Capital Inc.
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Piper Sandler & Co.
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Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated
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William Blair & Company, L.L.C.
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Cowen and Company, LLC
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Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated
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AmeriVet Securities, Inc.
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Penserra Securities LLC
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R. Seelaus & Co., LLC
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Tribal Capital Markets, LLC
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Total
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[l]
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SCHEDULE B
Pricing Terms
1. The Company is selling [l] shares of Class A Common Stock.
2. The Company has granted an option to the Underwriters, severally and not jointly, to purchase up to an additional [l] shares of Class A Common Stock.
3. The initial public offering price per share for the Securities shall be $[l].
SCHEDULE C
Free Writing Prospectuses
[To come.]
SCHEDULE D
List of Persons and Entities Subject to Lock-up
[l]
SCHEDULE E
Written Testing-the-Water Communications
Exhibit A
Form of lock-up from directors, officers and other stockholders pursuant to Section 5(j)
[l], 2021
BofA Securities, Inc.
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
Jefferies LLC
as Representatives of the several
Underwriters to be named in the
within-mentioned Underwriting Agreement
c/o BofA Securities, Inc.
One Bryant Park
New York, New York 10036
c/o J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
383 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10179
c/o Jefferies LLC
520 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10022
Re: Proposed Initial Public Offering by Dutch Bros Inc.
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:
The undersigned, a security holder and/or an officer and/or director, as applicable, of Dutch Bros Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), understands that BofA Securities, Inc. (“BofA”), J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (“JPM”) and Jefferies LLC (“Jefferies”), as representatives of the several underwriters, propose to enter into an Underwriting Agreement (the “Underwriting Agreement”) with the Company providing for the initial public offering (the “Public Offering”) of shares of the Company’s Class A common stock, par value $0.00001 per share (the “Class A Common Stock”).
In recognition of the benefit that the Public Offering will confer upon the undersigned as a security holder and/or officer and/or director, as applicable, of the Company, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the undersigned agrees with each underwriter to be named in the Underwriting Agreement that, during the period beginning on the date hereof and ending on the earlier of (i) the opening of trading on the third Trading Day (as defined below) immediately following the date the Company has publicly furnished its earnings release (which for this purpose shall not include “flash” numbers or preliminary, partial earnings) under Item 2.02 of Form 8-K for the second quarter following the most recent period for which financial statements are included in the final prospectus relating to the Public Offering (such final prospectus, the “Prospectus”), so long as such date is at least 120 days from the date of this prospectus, and (ii) the date that is 180 days from the Public Offering Date (such period as modified the paragraph below, as may be applicable to the undersigned, the “Lock-Up Period”), the undersigned will not, without the prior written consent of BofA, JPM and Jefferies, (i) directly or indirectly, offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase or otherwise transfer or dispose of any shares of Class A Common Stock, Class B common
stock, no par value per share, of the Company (the “Class B Common Stock”), Class C common stock, no par value per share, of the Company (the “Class C Common Stock”) or Class D common stock, par value $0.00001 per share, of the Company (the “Class D Common Stock” and together with the Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock and Class C Common Stock the “Common Stock”) or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of Common Stock (the “Other Securities”), whether now owned or hereafter acquired by the undersigned or with respect to which the undersigned has or hereafter acquires the power of disposition (collectively, the “Lock-Up Securities”), or exercise any right with respect to the registration of any of the Lock-up Securities, or file, cause to be filed or cause to be confidentially submitted any registration statement in connection therewith, under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or (ii) enter into any swap or any other agreement or any transaction that transfers, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, the economic consequence of ownership of the Lock-Up Securities, whether any such swap or transaction is to be settled by delivery of shares of Common Stock or Other Securities, in cash or otherwise. If the undersigned is an officer or director of the Company, the undersigned further agrees that the foregoing provisions shall be equally applicable to any issuer-directed shares of Class A Common Stock the undersigned may purchase in the Public Offering.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the undersigned is a current employee of the Company or its subsidiaries (including a current contractor or consultant of the Company or its subsidiaries, but excluding in all such cases any director or “officer” of the Company (as defined in Rule 16a-1(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”))) (each such person, excluding such directors and officers, an “Employee Stockholder”), and remains an Employee Stockholder as of the Employee Release Date (as defined below), subject to compliance with applicable securities laws including without limitation Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act, the undersigned may sell in the public market beginning at the later of (1) the commencement of trading on the date that is 40 days following the first Trading Day (the “First Trading Day”) on which the Class A Common Stock is traded on the exchange on which the Class A Common Stock is listed and (2) the opening of trading on the third Trading Day immediately following the date the Company has publicly furnished its earnings release (which for this purpose shall not include “flash” numbers or preliminary, partial earnings) under Item 2.02 of Form 8-K for the first quarter following the most recent period for which financial statements are included in Prospectus (the later of (1) and (2), the “Employee Release Date”), a number of shares of Common Stock not in excess of 25% of the Common Stock and Other Securities (including any vested or unvested warrants, convertible securities, stock options, restricted stock units or other equity awards issued by the Company) owned by the undersigned on the First Trading Day. For purposes of this letter agreement, a “Trading Day” is a day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for the buying and selling of securities.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in addition to, and not by way of limitation of, any transfers by the undersigned that are permitted pursuant to the paragraph above, and subject to the conditions below, the undersigned may transfer Lock-Up Securities without the prior written consent of BofA, JPM and Jefferies, provided that: (1) in the case of any transfer pursuant to clauses (i)-(vii) below, BofA, JPM and Jefferies receive a signed letter agreement for the balance of the Lock-Up Period from each donee, trustee, distributee, or transferee, as the case may be, (2) in the case of any transfer pursuant to clauses (i)-(vi) below, such transfers shall not involve a disposition for value, (3) in the case of any transfer pursuant to clauses (i)-(vii) below, such transfers are not required to be reported during the Lock-Up Period with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) on Form 4 in accordance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act or, if a Form 4 is to be filed, the Form 4 discloses the qualification of such transfer pursuant to this clause, and (4) the undersigned does not otherwise voluntarily effect any public filing or report regarding such transfers during the Lock-Up Period:
i.as a bona fide gift or gifts, including, without limitation, to a charitable organization or educational institution, or for bona fide estate planning purposes;
ii.upon death or by will, testamentary document or intestate succession to the legal representative, heir, beneficiary or a member of the immediate family (as defined below) of the undersigned;
iii.to any immediate family member of the undersigned or to any trust for the direct or indirect benefit of the undersigned or the immediate family of the undersigned (for purposes of this letter agreement, “immediate family” shall mean any relationship by blood, marriage, domestic partnership or adoption, not more remote than first cousin);
iv.as a distribution to partners, members, managers, equity holders, limited partners or stockholders of the undersigned;
v.to the undersigned’s affiliates or to any investment fund or other entity controlling, controlled by, managing or managed by or under common control with the undersigned or affiliates of the undersigned (including, for the avoidance of doubt, where the undersigned is a partnership, to its general partner or a successor partnership or fund, or any other funds managed by such partnership);
vi.if the undersigned is a trust, to a trustor, trustee or beneficiary of the trust or to the estate of a trustor, trustee or beneficiary of such trust;
vii.pursuant to a domestic order or negotiated divorce settlement; or
viii.to the Company to cover taxes due upon or the consideration required in connection with the vesting, conversion, settlement or exercise of securities issued under an equity incentive plan or stock purchase plan of the Company described in the Prospectus, including through the withholding of shares by, or surrender of shares to, the Company pursuant to a “net” or “cashless” exercise or settlement feature, provided that (A) any shares of Common Stock received by the undersigned upon any such exercise, settlement or vesting will be subject to the terms of this letter agreement and (B) in the case of any transfer to the Company pursuant to this clause (viii), any filing under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act made during the Lock-Up Period shall state in the footnotes that such transfer relates to a “cashless” or “net” exercise of stock options or a tax withholding in connection with the vesting, conversion, settlement or exercise of securities issued under an equity incentive plan or stock purchase plan of the Company.
Furthermore, during the Lock-Up Period, the undersigned may sell shares of Common Stock of the Company purchased by the undersigned in the Public Offering or on the open market following the Public Offering if and only if (1) such sales are not required to be reported during the Lock-Up Period in any public report or filing with the Commission, or otherwise and (2) the undersigned does not otherwise voluntarily effect any public filing or report regarding such sales during the Lock-Up Period, or, if such reporting is required, the applicability of this exception is disclosed on the report.
Furthermore, no provision in this letter agreement shall be deemed to restrict or prohibit (1) the transfer of the undersigned’s Common Stock or any Other Securities to the Company in connection with the termination of the undersigned’s employment or service with the Company or pursuant to contractual arrangements under which the Company has the option to repurchase such shares, provided that if the
undersigned is required to file a report under the Exchange Act reporting a reduction in beneficial ownership of shares of Common Stock during the Lock-Up Period, the undersigned shall clearly indicate in the footnotes thereto that the filing relates to the termination of the undersigned’s employment, and no other public announcement shall be made voluntarily in connection with such transfer (other than a filing on a Form 5 made after the expiration of the Lock-Up Period), (2) the establishment of a trading plan pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act for the transfer of Common Stock, provided that such plan does not provide for any transfers of Common Stock during the Lock-Up Period and provided, further, that no filing by any party under the Exchange Act or other public announcement shall be required or shall be made voluntarily in connection therewith during the Lock-Up Period, (3) the exercise, vesting or settlement, as applicable, by the undersigned of any option to purchase any shares of Common Stock or other equity awards pursuant to any stock incentive plan or stock purchase plan of the Company, provided that the underlying shares of Common Stock shall continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth in this letter agreement, or (4) the transfer of shares of Common Stock or any security convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock pursuant to a bona fide third-party tender offer for securities of the Company, merger, consolidation or other similar transaction that is approved by the board of directors of the Company, made to all holders of Common Stock involving a change of control (as defined below), provided that all of the undersigned’s Lock-Up Securities subject to this letter agreement that are not so transferred, sold, tendered or otherwise disposed of remain subject to this letter agreement, and provided further that it shall be a condition of the transfer that if the tender offer, merger, consolidation or other such transaction is not completed, the undersigned’s Lock-Up Securities subject to this letter agreement shall remain subject to the restrictions herein. For purposes of this letter agreement, “change of control” means any bona fide third party tender offer, merger, consolidation or other similar transaction, in one transaction or a series of related transactions approved by the board of directors of the Company, the result of which is that any “person” (as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), or group of affiliated persons, other than the Company, becomes the beneficial owner (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 of the Exchange Act) of 50% or more of the total voting power of the voting stock of the Company (or the surviving entity).
If the undersigned is an officer and/or director of the Company, (1) BofA, JPM and Jefferies agree that, at least three business days before the effective date of any release or waiver of the foregoing restrictions in connection with a transfer of shares of Common Stock, BofA, JPM and Jefferies will notify the Company of the impending release or waiver, and (2) the Company has agreed, or will agree, in the Underwriting Agreement to announce the impending release or waiver by press release through a major news service at least two business days before the effective date of the release or waiver. Any release or waiver granted by BofA, JPM and Jefferies hereunder to any such officer or director shall only be effective two business days after the publication date of such press release. The provisions of this paragraph will not apply if (i) the release or waiver is effected solely to permit a transfer not for consideration and (ii) the transferee has agreed in writing to be bound by the same terms described in this letter to the extent and for the duration that such terms remain in effect at the time of the transfer.
The undersigned acknowledges and agrees that the underwriters have not provided any recommendation or investment advice nor have the underwriters solicited any action from the undersigned with respect to the offering of the securities and the undersigned has consulted their own legal, accounting, financial, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent deemed appropriate.
The undersigned also agrees and consents to the entry of stop transfer instructions with the Company’s transfer agent and registrar against the transfer of the Lock-Up Securities except in compliance with the foregoing restrictions.
This letter agreement shall automatically terminate and be of no further effect upon the earliest to occur, if any, of the following: (1) prior to the execution of the Underwriting Agreement, upon such date the Company, on the one hand, or BofA, JPM and Jefferies, on the other hand, notifies the other in writing that it does not intend to proceed with the Public Offering, (2) the Underwriting Agreement is not executed before October 31, 2021 (provided that the Company may, by written notice to the undersigned prior to October 31, 2021, extend such date for a period of up to an additional three months in the event that the Underwriting Agreement has not been executed by such date), (3) the date that the Company withdraws the registration statement related to the Public Offering, or (4) upon the termination (other than the provisions thereof that survive termination) of the Underwriting Agreement in accordance with the terms thereof prior to payment for and delivery of the shares of Class A Common Stock to be sold thereunder.
This letter agreement may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including pdf or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, e.g., www.docusign.com or www.echosign.com) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.
This letter agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
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Very truly yours,
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Signature:
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Print Name:
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Exhibit B
FORM OF PRESS RELEASE
TO BE ISSUED PURSUANT TO SECTION 3(j)
Dutch Bros Inc.
[Date]
Dutch Bros Inc. (the “Company”) announced today that BofA Securities Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Jefferies LLC, the lead book-running managers in the Company’s recent public sale of [●] shares of Class A common stock, [are] [waiving] [releasing] a lock-up restriction with respect to shares of the Company’s Class A common stock held by [certain officers or directors] [an officer or director] of the Company. The [waiver] [release] will take effect on , 20 , and the shares may be sold on or after such date.
This press release is not an offer for sale of the securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction where such offer is prohibited, and such securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
DUTCH BROS INC.
The undersigned, a natural person and duly authorized officer, under the provisions and subject to the requirements of the laws of the State of Delaware hereby certifies that the certificate of incorporation is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
I.
The name of this corporation is Dutch Bros Inc. (the “Company”). The date of filing the original Certificate of Incorporation of this corporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware was June 4, 2021.
II.
The registered office of the corporation in the State of Delaware is 9 East Loockerman Street, Suite 311, City of Dover, County of Kent, 19901 and the name of the registered agent of the corporation in the State of Delaware at such address is Registered Agent Solutions, Inc.
III.
The purpose of the Company is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which a corporation may be organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (“DGCL”).
IV.
A. The Company is authorized to issue five classes of stock to be designated, respectively, “Class A Common Stock,” “Class B Common Stock,” “Class C Common Stock,” “Class D Common Stock” and “Preferred Stock.” The total number of shares that the Company is authorized to issue is shares, 711,000,000 shares, 400,000,000 of which shall be Class A Common Stock (the “Class A Common Stock”), 144,000,000 shares of which shall be Class B Common Stock (the “Class B Common Stock”), 105,000,000 shares of which shall be Class C Common Stock (the “Class C Common Stock”), 42,000,000 shares of which shall be Class D Common Stock (the “Class D Common Stock,” together with the Class A Common Stock, the Class B Common Stock and the Class C Common Stock, the “Common Stock”) and 20,000,000 shares of which shall be Preferred Stock (the “Preferred Stock”). The Preferred Stock shall have a par value of $0.00001 per share, the Class A Common Stock shall have a par value of $0.00001, the Class B Common Stock shall have no par value per share, the Class C Common Stock shall have no par value per share and the Class D Common Stock shall have a par value of $0.00001 per share.
B. The Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series. Subject to any limitations expressly set forth in this Article IV or Article V, or, to the extent permitted by applicable law and the Bylaws of the Company or a resolution of the Board of Directors, any committee of the Board of Directors, is hereby expressly authorized by resolution or resolutions to provide for the issue of all or any of the shares of the Preferred Stock in one or more series, and to fix the number of shares of such series and to determine for each such series, such voting powers, full or limited, or no voting powers, and such designations, preferences, and relative, participating, optional, or other rights and such qualifications, limitations, or restrictions thereof, as shall be stated and expressed in the resolution or resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors or committee thereof providing for the issuance of such
shares and as may be permitted by the DGCL. Subject to any limitations expressly set forth in this Article IV or Article V, the Board of Directors or, to the extent permitted by applicable law and the Bylaws of the Company or a resolution of the Board of Directors, any committee of the Board of Directors, is also expressly authorized to increase (but not above the authorized number of shares of Preferred Stock) or decrease (but not below the number of shares of such series then outstanding) the number of shares of any series subsequent to the issuance of shares of that series. If the number of shares of any series of Preferred Stock shall be decreased in accordance with the foregoing sentence, then the shares constituting such decrease shall resume the status that they had prior to the adoption of the resolution originally fixing the number of shares of such series.
C. Subject to any limitations expressly set forth in this Article IV or Article V, the number of authorized shares of Preferred Stock or Class A Common Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of all of the outstanding shares of stock of the Company entitled to vote thereon, without a separate vote of the holders of the Preferred Stock, or of any series thereof, Class A Common Stock or Class B Common or Class C Common Stock or Class D Common Stock, irrespective of the provisions of Section 242(b)(2) of the DGCL unless a vote of any holders of Preferred Stock or a series of Preferred Stock is required pursuant to the terms of any certificate of designation filed with respect to any series of Preferred Stock (a “Certificate of Designation”).
D. Except as provided above, the rights, preferences, privileges, restrictions and other matters relating to the Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock and Class D Common Stock are as follows:
1. Definitions.
(a) “Acquisition” means any consolidation or merger of the Company with or into any other Entity, other than any such consolidation or merger in which the stockholders of the Company immediately prior to such consolidation or merger continue to hold a majority of the voting power of the surviving Entity in substantially the same proportions (or, if the surviving Entity is a wholly owned subsidiary of another Entity, the surviving Entity’s parent) immediately after such consolidation, merger or reorganization; or (B) any transaction or series of related transactions to which the Company is a party in which in excess of 50% of the Company’s voting power is transferred or issued; provided that an Acquisition shall not include any transaction or series of transactions principally for bona fide equity financing purposes.
(b) “Approved Designee” means Brian Maxwell, and if Brian Maxwell is not then available to serve as the Approved Designee, then Christine Schmidt, and then if Christine Schmidt is not then available to serve as the Approved Designee, then a person or persons or Entity who are entitled to exercise Voting Control with respect to shares of Class B Common Stock only following the death or Incapacity of the Founder pursuant to an agreement entered into between the Founder and some person or persons or Entity, and who is approved by a majority of the Board of Directors.
(c) “Asset Transfer” means the sale, lease, exchange or other disposition (other than liens and encumbrances created in the ordinary course of business, including liens or encumbrances to secure indebtedness for borrowed money, so long as no foreclosure occurs in respect of any such lien or encumbrance) of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company.
(d) “Certificate of Incorporation” means the certificate of incorporation of the Company, as amended and/or restated from time to time, including the terms of any certificate of designations of any series of Preferred Stock.
(e) “Entity” means any corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other legal entity.
(f) “Effective Time” means the time this Certificate of Incorporation of the Company is filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.
(g) “Final Date” means the earliest to occur of any of either: (i) with respect to the Class B Common Stock, (A) 5:00 p.m. in New York City, New York on the Trading Day fixed by the Board of Directors that is no less than 90 days and no more than 180 days following the date that the number of shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding is less than 5% of the total number of shares of Common Stock then-outstanding; or (B) 5:00 p.m. in New York City, New York on the Trading Day fixed by the Board of Directors that is no less than 90 days and no more than 180 days following the death or Incapacity of the Founder and (ii) with respect to the Class C Common Stock and Class D Common Stock, 5:00 p.m. in New York City, New York on the Trading Day fixed by the Board of Directors that is no less than 90 days and no more than 180 days following the date that the number of shares of Class C Common Stock and Class D Common Stock outstanding is less than 5% of the total number of shares of Common Stock then-outstanding.
(h) “Founder” means Travis Boersma, an individual.
(i) “Incapacity” means, with respect to an individual, the permanent and total disability of such individual so that such individual is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months as determined by a licensed medical practitioner. In the event of a dispute regarding whether an individual has suffered an Incapacity, no Incapacity of such individual will be deemed to have occurred unless and until an affirmative ruling regarding such Incapacity has been made by a court of competent jurisdiction, and such ruling has become final and non-appealable.
(j) “IPO” means the Company’s initial public offering of shares of its Class A Common Stock.
(k) “LLC” means Dutch Mafia, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
(l) “LLC Agreement” means the Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of the LLC, dated on or about the date of the Company’s initial public offering of shares of its Class A Common Stock, as the same may be amended and/or restated from time to time.
(m) “LLC Interests” means the Class A Common Units of the LLC.
(n) “Liquidation Event” means (i) any Asset Transfer or Acquisition in which cash or other property is, pursuant to the express terms of the Asset Transfer or Acquisition, to be distributed to the stockholders in respect of their shares of capital stock in the Company or (ii) any liquidation, dissolution and winding up of the Company; provided, however, for the avoidance of doubt, compensation pursuant to any employment, consulting, severance or other compensatory arrangement to
be paid to or received by a person who is also a holder of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock or Class D Common Stock does not constitute consideration or a “distribution to stockholders” in respect of the Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock or Class D Common Stock.
(o) “Permitted Entity” means, with respect to the Class B Common Stock, any Entity with respect to which the Founder has Voting Control and any Approved Designee, and with respect to the Class C Common Stock and the Class D Common Stock, any Entity in which a person or persons who have Voting Control of such Qualified Stockholder as of the Effective Date, directly, or indirectly through one or more Permitted Transferees, has Voting Control.
(p) “Permitted Transfer” means, and is restricted to, any Transfer of a share of to a Permitted Entity.
(q) “Permitted Transferee” means a transferee of shares of Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock and/or Class D Common Stock received in a Transfer that constitutes a Permitted Transfer.
(r) “Qualified Stockholder” means (i) the record holder of a share of Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock and/or Class D Common Stock issued in accordance with the terms of that certain Reorganization Agreement dated on or about the date hereof by and among the members of the LLC, provided in each case that such record holder is either the Founder or a Permitted Entity; and (ii) a Permitted Transferee of a Qualified Stockholder.
(s) “Trading Day” means any day on which the New York Stock Exchange are open for trading.
(t) “Transfer” of a share of Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock and/or Class D Common Stock means any sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance, hypothecation or other transfer or disposition of such share or any legal or beneficial interest in such share, whether or not for value and whether voluntary or involuntary or by operation of law, including, without limitation, a transfer of a share of Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock and/or Class D Common Stock to a broker or other nominee (regardless of whether there is a corresponding change in beneficial ownership), or the transfer of, or entering into a binding agreement with respect to, Voting Control (as defined below) over such share by proxy or otherwise; provided, however, that the following shall not be considered a “Transfer” within the meaning of this Article IV:
(i) the granting of a revocable proxy to officers or directors of the Company in connection with actions to be taken at an annual or special meeting of stockholders;
(ii) entering into a voting trust, agreement or arrangement (with or without granting a proxy) solely with stockholders who are holders of Class B Common Stock, with respect to Class B Common Stock, or Class C Common Stock and Class D Common Stock, with respect to Class C Common Stock and/or Class D Common Stock, that (A) is disclosed either in a Schedule 13D filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission or in writing to the Secretary of the Company, (B) either has a term not exceeding one year or is terminable by the holder of the shares subject thereto at any time, (C) does not involve any payment of cash, securities, property or other consideration to the holder of the shares subject thereto other than the mutual promise to vote shares in a designated manner and (D) afford sole Voting Control over the shares to the Founder or a Permitted Entity;
(iii) the pledge of shares of Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock and/or Class D Common Stock by a stockholder that creates a mere security interest in such shares pursuant to a bona fide loan or indebtedness transaction for so long as such stockholder continues to exercise Voting Control over such pledged shares; provided, however, that a foreclosure on such shares or other similar action by the pledgee shall constitute a “Transfer” unless such foreclosure or similar action qualifies as a “Permitted Transfer”; or
(iv) entering into, or reaching an agreement, arrangement or understanding regarding, a support or similar voting or tender agreement (with or without granting a proxy) in connection with a Liquidation Event, Asset Transfer or Acquisition that has been approved by the Board of Directors;
A “Transfer” shall also be deemed to have occurred with respect to a share of Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock and/or Class D Common Stock beneficially held by (i) a Permitted Transferee on the date that such Permitted Transferee ceases to meet the qualifications to be a Permitted Transferee of the Qualified Stockholder who effected the Transfer of such shares to such Permitted Transferee, or (ii) an Entity that is a Qualified Stockholder, if there occurs a Transfer on a cumulative basis, from and after the Effective Time, of a majority of the Voting Control of such Entity or any parent of such Entity, other than a Transfer to parties that were, as of the Effective Time, holders of voting securities of any such Entity or parent of such Entity.
(u) “Voting Control” means, holding sufficient shares, partnership interests, membership interests or other equity in an Entity, or otherwise having legally enforceable rights, to vote or direct the voting of shares of Class B Common, Class C Common or Class D Common held directly or indirectly by such Entity.
2. Rights Relating To Dividends.
(a) Subject to the prior rights of holders of any Preferred Stock at the time outstanding having prior rights as to dividends, the holders of the Class A Common Stock and Class D Common Stock shall be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors, out of any assets of the Company legally available therefor, such dividends as may be declared from time to time by the Board of Directors. Except as permitted in Section IV.D.2(b), any dividends paid to the holders of shares of Class A Common Stock and Class D Common Stock shall be paid pro rata, on an equal priority, pari passu basis, unless different treatment of the shares of each such class is approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the applicable class of stock treated adversely, voting separately as a class.
(b) The Company shall not declare or pay any dividend or make any distribution to the holders of Class A Common Stock or Class D Common Stock payable in securities of the Company unless the same dividend or distribution with the same record date and payment date shall be declared and paid on all shares of Common Stock, pro rata on an equal priority, pari passu basis; provided, however, that (i) dividends or other distributions payable in shares of Class A Common Stock or rights to acquire shares of Class A Common Stock may be declared and paid to the holders of Class A Common Stock without the same dividend or distribution being declared and paid to the holders of the Class D Common Stock if, and only if, a dividend payable in shares of Class D Common Stock, or rights to acquire shares of Class D Common Stock, as applicable, are declared and paid to the holders of Class D Common Stock at the same rate and with the same record date and payment date, pro rata on an equal priority, pari passu basis; and (ii) dividends or other distributions payable in shares of Class D Common
Stock or rights to acquire shares of Class D Common Stock may be declared and paid to the holders of Class D Common Stock without the same dividend or distribution being declared and paid to the holders of the Class A Common Stock if, and only if, a dividend payable in shares of Class A Common Stock, or rights to acquire shares of Class A Common Stock, as applicable, are declared and paid to the holders of Class A Common Stock at the same rate and with the same record date and payment date, pro rata on an equal priority, pari passu basis.
3. Liquidation Rights. In the event of a Liquidation Event, upon the completion of the distributions required with respect to any Preferred Stock that may then be outstanding, the remaining assets of the Company legally available for distribution to stockholders, or consideration payable to the stockholders of the Company, in the case of an Acquisition constituting a Liquidation Event, shall be distributed on an equal priority, pro rata basis to the holders of Class A Common Stock and Class D Common Stock (and to the holders of any Preferred Stock that may then be outstanding, to the extent required by the Certificate of Incorporation); provided, however, for the avoidance of doubt, bona fide, market-level, compensation pursuant to any employment, consulting, severance or other compensatory arrangement to be paid to or received by a person who is also a holder of Class A Common Stock or Class D Common Stock does not constitute consideration or a “distribution to stockholders” in respect of the Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock. The holders of shares of Class B Common Stock and Class C Common Stock, as such, shall not be entitled to receive any assets of the Company in any Liquidation Event.
4. Voting Rights.
(a) Class A Common Stock. Each holder of record of Class A Common Stock, as such, shall be entitled to one vote for each share of Class A Common Stock held of record by such holder on all matters on which stockholders generally or holders of Class A Common Stock as a separate class are entitled to vote (whether voting separately as a class or together with one or more classes of the Company’s capital stock).
(b) Class B Common Stock. Each holder of record of Class B Common Stock, as such, shall be entitled to ten (10) votes (or such lower number as required to prevent the holders of Class B Common Stock from holding, in the aggregate, 80% or more of the aggregate voting power of the Company at any time) for each share of Class B Common Stock held of record by such holder on all matters on which stockholders generally or holders of Class B Common Stock as a separate class are entitled to vote (whether voting separately as a class or together with one or more classes of the Company’s capital stock); provided that, on the Final Date, each holder of record of Class B Common Stock, shall thereafter only be entitled to one vote for each share of Class B Common Stock held of record by such holder on all matters on which stockholders generally or holders of Class B Common Stock as a separate class are entitled to vote (whether voting separately as a class or together with one or more classes of the Company’s capital stock).
(c) Class C Common Stock. Each holder of record of Class C Common Stock, as such, shall be entitled to three (3) votes for each share of Class C Common Stock held of record by such holder on all matters on which stockholders generally or holders of Class C Common Stock as a separate class are entitled to vote (whether voting separately as a class or together with one or more classes of the Company’s capital stock); provided that, on the Final Date, each holder of record of Class C Common Stock, shall thereafter only be entitled to one vote for each share of Class C Common Stock held of record by such holder on all matters on which stockholders generally or holders of Class C
Common Stock as a separate class are entitled to vote (whether voting separately as a class or together with one or more classes of the Company’s capital stock).
(d) Class D Common Stock. Each holder of record of Class D Common Stock, as such, shall be entitled to three (3) votes for each share of Class D Common Stock held of record by such holder on all matters on which stockholders generally or holders of Class D Common Stock as a separate class are entitled to vote (whether voting separately as a class or together with one or more classes of the Company’s capital stock).
5. Stock Splits or Combinations. In no event shall any stock split, subdivision, combination, reclassification or recapitalization be effected or any dividend be declared with respect to any outstanding shares of Common Stock unless contemporaneously therewith all outstanding shares of Common Stock and the LLC Interests of the LLC are treated in the same proportion and the same manner.
6. Transfer Restriction; Exchange and Cancellation.
(a) No shares of Class B Common Stock, or Class C Common Stock may be issued by the Company except to the specific holder of LLC Interests set forth in the LLC Agreement, and to only to the extent that after such issuance of such Class B Common Stock or Class C Common Stock such holder of LLC Interests holds an identical number of LLC Interests and shares of Class B Common Stock or Class C Common Stock, as applicable. No shares of Class B Common Stock or Class C Common Stock may be Transferred by the holder thereof except (i) for no consideration to the Company upon which transfer such shares shall automatically be cancelled pursuant to Section IV.D.6(b), or (ii) (A) together with the transfer of an identical number of LLC Interests made to the transferee of such LLC Interests made in compliance with the LLC Agreement and (B) which transfer shall be in compliance with all the provisions set forth herein. Any purported Transfer of shares of Class B Common Stock or Class C Common Stock in violation of this Section IV.D.6(a) shall be null and void ab initio. If, notwithstanding the foregoing, a person shall, voluntarily or involuntarily, purportedly become or attempt to become, the purported owner (“Purported Owner”) of shares of Class B Common Stock or Class C Common Stock in violation of this Section IV.D.6(a), then the Purported Owner shall not obtain any rights in and to such shares of Class B Common Stock or Class C Common Stock, and the purported Transfer of the such shares to the Purported Owner shall not be recognized by the Company or the Company’s transfer agent.
(b) To the extent that any holder of Class B Common Stock or Class C Common Stock exercises its right pursuant to the LLC Agreement to have its LLC Interests redeemed and/or exchanged by the LLC, then simultaneous with the payment of cash by the LLC (in the case of redemption) and/or issuance of shares Class A Common Stock by the Company (in the case of an election by the Company pursuant to the LLC Agreement to effect a direct exchange with such holder), as applicable, pursuant to the terms of the LLC Agreement, the Company shall cancel for no consideration a corresponding number of shares of Class B Common Stock and/or Class C Common Stock, as applicable, registered in the name of the exchanging holder equal to the number of such holder’s LLC Interests that are exchanged in such exchange transaction.
7. Optional Conversion.
(a) Optional Conversion of the Class D Common Stock.
(i) At the option of the holder thereof, each share of Class D Common Stock shall be convertible, at any time or from time to time, into one (1) fully paid and nonassessable share of Class A Common Stock as provided herein.
(ii) Each holder of Class D Common Stock who elects to convert the same into shares of Class A Common Stock shall surrender the certificate or certificates therefor (if any), duly endorsed, at the office of the Company or its transfer agent for the Company (or shall notify the Company or its transfer agent that such certificate or certificates (if any), have been lost, stolen or destroyed and execute and agreement reasonably satisfactory to the Company to indemnify the Company from any loss incurred by it in connection with such certificate or certificates (if any)), and shall give written notice to the Company at such office that such holder elects to convert the same and shall state therein the number of shares of Class D Common Stock being converted. As promptly as reasonably practicable thereafter, and in any event, within two (2) Trading Days, the Company shall, at its election, issue and deliver certificate(s) or register book-entry positions, in either case evidencing the number of shares of Class A Common Stock to which the converting holder is entitled upon such conversion. Such conversion shall be deemed to have been made immediately prior to the close of business on the date of such surrender of the certificate or certificates representing the shares of Class D Common Stock to be converted, or, if the shares are uncertificated, immediately prior to the close of business on the date that the holder delivers notice of such conversion to the Company’s transfer agent and the person entitled to receive the shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon such conversion shall be treated for all purposes as the record holder of such shares of Class A Common Stock at such time. If a conversion election made in accordance with this Section IV.D.7(a)(ii) is made in connection with an underwritten offering of the Company’s securities pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), such conversion election may, at the option of the holder tendering shares of Class D Common Stock for conversion, be conditioned upon the closing with the underwriters of the sale of the Company’s securities pursuant to such offering, in which event the holder making such conversion election who is entitled to receive shares of Class A Common Stock upon conversion of their shares of Class D Common Stock shall not be deemed to have converted such shares of Class D Common Stock or be the record holder of such shares of Class A Common Stock until the consummation of the closing of such sale of the Company’s securities in the underwritten offering.
(b) Automatic Conversion of the Class D Common Stock.
(i) Upon Transfer. Each share of Class D Common Stock shall automatically be converted into one fully paid and nonassessable share of Class A Common Stock upon a Transfer, other than a Permitted Transfer, of such share of Class D Common Stock. Such conversion shall occur automatically without the need for any further action by the holders of such shares and whether or not the certificates representing such shares (if any) are surrendered to the Company or its transfer agent; provided, however, that the Company shall not be obligated to issue certificates evidencing the shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon such conversion unless the certificates evidencing such shares of Class D Common Stock, as appliable, are either delivered to the Company or its transfer agent as provided below, or the holder notifies the Company or its transfer agent that such certificates have been lost, stolen or destroyed and executes an agreement reasonably satisfactory to the Company to indemnify the Company from any loss incurred by it in connection with such certificates. Upon the occurrence of such automatic conversion of the Class D Common Stock, as applicable, the holders of such shares of
Class D Common Stock so converted shall surrender the certificates representing such shares (if any) at the office of the Company or its transfer agent.
(ii) Upon Final Date. On the Final Date, each issued share of Class D Common Stock shall automatically, without any further action, convert into one share of Class A Common Stock. Following the Final Date, the Company may no longer issue any additional shares of Class D Common Stock. Such conversion shall occur automatically without the need for any further action by the holders of such shares and whether or not the certificates representing such shares (if any) are surrendered to the Company or its transfer agent; provided, however, that the Company shall not be obligated to issue certificates evidencing the shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon such conversion unless the certificates evidencing such shares of Class D Common Stock, as applicable, are either delivered to the Company or its transfer agent as provided below, or the holder notifies the Company or its transfer agent that such certificates have been lost, stolen or destroyed and executes an agreement satisfactory to the Company to indemnify the Company from any loss incurred by it in connection with such certificates. Upon the occurrence of such automatic conversion of the Class D Common Stock, the holders of the shares so converted shall surrender the certificates representing such shares (if any) at the office of the Company or its transfer agent.
(c) Immediate Effect. In the event of a conversion of shares of Class D Common Stock, as applicable, to shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to this Section 7, such conversion(s) shall be deemed to have been made at the time that the Transfer of shares occurred or immediately at the Final Date, as applicable. Upon any conversion of Class D Common Stock to Class A Common Stock, all corresponding rights of the holder of shares of Class D Common Stock shall cease and the person or persons in whose names or names the certificate or certificates (or book-entry position(s)) representing the shares of Class A Common Stock are to be issued shall be treated for all purposes as having become the record holder or holders of such shares of Class A Common Stock.
8. Reservation of Stock Issuable Upon Conversion. The Company shall at all times reserve and keep available out of its authorized but unissued shares of Class A Common Stock, such number of its shares of Class A Common Stock as shall from time to time be sufficient to effect (i) the conversion of all outstanding shares of Class D Common Stock and (ii) the exchange of all outstanding LLC Units (along with shares Class B Common Stock or Class C Common Stock, and excluding LLC Units held by the Company) for shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to the terms of the LLC Agreement; and if at any time the number of authorized but unissued shares of Class A Common Stock shall not be sufficient to effect the conversions and exchanges described above, the Company will take such corporate action as may be necessary to increase its authorized but unissued shares of Class A Common Stock to such numbers of shares as shall be sufficient for such purpose and shall not issue shares of Class A Common Stock until such increase has been effected.
9. Prohibition on Reissuance of Shares. Shares of Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock and Class D Common Stock that are acquired by the Company for any reason (whether by repurchase, redemption, upon conversion, or otherwise) shall be retired in the manner required by law and shall not be reissued as shares of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock or Class D Common Stock.
V.
For the management of the business and for the conduct of the affairs of the Company, and in further definition, limitation and regulation of the powers of the Company, of its directors and of its stockholders or any class thereof, as the case may be, it is further provided that:
A. Board of Directors.
1. Generally. Except as otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation or the DGCL, the business and affairs of the Company shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors. The number of directors that shall constitute the Board of Directors shall be fixed exclusively by resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors.
2. Election of Directors; Removal of Directors; Vacancies.
(a) For so long as the total number of outstanding shares of Class C Common Stock and Class D Common Stock is at least fifty percent (50%) of the total number of shares of Class C Common Stock and Class D Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the closing of the IPO, the holders of Class C Common Stock, voting as a separate class, shall be entitled to elect two (2) members of the Board of Directors at each meeting or pursuant to each stockholder action by written consent of the Company’s stockholders, and to remove from office such directors in accordance with applicable law and to fill any vacancy caused by the resignation, death or removal of such directors. For so long as the total number of outstanding shares of Class C Common Stock and Class D Common Stock is at least ten percent (10%) but less than fifty percent (50%) of the total number of shares of Class C Common Stock and Class D Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the closing of the IPO, the holders of Class C Common Stock, voting as a separate class, shall be entitled to elect one (1) member of the Board of Directors at each meeting or pursuant to each stockholder action by written consent of the Company’s stockholders, and to remove from office such director in accordance with applicable law and to fill any vacancy caused by the resignation, death or removal of such director. When the total number of outstanding shares of Class C Common Stock and Class D Common Stock is less than ten percent (10%) of the total number of shares of Class C Common Stock and Class D Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the closing of the IPO, the holders of Class C Common Stock shall no longer be entitled to separately elect any members of the Board of Directors.
(b) The holders of a majority of the voting power of the then-outstanding capital stock entitled to vote in an election of directors, voting together as a single class, shall be entitled to elect all remaining members of the Board of Directors at each meeting or pursuant to each stockholder action by written consent of the Company’s stockholders.
(c) No stockholder entitled to vote at an election for directors may cumulate votes.
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, each director shall serve until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation or removal. No decrease in the number of directors constituting the Board of Directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent director.
(e) Election of directors need not be by written ballot unless the Bylaws so provide.
(f) Subject to any limitations imposed by applicable law, removal shall be as provided in Section 141(k) of the DGCL.
(g) Subject to any limitations imposed by applicable law and the foregoing provisions of this section and subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, any vacancies on the Board of Directors resulting from death, resignation, disqualification, removal or other causes and any newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the number of directors, shall, unless the Board of Directors determines by resolution that any such vacancies or newly created directorships shall be filled by the stockholders, and except as otherwise provided by applicable law, be filled only by the Board of Directors by a majority of the directors then in office, although less than a quorum, or by the sole remaining director, and not by the stockholders. Any director elected in accordance with the preceding sentence shall hold office for the remainder of the full term of the director for which the vacancy was created or occurred and until such director’s successor shall have been elected and qualified.
B. Stockholder Action by Written Consent. Any action required or permitted to be taken at an annual or special meeting of stockholders may be taken (i) upon the vote of the stockholders at such an annual or special meeting called in accordance with the Bylaws of the Company, or (ii) without any such meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if one or more written consents, setting forth the action so taken, are signed by the holders of outstanding shares of the Company’s capital stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted and delivered to the Company in accordance with applicable law.
C. Bylaws. The Board of Directors is expressly empowered to adopt, amend or repeal the Bylaws of the Company. The stockholders shall also have power to adopt, amend or repeal the Bylaws of the Company.
VI.
A. The liability of the directors of the Company for monetary damages is hereby eliminated to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law. If applicable law is amended after approval by the stockholders of this Article VI to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the liability of directors, then the liability of a director to the Company shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, as so amended.
B. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Company may provide indemnification of (and advancement of expenses to) directors, officers, and other agents of the Company (and any other persons to which applicable law permits the Company to provide indemnification) through Bylaw provisions, agreements with such agents or other persons, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.
C. Any repeal or modification of this Article VI shall only be prospective and shall not affect the rights or protections or increase the liability of any director under this Article VI in effect at the time of the alleged occurrence of any act or omission to act giving rise to liability or indemnification.
D. Unless the Company consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware shall be the sole and exclusive forum for the following types of actions or proceedings under Delaware statutory or common law: (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Company; (ii) any action or proceeding asserting a claim of breach of
a fiduciary duty owed by any current or former director, officer or other employee of the Company or any stockholder to the Company or the Company’s stockholders; (iii) any action or proceeding asserting a claim against the Company or any current or former director, officer or other employee of the Company or any stockholder arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Company (as each may be amended from time to time); (iv) any action or proceeding to interpret, apply, enforce or determine the validity of the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Company (including any right, obligation or remedy thereunder); (v) any action or proceeding as to which the DGCL confers jurisdiction to the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware; and (vi) any action asserting a claim against the Company or any director, officer or other employee of the Company or any stockholder, governed by the internal affairs doctrine, in all cases to the fullest extent permitted by law and subject to the court’s having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named as defendants. This Article VI shall not apply to suits brought to enforce a duty or liability created by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction.
E. Unless the Company consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the federal district courts of the United States of America shall be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
F. Any person or Entity holding, owning or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of capital stock of the Company shall be deemed to have notice of and to have consented to the provisions of this Article VI, including all causes of action asserted against any defendant named in such complaint. For the avoidance of doubt, this provision is intended to benefit and may be enforced by the Company, its officers and directors, the underwriters to any offering giving rise to such complaint, and any other professional entity whose profession gives authority to a statement made by that person or entity and who has prepared or certified any part of the documents underlying the offering.
VII.
A. The provisions of this Article VII are set forth to define, to the extent permitted by applicable law, the duties of Exempted Persons (as defined below) to the Company with respect to certain classes or categories of business opportunities. “Exempted Persons” means (i) any director of the Company who is not an employee of the Company or the LLC or any of their respective subsidiaries, or (ii) any holder of Class C Common Stock or Class D Common Stock or any partner, member, director, stockholder, employee, affiliate or agent of any such holder, other than someone who is an employee of the Company or the LLC or any of their respective subsidiaries.
B. The Exempted Persons shall not have any fiduciary duty to refrain from engaging directly or indirectly in the same or similar business activities or lines of business as the Company or any of its subsidiaries. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Company, on behalf of itself and its subsidiaries, renounces any interest or expectancy of the Company and its subsidiaries in, or in being offered an opportunity to participate in, business opportunities that are from time to time available to the Exempted Persons, even if the opportunity is one that the Company or its subsidiaries might reasonably be deemed to have pursued or had the ability or desire to pursue if granted the opportunity to do so, and each such Exempted Person shall have no duty to communicate or offer such business opportunity to the Company (and there shall be no restriction on the Exempted Persons using the general knowledge and understanding of the Company and the industry in which it operates which it has gained as an Exempted Person in considering and pursuing such opportunities or in making investment, voting, monitoring, governance or other decisions relating to other entities or securities) and, to the fullest extent permitted by
applicable law, shall not be liable to the Company or any of its subsidiaries or stockholders for breach of any fiduciary or other duty, as a director or officer or otherwise, by reason of the fact that such Exempted Person pursues or acquires such business opportunity, directs such business opportunity to another person or fails to present such business opportunity, or information regarding such business opportunity, to the Company or its subsidiaries, or uses such knowledge and understanding in the manner described herein, provided, that the foregoing shall not apply to any matter, transaction or interest that is presented to, or acquired, created or developed by, or otherwise comes into the possession of, an Exempted Person expressly and solely in such Exempted Person’s capacity as a director of the Company while such Exempted Person is performing services in such capacity.
C. In addition to and notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Article VII, a corporate opportunity shall not be deemed to belong to the Company if it is a business opportunity that the Company is not financially able or contractually permitted or legally able to undertake, or that is, from its nature, not in the line of the Company’s business or is of no practical advantage to it or that is one in which the Company has no interest or reasonable expectancy.
D. No amendment or repeal of this Article VII shall apply to or have any effect on the liability or alleged liability of any Exempted Person for or with respect to any activities or opportunities of which such Exempted Person becomes aware prior to such amendment or repeal. This Article VII shall not limit any protections or defenses available to, or indemnification or advancement rights of, any director or officer of the Company under this Certificate of Incorporation, the Company’s bylaws or applicable law.
VIII.
A. The Company reserves the right to amend, alter, change or repeal any provision contained in this Certificate of Incorporation, in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by statute, and all rights conferred upon the stockholders herein are granted subject to this reservation.
B. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, this Certificate may not be amended, and provisions hereunder may not be waived, in a manner that adversely affects holders of the Class B Common Stock, the Class C Common Stock or the Class D Common Stock, as applicable, in each case in their capacity as such, in a manner that is adverse and disproportionate to any other class of Common Stock authorized hereunder, without the consent of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the impacted class of Common Stock.
This Certificate has been subscribed as of [______], 2021 by the undersigned who affirms that the statements made herein are true and correct.
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Joth Ricci
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Chief Executive Officer
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D E L AW A R E SEAL DU TCH BROS INC. CORPORATE June 4, 2021 DB FULLY PAID AND NONASSESSABLE SHARES OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK, $0.00001 PAR VALUE PER SHARE, OF Dutch Bros Inc. transferable on the books of the Corporation in person or by duly authorized attorney upon surrender of this Certificate properly endorsed. This Certificate is not valid until countersigned by the Transfer Agent and registered by the Registrar. WITNESS the facsimile seal of the Corporation and the facsimile signatures of its duly authorized officers. Dated: This certifies that is the record holder of INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE C O U N T E R S IG N E D A N D R E G IS T E R E D : A M ER IC A N STO C K TR A N SFER & TR U ST C O M PA N Y, LLC (B R O O K LY N , N Y ) T R A N S F E R A G E N T A N D R E G IS T R A R B Y : A U T H O R IZ E D S IG N A T U R E CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER SECRETARY CUSIP 26701L 10 0 SEE REVERSE FOR CERTAIN DEFINITIONS AND LEGENDS
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The Corporation shall furnish without charge to each stockholder who so requests a statement of the powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock of the Corporation or series thereof and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights. Such requests shall be made to the Corporation’s Secretary at the principal office of the Corporation. KEEP THIS CERTIFICATE IN A SAFE PLACE. IF IT IS LOST, STOLEN, OR DESTROYED THE CORPORATION WILL REQUIRE A BOND INDEMNITY AS A CONDITION TO THE ISSUANCE OF A REPLACEMENT CERTIFICATE. The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full according to applicable laws or regulations: Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list. TEN COM – as tenants in common TEN ENT – as tenants by the entireties JT TEN – as joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common COM PROP – as community property UNIF GIFT MIN ACT – ......................... Custodian ......................... (Cust) (Minor) under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act.............................................................................. (State) UNIF TRF MIN ACT – ................. Custodian (until age ..................) (Cust) ..................................... under Uniform Transfers (Minor) to Minors Act............................................................ (State) FOR VALUE RECEIVED, _____________________________________________________ hereby sell(s), assign(s) and transfer(s) unto PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE shares of the capital stock represented by within Certificate, and do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint attorney-in-fact to transfer the said stock on the books of the within named Corporation with full power of the substitution in the premises. Dated NOTICE: THE SIGNATURE TO THIS ASSIGNMENT MUST CORRESPOND WITH THE NAME AS WRITTEN UPON THE FACE OF THE CERTIFICATE IN EVERY PARTICULAR, WITHOUT ALTERATION OR ENLARGEMENT OR ANY CHANGE WHATSOEVER. By THE SIGNATURE(S) SHOULD BE GUARANTEED BY AN ELIGIBLE GUARANTOR INSTITUTION, (BANKS, STOCKBROKERS, SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS AND CREDIT UNIONS WITH MEMBERSHIP IN AN APPROVED SIGNATURE GUARANTEE MEDALLION PROGRAM), PURSUANT TO S.E.C. RULE 17Ad-15. GUARANTEES BY A NOTARY PUBLIC ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE. SIGNATURE GUARANTEES MUST NOT BE DATED. Signature(s) Guaranteed: (PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, OF ASSIGNEE) X X
September 7, 2021
Dutch Bros Inc.
110 SW 4th Street
Grants Pass, OR 97526
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to Dutch Bros Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), in connection with the filing by the Company of a Registration Statement (No. 333-258988) on Form S-1 (the “Registration Statement”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including a related prospectus filed with the Registration Statement (the “Prospectus”), covering an underwritten public offering of up to 24,210,526 shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock, par value $0.00001 per share (the “Shares”), which includes up to 3,157,894 Shares that may be sold by the Company pursuant to the exercise of an option to purchase additional Shares granted to the underwriters.
In connection with this opinion, we have (i) examined and relied upon (a) the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, (b) the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, each as currently in effect, (c) the forms of the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws, filed as Exhibits 3.2 and 3.4 to the Registration Statement, respectively, each of which is to be in effect prior to the closing of the offering contemplated by the Registration Statement and (d) originals or copies certified to our satisfaction of such records, documents, certificates, memoranda and other instruments as in our judgment are necessary or appropriate to enable us to render the opinion expressed below and (ii) assumed that (a) the Shares will be sold at a price established by the Board of Directors of the Company or a duly authorized committee thereof and (b) the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation referred to in clause (i)(c) is filed with the Delaware Secretary of State before issuance of the Shares.
We have undertaken no independent verification with respect to such matters. We have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to originals of all documents submitted to us as copies, the accuracy, completeness and authenticity of certificates of public officials and the due authorization, execution and delivery of all documents by all persons other than the Company where authorization, execution and delivery are prerequisites to the effectiveness thereof. As to certain factual matters, we have relied upon a certificate of an officer of the Company and have not independently verified such matters.
Our opinion is expressed only with respect to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. We express no opinion to the extent that any other laws are applicable to the subject matter hereof and express no opinion and provide no assurance as to compliance with any federal or state securities law, rule or regulation.
On the basis of the foregoing, and in reliance thereon, we are of the opinion that the Shares, when sold and issued against payment therefor as described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption “Legal Matters” in the Prospectus included in the Registration Statement and to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.
Cooley LLP 3175 Hanover Street Palo Alto, CA 94304-1130 t: (650) 843-5000
f: (650) 849-7400 cooley.com
Dutch Bros Inc.
September 7, 2021
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Sincerely
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Cooley LLP
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By:
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/s/ Eric C. Jensen
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Eric C. Jensen
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Cooley LLP 3175 Hanover Street Palo Alto, CA 94304-1130 t: (650) 843-5000
f: (650) 849-7400 cooley.com
DUTCH MAFIA, LLC
THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT
Dated as of [ ]
THE UNITS REPRESENTED BY THIS THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR UNDER ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS. SUCH UNITS MAY NOT BE SOLD, ASSIGNED, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF AT ANY TIME WITHOUT EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION UNDER SUCH ACT AND LAWS OR EXEMPTION THEREFROM, AND COMPLIANCE WITH THE OTHER SUBSTANTIAL RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFERABILITY SET FORTH HEREIN DUTCH MAFIA LLC
DUTCH MAFIA, LLC
THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT
THIS THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT, dated as of [ ], 2021 (the “Agreement”), is entered into by and among Dutch Mafia LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”), and the Members (including, after the Pre-IPO Exchanges, Dutch Bros Inc., a Delaware corporation (“PubCo”)). Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in Article I.
WHEREAS, the Company and certain of the Members entered into the Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of the Company, dated as of January 22, 2019 (as amended, the “Prior Agreement”).
WHEREAS, the Company desires to have PubCo effect an initial public offering (the “IPO”) of shares of its Class A common stock, par value $0.00001 (the “Class A Common Stock”), and in connection therewith, to amend and restate the Prior Agreement as of the Effective Time (as defined below) to reflect (a) the Recapitalization (as defined below), (b) the Blocker Mergers, Pre-IPO Exchanges, and IPO Exchanges (each as defined below), and (c) the rights and obligations of the Members of the Company that are enumerated and agreed upon in the terms of this Agreement effective as of the Effective Time, at which time the Prior Agreement shall be superseded entirely by this Agreement;
WHEREAS, at the Effective Time, (i) all of the issued and outstanding PI Units will, automatically without any further action on the part of the Company and the Members, be converted into Class A Common Units, and shall cease to exist as PI Units; (ii) all of the issued and outstanding Common Units will, automatically without any further action on the part of the Company and the Members, be converted into Class A Common Units paired with a corresponding number of Class B Voting Units (with respect to the Founder Members) or Class C Voting Units (with respect to the TSG Members) as set forth herein, and shall cease to exist as Common Units (collectively, such conversions, the “Recapitalization”);
WHEREAS, following the Recapitalization, pursuant to the Blocker Mergers, PubCo will acquire certain Class A Common Units paired with Class C Voting Units in exchange for Class D Common Stock;
WHEREAS, following the Blocker Mergers, former holders of PI Units will contribute all of their Class A Common Units to PubCo in exchange for Class A Common Stock, the Founder Members will contribute all of their Class B Voting Units to PubCo in exchange for Class B Common Stock, and the TSG Members will contribute all of their remaining Class C Voting Units to PubCo in exchange for Class C Common Stock (the Blocker Mergers and the exchanges described in this recital, the “Pre-IPO Exchanges”);
WHEREAS, immediately following the Pre-IPO Exchanges, (i) PubCo as holder of all Class B Voting Units and Class C Voting Units, will designate itself as, and is hereby admitted to
the Company as, Managing Member, and in such capacity shall have the rights and obligations as provided in this Agreement, and (ii) certain Founder Members and TSG Members will contribute a portion of their Class A Common Units and Paired Voting Stock (as defined below) to PubCo in exchange for Class A Common Stock (the “IPO Exchanges”);
WHEREAS, the board of managers of the Company under the Prior Agreement, in its capacity as administrator of the Company’s Management Incentive Plan (the “MIP”), determined that (i) the transactions contemplated hereby (including, without limitation, the IPO, the Recapitalization, the Pre-IPO Exchanges and the IPO Exchanges) together represent a “Covered Transaction” within the meaning of the MIP and (ii) as a result, the Company has the authority under Section 8 of the MIP and the Prior Agreement to complete the transactions contemplated hereby without the consent of the holders of PI Units granted under the MIP; and
WHEREAS, and promptly following the IPO, PubCo shall use the net proceeds received therefrom to purchase Class A Common Units from the Company (the “Primary Contribution”) and from certain Founder Members and TSG Members (the “Secondary Purchase”).
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree to amend and restate the Prior Agreement to read in its entirety as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
The following definitions shall be applied to the terms used in this Agreement for all purposes, unless otherwise clearly indicated to the contrary.
“Additional Member” means a Person admitted to the Company as a Member pursuant to Section 10.2.
“Adjusted Capital Account Balance” means, with respect to each Member, the balance in such Member’s Capital Account adjusted (i) by taking into account the adjustments, allocations and distributions described in Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), (5) and (6); and (ii) by adding to such balance such Member’s share of Company Minimum Gain and Member Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain, determined pursuant to Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(g) and 1.704-2(i)(5), any amounts such Member is obligated to restore pursuant to any provision of this Agreement or by applicable law. The foregoing definition of Adjusted Capital Account Balance is intended to comply with the provisions of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d) and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.
“Admission Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.4.
“Affiliate” of any Person means any Person that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the Person in question.
“Appraiser FMV” means the fair market value of any Equity Security as determined by an independent appraiser mutually agreed upon by the Managing Member and the relevant Exchanging Member, whose determination shall be final and binding for those purposes for which Appraiser FMV is used in this Agreement. Appraiser FMV shall be the fair market value determined without regard to any discounts for minority interest, illiquidity or other discounts. The cost of any independent appraisal in connection with the determination of Appraiser FMV in accordance with this Agreement shall be borne by the Company.
“Assignee” means a Person to whom any Units have been Transferred in accordance with the terms of this Agreement but who has not become a Member pursuant to Article X.
“Assumed Tax Rate” means the highest effective marginal combined U.S. federal, state and local income tax rate (including the tax imposed under Section 1411 of the Code on net investment income) for a Taxable Year prescribed for an individual or corporate resident in California or New York, New York (whichever results in the application of the highest state and local tax rate for a given type of income), and taking into account (a) the character (e.g., long-term or short-term capital gain or ordinary or exempt income) of the applicable income, and (c) the deductibility of state and local income taxes, to the extent applicable (and with any dollar limitation on state and local income tax deductibility assumed to be exceeded), but not taking into account any deduction under Section 199A of the Code or any similar state or local law, as determined in good faith by the Managing Member. For the avoidance of doubt, the Assumed Tax Rate shall be the same for all Members.
“Base Rate” means, on any date, a variable rate per annum equal to the rate of interest most recently published by The Wall Street Journal as the “prime rate” at large U.S. money center banks.
“Blocker Mergers” means the transactions contemplated by the Blocker Reorganization Agreement.
“Blocker Reorganization Agreement” means the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated as of or about the date hereof among PubCo, TSG7 A AIV VI Holdings L.P., DG Coinvestor Blocker, L.P., and certain other Persons, as amended and/or restated from time to time.
“Board” means the board of directors of PubCo, as constituted at any given time.
“Book Value” means with respect to any asset, the asset’s adjusted basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes, except that (i) the initial Book Value of any asset contributed by a Member to the Company shall be the gross Fair Market Value of such asset; (ii) the Book Value of any property of the Company distributed to any Member shall be adjusted to equal the gross Fair Market Value of such property on the date of distribution; and (iii) the Book Values of assets of the Company shall be increased (or decreased) to the extent the Managing Member determines reasonably and in good faith that such adjustment is necessary or appropriate to comply with the requirements of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv).
“Business Day” means any day, other than a Saturday, Sunday or any other day on which commercial banks located in the State of New York are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.
“Capital Account” means the capital account maintained for a Member pursuant to Section 3.3.
“Capital Contribution” means any cash, cash equivalents, promissory obligations or the Fair Market Value of other property which a Member contributes to the Company pursuant to Section 3.1.
“Capital Stock” shall mean any and all shares, interests, participations or other equivalents (however designated) of capital stock of a corporation, any and all equivalent ownership interests in a Person (other than a corporation) including, without limitation, partnership or membership interests (including any components thereof such as capital accounts, priority returns or the like) in a limited partnership or limited liability company and any and all warrants, rights or options to purchase any of the foregoing.
“Cash Settlement Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.1(b).
“Cash Settlement” means with respect to a particular Exchange for which PubCo has elected to make a Cash Settlement in accordance with Section 12.1(b):
(i) if the Class A Common Stock trades on a National Securities Exchange or automated or electronic quotation system, an amount of cash equal to the product of (x) the number of shares of Class A Common Stock that would have been received by the Exchanging Member in the Exchange for that portion of the Class A Common Units subject to the Exchange set forth in the Cash Settlement Notice if PubCo had paid the Stock Settlement with respect to such number of Class A Common Units, and (y) the price for a share of Class A Common Stock (or any class of stock into which it has been converted) on the National Securities Exchange or automated or electronic quotation system, as reported on bloomberg.com or such other reliable source as determined by the Managing Member in good faith, at the close of trading on the last full Trading Day immediately prior to the Exchange Date, subject to appropriate and equitable adjustment for any stock splits, reverse splits, stock dividends or similar events affecting the Class A Common Stock; or
(ii) if the Class A Common Stock is not then traded on a National Securities Exchange or automated or electronic quotation system, as applicable, an amount of cash equal to the product of (x) the number of shares of Class A Common Stock that would have been received by the Exchanging Member in the Exchange for that portion of the Class A Common Units subject to the Exchange set forth in the Cash Settlement Notice if PubCo had paid the Stock Settlement with respect to such number of Class A Common Units, for which PubCo has elected to make a Cash Settlement and (y) the Appraiser FMV of one (1) share of Class A Common Stock that would be obtained in an arms-length transaction between an informed and willing buyer and an informed and willing seller, neither of whom is under any compulsion to buy or sell, respectively, and without regard to the particular circumstances of the buyer or seller.
“Certificate” means the Company’s Certificate of Formation as filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, as amended or amended and restated.
“Certificate Delivery” means, in the case of any shares of Paired Voting Stock to be transferred and surrendered by an Exchanging Member in connection with an Exchange which are represented by a certificate or certificates, the process by which the Exchanging Member shall also present and surrender such certificate or certificates representing such shares of Paired Voting Stock during normal business hours at the principal executive offices of PubCo, or if any agent for the registration or transfer of shares of Paired Voting Stock is then duly appointed and acting, at the office of such transfer agent, along with any instruments of transfer reasonably required by the Managing Member or such transfer agent, as applicable, duly executed by the Exchanging Member or the Exchanging Member’s duly authorized representative.
“Class A Common Stock” means the Class A common stock, par value $0.00001 per share, of PubCo.
“Class A Common Units” means the limited liability company interests described in Section 3.1(a)(i) and having the rights and preferences specified herein.
“Class B Common Stock” means the Class B common stock, no par value per share, of PubCo.
“Class B Voting Units” means the limited liability company interests described in Section 3.1(a)(ii) and having the rights and preferences specified herein.
“Class C Common Stock” means the Class C common stock, no par value per share of PubCo.
“Class C Voting Units” means the limited liability company interests described in Section 3.1(a)(iii) and having the rights and preferences specified herein.
“Class D Common Stock” means the Class D common stock, par value $0.00001 per share of PubCo.
“Code” means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
“Commission” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including any Governmental Entity succeeding to the functions thereof.
“Common Units” shall mean the issued and outstanding Common Unit pursuant to the Prior Agreement.
“Company” has the definition set forth in the Recitals.
“Company Minimum Gain” has the meaning ascribed to the term “partnership minimum gain” set forth in Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(b)(2) and 1.704-2(d).
“Control” means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
“Credit Agreements” means any promissory note, mortgage, loan agreement, indenture or similar instrument or agreement to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is or becomes a borrower, as such instruments or agreements may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time and including any one or more refinancing or replacements thereof, in whole or in part, with any other debt facility or debt obligation, for as long as the payee or creditor to whom the Company or any of its Subsidiaries owes such obligation is not an Affiliate of the Company.
“Delaware Act” means the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, 6 Del. C. § 18 101, et seq., as it may be amended from time to time, and any successor to the Delaware Act.
“DGCL” means the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
“Distribution” means each distribution made by the Company to a Member, whether in cash, property or securities of the Company and whether by liquidating distribution or otherwise; provided that none of the following shall be a Distribution: (a) any redemption or repurchase by the Company of any securities, or (b) any recapitalization or exchange of securities of the Company, or any subdivision (by Unit split or otherwise) or any combination (by reverse Unit split or otherwise) of any outstanding Units.
“Effective Date” and “Effective Time” means the time at which this Agreement is effective as set forth in the Reorganization Agreement.
“Equity Securities” means, with respect to any Person, all of the shares of capital stock or equity of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person, all of the warrants, options or other rights for the purchase or acquisition from such Person of shares of capital stock or preferred interests or equity of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person, all of the securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of capital stock or equity of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person, including convertible debt securities, or warrants, rights or options for the purchase or acquisition from such Person of such shares or equity (or such other interests), restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, equity appreciation rights, phantom equity rights, profit participation and all of the other ownership or profit interests of such Person (including partnership or member interests therein), whether voting or nonvoting.
“ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
“Exchange” means (a) the redemption by the Company of Class A Common Units held by a Member (together with the surrender and cancellation of the same number of outstanding shares of Paired Voting Stock held by such Member) for either (i) a Stock Settlement or (ii) a Cash Settlement, or (b) the direct purchase by PubCo of Class A Common Units and Paired Voting Stock held by a Member in accordance with a PubCo Call Right, in each case, in accordance with Article XII and in an amount at least equal to or exceeding the Minimum Exchange Amount.
“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and applicable rules and regulations thereunder, and any successor to such statute, rules or regulations. Any reference herein to a specific section, rule or regulation of the Exchange Act shall be deemed to include any corresponding provisions of future law.
“Exchange Blackout Period” means any “black out” or similar period under PubCo’s policies covering trading in PubCo’s securities to which the applicable Exchanging Member is subject (or will be subject at such time as it owns Class A Common Stock, including but not limited to the PubCo’s Insider Trading Policy), which period restricts the ability of such Exchanging Member to immediately resell shares of Class A Common Stock to be delivered to such Exchanging Member in connection with a Stock Settlement.
“Exchange Date” means the date that is two (2) Business Days after the date that proper Exchange Notice, in accordance with Section 12.1, is received by the Company (or such other day as the Managing Member and such Exchanging Member may agree in writing), subject to extension pursuant to Section 12.1(b); provided, that if the Exchange Date for any Exchange to the extent settled with the Stock Settlement would otherwise fall within any Exchange Blackout Period, then the Exchange Date shall occur on the next Business Day following the end of such Exchange Blackout Period; provided further, that to the extent an Exchange is made in connection with an Exchanging Member’s proper exercise of its rights to participate in a Piggyback Registration pursuant to Section 3.3 of the Registration Rights Agreement, the Exchange Date shall be the date on which the offering with respect to such Piggyback Registration is completed.
“Exchange Notice” means a written election of Exchange in the form of Exhibit A, duly executed by the Exchanging Member.
“Exchanged Units” means, with respect to any Exchange, the Class A Common Units being exchanged pursuant to a relevant Exchange Notice, and an equal number of shares of Paired Voting Stock held by the relevant Exchanging Member; provided, that, such amount of Class A Common Units shall in no event be less than the Minimum Exchange Amount.
“Exchanging Member” means a Member initiating an Exchange.
“Fair Market Value” means, with respect to any asset or equity interest, its fair market value determined according to Article XIV.
“Fiscal Year” means the Company’s annual accounting period established pursuant to Section 7.2.
“Founder” means Travis Boersma, an individual.
“Founder Members” means DM Holdco Inc., DM Individual Aggregator LLC, DM Trust Aggregator LLC and their respective Permitted Transferees.
“Founder Majority Interest” means the approval by the Founder Members holding, directly or indirectly, a majority of the aggregate Units then held by all of the Founder Members.
“Fund Indemnitees” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.4(e).
“Fund Indemnitors” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.4(e).
“Governmental Entity” means the United States of America or any other nation, any state or other political subdivision thereof, or any entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of government.
“Imputed Underpayment Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.6(d).
“Income Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(c)(i).
“Indemnified Person” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.4(a).
“Liquidity Event” means, whether occurring through one transaction or a series of related transactions, any liquidation, dissolution or winding up, voluntary or involuntary, of the Company, provided that for Section 3.2(c)(iii), “Liquidity Event” shall mean the occurrence of a Liquidation Event (as defined in the Certificate) of PubCo.
“Lock-up Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.1(a).
“Managing Member” means the person designated as such pursuant to Section 5.3, which shall be PubCo as of immediately after the Pre-IPO Exchanges, or any successor Managing Member admitted to the Company in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, in its capacity as the managing member of the Company.
“Member” means each of the Persons from time to time admitted to the Company as a member of the Company and listed as a Member in the books and records of the Company, each in its capacity as a member of the Company.
“Member Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain” means an amount with respect to each partner nonrecourse debt (as defined in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(b)(4)) equal to the Company Minimum Gain that would result if such partner nonrecourse debt were treated as a nonrecourse liability (as defined in Treasury Regulations Section 1.752-1(a)(2)) determined in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(3).
“Member Nonrecourse Deductions” has the meaning ascribed to the term “partner nonrecourse deductions” set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(2).
“Minimum Exchange Amount” means a number of Class A Common Units held by an Exchanging Member equal to the lesser of (i) the number of Class A Common Units reasonably expected to have a cash value of $500,000 and (ii) all of the Class A Common Units then held by the applicable Exchanging Member.
“MIP” has the definition set forth in the Recitals.
“National Securities Exchange” means a securities exchange registered with the Commission under Section 6 of the Exchange Act.
“Net Loss” means, with respect to a Taxable Year, the excess, if any, of Losses for such Taxable Year over Profits for such Taxable Year (excluding Losses and Profits specially allocated pursuant to this Agreement).
“Net Profit” means, with respect to a Taxable Year, the excess, if any, of Profits for such Taxable Year over Losses for such Taxable Year (excluding Profits and Losses specially allocated pursuant to this Agreement).
“Non-Foreign Person Certificate” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.9(a).
“Nonrecourse Deductions” has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(b)(1). The amount of Nonrecourse Deductions of the Company for a Fiscal Year equals the net increase, if any, in the amount of Company Minimum Gain of the Company during that fiscal year, determined according to the provisions of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(c).
“Paired Voting Stock” means, with respect to Class A Common Units held by a Member other than PubCo following the Pre-IPO Exchanges, the shares of Class B Common Stock issued in exchange for the Class B Voting Units initially paired with such Class A Common Units (in the case of a Founder Member), or the shares of Class C Common Stock issued in exchange for Class C Voting Units initially paired with such Class A Common Units (in the case of TSG Members), subject, as applicable, to adjustment pursuant to Section 3.2(d) and Section 3.2(e) and the certificate of incorporation of PubCo, as may be amended and/or restated from time to time.
“Participate” (and the correlative terms “Participating” and “Participation”) includes any direct or indirect ownership interest in any enterprise or participation in the management of such enterprise, whether as an officer, director, employee, partner, sole proprietor, agent, representative, independent contractor, consultant, executive, franchisor, franchisee, creditor, owner or otherwise.
“Partnership Representative” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.3.
“Permitted Transfer” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.1(b).
“Permitted Transferee” means a transferee in a Transfer of Units, (a) with respect to the Founder Members, (i) to a Person that the Founder maintains the power (whether exclusive or shared) to vote or direct the voting of the Paired Voting Stock associated with such Units by proxy, voting agreement or otherwise, and/or (ii) to a Person entitled to exercise the power (whether exclusive or shared) to vote or direct the voting of the Paired Voting Stock associated with such Units by proxy, voting agreement or otherwise, only following the death or incapacity of the Founder pursuant to an agreement entered into between the Founder and the Person, and who is approved by the Managing Member, and (b) with respect to the TSG Members, to an Affiliate.
“Person” means an individual or a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust, unincorporated organization, association or other entity.
“PI Units” shall mean all of the issued and outstanding PI Units as defined in the Prior Agreement.
“Piggyback Registration” is defined in the Registration Rights Agreement.
“Pre-IPO Exchanges” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
“Prior Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
“Profits” or “Losses” means items of Company income and gain or loss and deduction for an applicable tax accounting period determined for purposes of maintaining the Capital Account of each Member under Section 3.3 and in accordance with Section 704(b) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder.
“PubCo” means Dutch Bros Inc., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware, and its successors.
“PubCo Offer” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(c)(ii).
“Recapitalization” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
“Registration Rights Agreement” means that certain registration rights agreement, dated on or about the date hereof, by and among PubCo, certain of the Members listed therein (together with any other parties that become a party thereto from time to time upon execution of a joinder in accordance with the terms thereof by any successor or assign to any party to such Registration Rights Agreement), as may be amended and/or restated from time to time.
“Registration Statement” means any registration statement that PubCo is contractually obligated to file pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, subject to the limitations thereof.
“Reorganization Agreement” means that certain Master Reorganization Agreement, dated on or about the date hereof, by and among PubCo, the Company and the other parties named therein, as may be amended and/or restated from time to time.
“Reorganization Transactions” means the Recapitalization, the Blocker Mergers, the Pre-IPO Exchanges, the appointment of PubCo as Managing Member pursuant to Section 5.3, and the IPO Exchanges.
“Required Tax Distribution Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(c)(i).
“Restricted Stock Agreement” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(b)(ii).
“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and applicable rules and regulations thereunder, and any successor to such statute, rules or regulations. Any reference herein to a specific section, rule or regulation of the Securities Act shall be deemed to include any corresponding provisions of future law.
“Securities and Exchange Commission” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, including any governmental body or agency succeeding to the functions thereof.
“Similar Law” means any law or regulation that could cause the underlying assets of the Company to be treated as assets of the Member by virtue of its limited liability company interest in the Company and thereby subject the Company and the Managing Member (or other persons responsible for the investment and operation of the Company’s assets) to laws or regulations that are similar to the fiduciary responsibility or prohibited transaction provisions contained in Title I of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code.
“Stock Settlement” means, with respect to any Exchange for which a Cash Settlement Notice is not in effect, a number of shares of Class A Common Stock equal to the number of Class A Common Units subject to such Exchange.
“Stockholders Agreement” means the stockholders agreement dated as of or about the date hereof among PubCo and the stockholders from time to time party thereto, and the other parties thereto, as amended and/or restated from time to time.
“Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or business entity of which (i) if a corporation, a majority of the total voting power of shares of stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof, or (ii) if a limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity (other than a corporation), a majority of partnership or other similar ownership interest thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by any Person or one or more Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof. For purposes hereof, a Person or Persons shall be deemed to have a majority ownership interest in a limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity (other than a corporation) if such Person or Persons shall be allocated a majority of limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity gains or losses or shall be or control any managing director or general partner of such limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity. For purposes hereof, references to a “Subsidiary” of the Company shall be given effect only at such times that the Company has one or more Subsidiaries, and, unless otherwise indicated, the term “Subsidiary” refers to a Subsidiary of the Company.
“Substituted Member” means a Person that is admitted as a Member to the Company pursuant to Section 10.1.
“Tax Distributions” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(c)(ii).
“Tax Estimation Period” means each period from January 1 through March 31, from April 1 through May 31, from June 1 through August 31, and from September 1 through December 31 of each Taxable Year.
“Tax Receivable Agreements” mean the Tax Receivable Agreements dated as of or about the date hereof among the Company, Managing Member and the other parties from time to time party thereto, as amended and/or restated from time to time.
“Taxable Year” means the Company’s accounting period for federal income tax purposes determined pursuant to Section 8.2.
“Tax Matters Member” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.3.
“Trading Day” means a day on which the New York Stock Exchange or such other principal United States securities exchange on which the Class A Common Stock is listed, quoted or admitted to trading and is open for the transaction of business (unless such trading shall have been suspended for the entire day).
“Transfer” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.1(a).
“Transferor’s Owner” has the meaning set forth Section 9.1(c)(ii).
“Treasury Regulations” means the income tax regulations promulgated under the Code, as amended.
“TSG Members” means Dutch Holdings LLC, TSG7 A AIV VI, L.P. and its Permitted Transferees.
“TSG Majority Interest” means the approval by the TSG Members holding, directly or indirectly, a majority of the aggregate Units then held by all of the TSG Members.
“Unit” means, collectively, the Class A Common Units, the Class B Voting Units, the Class C Voting Units and such other units of the Company as may be authorized, designated or issued, as determined by the Managing Member from time to time after the date hereof.
“Unvested Class A Common Units” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(b)(i).
“Unvested Class A Common Stock” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(b)(ii)
ARTICLE II
ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS
2.1 Formation of Company; Conversion. The Company was previously formed as a corporation on October 13, 2015, in accordance with the laws of the State of Oregon, and, in connection with transactions intended to be treated as a reorganization described in Code Section 368(a)(1)(F), converted to a Delaware limited liability company on September 27, 2018, in accordance with (a) the Oregon Business Corporation Act by the filing of the Articles of Conversion with the Oregon Secretary of State, and (b) the Act by the filing of the Certificate of Conversion and the Certificate of Formation with the Delaware Secretary of State.
2.2 Limited Liability Company Agreement. The Members hereby execute this Agreement for the purpose of establishing the affairs of the Company and the conduct of its business in accordance with the provisions of the Delaware Act. This Agreement amends and restates the Prior Agreement in its entirety and shall constitute the “limited liability company agreement” (as that term is used in the Delaware Act) of the Company effective as of the Effective Time. The Members hereby agree that during the term of the Company set forth in Section 2.6 the rights and obligations of the Members with respect to the Company will be determined in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Delaware Act. On any matter upon which this Agreement is silent, the Delaware Act shall control. No provision of this Agreement shall be in violation of the Delaware Act and to the extent any provision of this Agreement is in violation of the Delaware Act, such provision shall be void and of no effect to the extent of such violation without affecting the validity of the other provisions of this Agreement; provided, however, that where the Delaware Act provides that a provision of the Delaware Act shall apply “unless otherwise provided in a limited liability company agreement” or words of similar effect, the provisions of this Agreement shall in each instance control;
provided further, that notwithstanding the foregoing, Section 18-210 of the Delaware Act shall not apply or be incorporated into this Agreement.
2.3 Name. The name of the Company shall be “Dutch Mafia LLC”. The Managing Member in its sole discretion may change the name of the Company at any time and from time to time in accordance with the Delaware Act. Notification of any such change shall be given to all of the Members. The Company’s business may be conducted under its name and/or any other name or names deemed advisable by the Managing Member.
2.4 Purpose. The purpose and business of the Company shall be any business which may lawfully be conducted by a limited liability company formed pursuant to the Delaware Act.
2.5 Principal Office; Registered Office. The principal office of the Company shall be such place as the Managing Member may from time to time designate. The Company may maintain offices at such other place or places as the Managing Member deems advisable. Notification of any such change shall be given to all of the Members. The address of the registered office of the Company in the State of Delaware shall be 9 East Loockerman Street, Suite 311, City of Dover, County of Kent, 19901 and the name of the registered agent of the corporation in the State of Delaware at such address is Registered Agent Solutions, Inc.
2.6 Term. The term of the Company commenced upon the filing of the Certificate in accordance with the Delaware Act and shall continue in existence until dissolution thereof in accordance with the provisions of Article XIII. The existence of the Company as a separate legal entity shall continue until cancellation of the Certificate as provided in the Delaware Act.
2.7 No State-Law Partnership. The Members intend that the Company not be a partnership (including, without limitation, a limited partnership) or joint venture, and that no Member be a partner or joint venturer of any other Member by virtue of this Agreement, for any purposes other than as set forth in Section 2.8, and neither this Agreement nor any other document entered into by the Company or any Member relating to the subject matter hereof shall be construed to suggest otherwise.
2.8 Tax Treatment. The Members intend that the Company shall be treated as a partnership for federal and applicable state or local income tax purposes, and that each Member and the Company shall file all tax returns and shall otherwise take all tax and financial reporting positions in a manner consistent with and actions necessary to obtain such treatment.
2.9 Prior Agreements. For the avoidance of doubt, all prior limited liability company agreements amongst the Company and its members, including all amendments thereto, shall govern and control for all periods prior to the date hereof.
ARTICLE III
CAPITALIZATION; CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS
3.1 Capitalization.
(a) Each Member shall hold Units, and the relative rights, privileges, preferences and obligations with respect to each Member’s Units shall be determined under this
Agreement and the Delaware Act based upon the number and the class of Units held by such Member. The number and the class of Units held by each Member shall be set forth in the books and records of the Company. The classes of Units as of the Effective Time are as follows: “Class A Common Units,” “Class B Voting Units” and “Class C Voting Units.” The Members shall have no right to vote on any matter, except as specifically set forth in this Agreement, or as may be required under the Delaware Act. Any such vote shall be at a meeting of the Members entitled to vote or in writing as provided herein.
(i) Class A Common Units. The Class A Common Units shall have all the rights, privileges and obligations as are specifically provided for in this Agreement for Class A Common Units, and as may otherwise be generally applicable to all classes of Units, unless such application is specifically limited to one or more other classes of Units. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Class A Common Units shall not be entitled to vote on any matter subject to a vote of the Members, except as otherwise required by law.
(ii) Class B Voting Units. The Class B Voting Units shall be entitled to ten (10) votes per Class B Voting Unit with respect to any designation of the Managing Member pursuant to Section 5.3, designation of an additional Managing Member or substitute Managing Member pursuant to Section 10.3, or as otherwise required by law and shall not be entitled to any rights, privileges or obligations under this Agreement.
(iii) Class C Voting Units. The Class C Voting Units shall be entitled to three (3) votes per Class C Voting Unit with respect to any designation of the Managing Member pursuant to Section5.3, designation of an additional Managing Member or substitute Managing Member pursuant to Section 10.3, or as otherwise required by law, and shall not otherwise be entitled to any rights, privileges or obligations under this Agreement.
(b) Restructuring Transactions. On the date hereof and in connection with the IPO, the following shall occur in accordance with the Reorganization Agreement:
(i) The Recapitalization. At the Effective Time, all of the issued and outstanding PI Units shall hereby be automatically converted into the number of Class A Common Units as calculated by the board of managers of the Company under the Prior Agreement based on the terms determined at pricing of the IPO; provided however, that that any Class A Common Units received in exchange for PI Units subject to vesting shall continue to vest in accordance with the vesting schedule applicable to such PI Units, except the time-vesting of all Class A Common Units received as a result of the conversion of time-vesting PI Units granted by the Company in 2020 shall occur in three equal annual installments, with the first installment vesting on January 1, 2022, the second installment vesting on January 1, 2023, and the third installment vesting on January 1, 2024, subject to the holder’s continued service to the Company through each vesting date (such Class A Common Units subject to vesting, the “Unvested Class A Common Units”). Simultaneously with the conversion of PI Units, all of the issued and outstanding Common Units shall hereby be automatically converted into the number of Class A Common Units paired with a corresponding number of Class B Voting Units
(with respect to the Founder Members) or Class C Voting Units (with respect to the TSG Members), as calculated by the board of managers of the Company under the Prior Agreement based on the terms determined at pricing of the IPO. The Members agree that immediately following the conversions pursuant to this Section 3.1(b)(i), no fractional Class A Common Unit will remain outstanding and any fractional Class A Common Unit held by a Member shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number.
(ii) Pre-IPO Exchanges. Immediately after the Recapitalization described in Section 3.1(b)(i), each former holder of PI Units shall contribute the Class A Common Units resulting therefrom (including Unvested Class A Common Units) to PubCo in exchange for the right to receive an equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock. Any shares of Class A Common Stock received in respect of Unvested Class A Common Units shall continue to vest in accordance with the same vesting schedule as such Unvested Class A Common Units (the “Unvested Class A Common Stock”), and shall otherwise be subject to the terms and conditions of PubCo’s 2021 Equity Incentive Plan as well as the form of restricted stock award agreement approved by the Board for the purpose of granting shares of Unvested Class A Common Stock under PubCo’s 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Restricted Stock Agreement”). Simultaneously with contributions by former holders of PI Units, the Founder Members will contribute all of their Class B Voting Units to PubCo in exchange for an equal number of shares of Class B Common Stock, and the TSG Members will contribute all of their Class C Voting Units to PubCo in exchange for an equal number of shares of Class C Common Stock.
(iii) IPO Exchanges. Immediately after the Pre-IPO Exchanges described in Section 3.1(b)(ii), certain Founder Members and TSG Members will contribute a portion of their Class A Common Units and corresponding Paired Voting Stock to PubCo in exchange for an equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock.
(c) Unvested Class A Common Stock. Each holder of Unvested Class A Common Stock shall be required to make a valid and timely election in respect of such Unvested Class A Common Stock, and a protective election in respect of the Unvested Class A Units exchanged therefor, in each case, pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code and to provide evidence of such election to PubCo and the Company. Upon any forfeiture of Unvested Class A Common Stock pursuant to the terms and conditions of the applicable Restricted Stock Agreement and PubCo’s 2021 Equity Incentive Plan, PubCo shall automatically forfeit the corresponding Unvested Class A Common Units.
(d) Managing Member. Subject to the terms of this Agreement (including this Section 3.1 and Section 3.2), the Managing Member in its sole discretion may establish and issue, from time to time in accordance with such procedures as the Managing Member shall determine from time to time, additional Units, in one or more classes or series of Units, or other Company securities, at such price, and with such designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, powers and duties (which may be senior to existing Units, classes and series of Units or other Company securities), as shall be determined by the Managing Member without the approval of any Member or any other Person who may acquire an
interest in any of the Units, including (i) the right of such Units to share in Profits and Losses or items thereof; (ii) the right of such Units to share in Company Distributions; (iii) the rights of such Units upon dissolution and winding up of the Company; (iv) whether, and the terms and conditions upon which, the Company may or shall be required to redeem such Units (including sinking fund provisions); (v) whether such Units are issued with the privilege of conversion or exchange and, if so, the terms and conditions of such conversion or exchange; (vi) the terms and conditions upon which such Units will be issued, evidenced by certificates and assigned or transferred; (vii) the terms and conditions of the issuance of such Units (including, without limitation, the amount and form of consideration, if any, to be received by the Company in respect thereof, the Managing Member being expressly authorized, in its sole discretion, to cause the Company to issue such Units for less than fair market value); and (viii) the right, if any, of the holder of such Units to vote on Company matters, including matters relating to the relative designations, preferences, rights, powers and duties of such Units. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Managing Member in its sole discretion, without the approval of any Member or any other Person, is authorized (i) to issue Units or other Company securities of any newly established class or any existing class to Members or other Persons who may acquire an interest in the Company; (ii) to amend this Agreement to reflect the creation of any such new class, the issuance of Units or other Company securities of such class, and the admission of any Person as a Member which has received Units or other Company securities; and (iii) to effect the combination, subdivision and/or reclassification of outstanding Units as may be necessary or appropriate to give economic effect to equity investments in the Company by the Managing Member that are not accompanied by the issuance by the Company to the Managing Member of additional Units and to update the books and records of the Company accordingly. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement to the contrary, any reference to “Units” shall include the Class A Common Units, Class B Voting Units, Class C Voting Units, and Units of any other class or series that may be established in accordance with this Agreement. All Units of a particular class shall have identical rights in all respects as all other Units of such class, except in each case as otherwise specified in this Agreement.
(e) All Units issued hereunder shall be uncertificated unless otherwise determined by the Managing Member.
(f) Each Member who is issued Units by the Company pursuant to the authority of the Managing Member pursuant to Section 5.1 shall make the Capital Contributions to the Company determined by the Managing Member pursuant to the authority of the Managing Member pursuant to Section 5.1 in exchange for such Units.
(g) Each Member, to the extent having the right to consent thereto, by executing this Agreement, hereby confirms, ratifies and approves the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other agreements and transactions referred to herein.
3.2 General Provisions with Respect to Units.
(a) New PubCo Issuances.
(i) Subject to Article XII and Section 3.2(a)(ii)), if, at any time after the Effective Time, PubCo issues shares of its Class A Common Stock or any other
Equity Security of PubCo (other than shares of Class B Common Stock or Class C Common Stock), (x) the Company shall concurrently issue to PubCo an equal number of Class A Common Units (if PubCo issues shares of Class A Common Stock), or an equal number of such other Equity Security of the Company corresponding to the Equity Securities issued by PubCo (if PubCo issues Equity Securities other than Class A Common Stock), and with the same rights to Distributions (including Distributions upon liquidation) and other economic rights as those of such Equity Securities of PubCo so issued and (y) PubCo shall concurrently contribute to the Company the net proceeds or other property received by PubCo, if any, for such share of Class A Common Stock or other Equity Security.
(ii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Section 3.2(a)(i) or Section 3.2(a)(iii), this Section 3.2(a) shall not apply to (x) the issuance and distribution to holders of shares of PubCo Equity Securities of rights to purchase Equity Securities of PubCo under a “poison pill” or similar shareholder rights plan (and upon exchange of Class A Common Units for Class A Common Stock, such Class A Common Stock shall be issued together with a corresponding right under such plan) or (y) the issuance under PubCo’s employee benefit plans of any warrants, options, stock appreciation right, restricted stock for which an election under Section 83(b) of the Code has not been timely filed, restricted stock units, performance based award or other rights to acquire Equity Securities of PubCo or rights or property that may be converted into or settled in Equity Securities of PubCo, but shall in each of the foregoing cases apply to the issuance of Equity Securities of PubCo in connection with the exercise or settlement of such warrants, options, stock appreciation right, restricted stock units, performance based awards or the vesting of restricted stock (including as set forth in clause (iii) below, as applicable).
(iii) In the event any outstanding Equity Security of PubCo is exercised or otherwise converted and, as a result, any shares of Class A Common Stock or other Equity Securities of PubCo are issued, (x) the corresponding Equity Security outstanding at the Company, if any, shall be similarly exercised or otherwise converted, if applicable, (y) an equivalent number of Class A Common Units or equivalent Equity Securities of the Company shall be issued to PubCo as required by the first sentence of Section 3.2(a)(i), and (z) PubCo shall as soon as practicable following such exercise or conversion contribute to the Company the net proceeds received by PubCo from any such exercise or conversion.
(b) New Company Issuances. Except pursuant to Article XII, (x) the Company may not issue any additional Class A Common Units to PubCo or any of its Subsidiaries (other than the Company and its Subsidiaries) unless (i) substantially simultaneously therewith PubCo or such Subsidiary issues or transfers an equal number of newly-issued shares of Class A Common Stock (or relevant Equity Security of such Subsidiary) to another Person or Persons, and (ii) such issuance is in accordance with Section 3.2(a), and (y) the Company may not issue any other Equity Securities of the Company to PubCo or any of its Subsidiaries (other than the Company and its Subsidiaries) unless (i) substantially simultaneously therewith PubCo or such Subsidiary issues or transfers, to another Person, an equal number of newly-issued shares
of Equity Securities of PubCo or such Subsidiary with substantially the same rights to dividends and distributions (including distributions upon liquidation) and other economic rights as those of such Equity Securities of the Company, and (ii) such issuance is in accordance with Section 3.2(a).
(c) Repurchases and Redemptions.
(i) Subject to Section 3.2(c)(ii), PubCo or any of its Subsidiaries (other than the Company and its Subsidiaries) may redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire (A) shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to a Board approved repurchase plan or program (or otherwise in connection with a transaction approved by the Board) and, substantially simultaneously therewith, the Company shall redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire from PubCo or such Subsidiary an equal number of Class A Common Units for the same price per security, if any, or (B) any other Equity Securities of PubCo or any of its Subsidiaries (other than the Company and its Subsidiaries) pursuant to a Board approved repurchase plan or program (or otherwise in connection with a transaction approved by the Board) and, substantially simultaneously therewith, the Company shall redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire from PubCo or such Subsidiary an equal number of the corresponding class or series of Equity Securities of the Company with the same rights to dividends and distributions (including distributions upon liquidation) and other economic rights as those of such Equity Securities of PubCo or such Subsidiary for the same price per security, if any.
(ii) In the event that a tender offer, share exchange offer, or take-over bid or similar transaction with respect to Class A Common Stock (a “PubCo Offer”) is proposed by PubCo or is proposed to PubCo or its stockholders, the holders of Class A Common Units shall be permitted to participate in such PubCo Offer by delivery of an Exchange Notice (which Exchange Notice shall be effective immediately prior to the consummation of such PubCo Offer (and, for the avoidance of doubt, shall be contingent upon such PubCo Offer and not be effective if such PubCo Offer is not consummated)). In the case of a PubCo Offer proposed by PubCo, PubCo shall use its reasonable best efforts to take all such actions and do all such things as are necessary or desirable to enable and permit the holders of Class A Common Units to participate in such PubCo Offer to the same extent or on an economically equivalent basis as the holders of shares of Class A Common Stock without discrimination; provided that, without limiting the generality of this sentence (and without limiting the ability of any Member holding Class A Common Units to consummate an Exchange at any time pursuant to the terms of this Agreement), the Managing Member shall use its reasonable best efforts to ensure that such holders of Class A Common Units may participate in such PubCo Offer without being required to Exchange their Class A Common Units and surrender their shares of Paired Voting Stock for cancellation by PubCo, as the case may be, (or, if so required, to ensure that any such Exchange and cancelation shall be effective only upon, and shall be conditional upon, the closing of the transactions contemplated by the PubCo Offer). For the avoidance of doubt, in no event shall the holders of Class A Common Units be entitled to receive in such PubCo Offer aggregate consideration for each Class A Common Unit and share of Paired Voting Stock, taken together, that is greater than or
less than the consideration payable in respect of each share of Class A Common Stock in connection with such PubCo Offer (it being understood that payments under or in respect of the Tax Receivable Agreements shall not be considered part of any such consideration).
(iii) In the event of Liquidation Event (as defined in the certificate of incorporation of PubCo, as may be amended and/or restated from time to time) of PubCo, each holder of Class A Common Units then-outstanding shall be required to, as determined by the Managing Member in its sole discretion, Exchange their Class A Common Units and surrender their shares of Paired Voting Stock for cancellation by the PubCo, (and, for the avoidance of doubt, such Exchange and cancellation shall be contingent upon such Liquidity Event and not be effective if such Liquidity Event is not consummated).
(iv) The Company may not redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire (x) any Class A Common Units from PubCo or any of its Subsidiaries (other than the Company and its Subsidiaries) unless substantially simultaneously PubCo or such Subsidiary redeems, repurchases or otherwise acquires pursuant to a Board approved repurchase plan or program (or otherwise in connection with a transaction approved by the Board) an equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock for the same price per security from holders thereof or (y) any other Equity Securities of the Company from PubCo or any of its Subsidiaries (other than the Company and its Subsidiaries) unless substantially simultaneously PubCo or such Subsidiary redeems, repurchases or otherwise acquires pursuant to a Board approved repurchase plan or program (or otherwise in connection with a transaction approved by the Board) for the same price per security an equal number of Equity Securities of PubCo (or such Subsidiary) of a corresponding class or series with substantially the same rights to dividends and distributions (including distributions upon liquidation) and other economic rights as those of such Equity Securities of PubCo or such Subsidiary.
(v) Notwithstanding the foregoing clauses (i) through (iii), to the extent that any consideration payable by PubCo in connection with the redemption, repurchase or acquisition of any shares of Class A Common Stock or other Equity Securities of PubCo or any of its Subsidiaries (other than the Company and its Subsidiaries) consists (in whole or in part) of shares of Class A Common Stock or such other Equity Securities (including in connection with the cashless exercise of an option or warrant (or other convertible right or security)) other than under PubCo’s employee benefit plans for which there is no corresponding Common Units or other Equity Securities of the Company, then the redemption, repurchase or acquisition of the corresponding Class A Common Units or other Equity Securities of the Company shall be effectuated in an equivalent manner.
(d) Equity Subdivisions and Combinations.
(i) The Company shall not in any manner effect any subdivision (by any equity split, equity distribution, reclassification, recapitalization or otherwise) or combination (by reverse equity split, reclassification, recapitalization or otherwise) of the
outstanding Class A Common Units unless accompanied by an identical subdivision or combination, as applicable, of the outstanding PubCo Class A Common Stock and Paired Voting Stock or other related class or series of Equity Security of PubCo, with corresponding changes made with respect to any other exchangeable or convertible Equity Securities of the Company and PubCo.
(ii) Except in accordance with Section 12.3, PubCo shall not in any manner effect any subdivision (by any equity split, equity distribution, reclassification, recapitalization or otherwise) or combination (by reverse equity split, reclassification, recapitalization or otherwise) of the outstanding PubCo Class A Common Stock or any other class or series of Equity Security of PubCo, unless accompanied by an identical subdivision or combination, as applicable, of the outstanding Class A Common Units or other related class or series of Equity Security of the Company, with corresponding changes made with respect to any applicable exchangeable or convertible Equity Securities of the Company and PubCo.
(e) General Authority. For the avoidance of doubt, but subject to Sections 3.1 and 3.2, the Company and PubCo (including in its capacity as the Managing Member of the Company) shall be permitted to undertake all actions, including an issuance, redemption, reclassification, distribution, division or recapitalization, with respect to the Class A Common Units, that are necessary, in the Managing Member’s determination, to maintain at all times a one-to-one ratio between (i) the number of Class A Common Units owned by PubCo, directly or indirectly, and the number of outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock and Class D Common Stock, and (ii) the number of outstanding shares of applicable Paired Voting Stock held by any Person and the number of Class A Common Units held by such Person disregarding, for purposes of maintaining the one-to-one ratios in clauses (i) and (ii), (A) options, rights or securities of PubCo issued under any plan involving the issuance of any Equity Securities that are convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Class A Common Stock, (B) treasury stock, or (C) preferred stock or other debt or equity securities (including warrants, options or rights) issued by PubCo that are convertible or into or exercisable or exchangeable for Class A Common Stock (but in each case prior to such conversion or exchange).
3.3 Capital Accounts.
(a) A separate capital account (each, a “Capital Account”) shall be established for each Member and shall be maintained in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv) and this Section 3.3 shall be interpreted and applied in a manner consistent with such regulations. In accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f), the Company may adjust the Capital Accounts of its Members to reflect revaluations (including any unrealized income, gain or loss) of the Company’s property (including intangible assets such as goodwill), whenever it issues additional interests in the Company (including any interests issued with a zero initial Capital Account), or whenever the adjustments would otherwise be permitted under such Treasury Regulations. The Company may adjust the Capital Accounts of its Members to reflect revaluations of the property of any Subsidiary of the Company that is treated as a partnership (or entity disregarded from a partnership) for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In the event that the Capital Accounts of the
Members are so adjusted, (i) the Capital Accounts of the Members shall be adjusted in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(g) for allocations of depreciation, depletion, amortization and gain or loss, as computed for book purposes, with respect to such property and (ii) the Members’ distributive shares of depreciation, depletion, amortization and gain or loss, as computed for tax purposes, with respect to such property shall be determined so as to take account of the variation between the adjusted tax basis and Book Value of such property in the same manner as under Section 704(c) of the Code. In the event that Code Section 704(c) applies to property of the Company, the Capital Accounts of the Members shall be adjusted in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(g) for allocations of depreciation, depletion, amortization, and gain and loss, as computed for book purposes with respect to such property. In connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Capital Accounts of the Members shall be adjusted in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f) and determined as of the date hereof and the Capital Account of each Member shall be reflected in the books and records of the Company.
3.4 Negative Capital Accounts. No Member shall be required to pay to any other Member or the Company any deficit or negative balance which may exist from time to time in such Member’s Capital Account (including upon and after dissolution of the Company).
3.5 No Withdrawal. No Person shall be entitled to withdraw any part of such Person’s Capital Contribution or Capital Account or to receive any distribution from the Company, except as expressly provided herein.
3.6 Loans From Members. Loans by Members to the Company shall not be considered Capital Contributions. If any Member shall advance funds to the Company in excess of the amounts required hereunder to be contributed by such Member to the capital of the Company, the making of such advances shall not result in any increase in the amount of the Capital Account of such Member. The amount of any such advances shall be a debt of the Company to such Member and shall be payable or collectible in accordance with the terms and conditions upon which such advances are made.
3.7 Publicly Traded Partnership Representation. Each Member represents and warrants to the Company and each other Member as of the date of such Member’s admittance to the Company and as of each subsequent date that such Member acquires any additional Units, that such Member is treated as a single partner within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.7704-1(h) (determined taking into account the rules of Treasury Regulations Section 1.7704-1(h)(3)).
ARTICLE IV
DISTRIBUTIONS AND ALLOCATIONS
4.1 Distributions.
(a) Distributions Generally. The Managing Member may, subject to (i) any restrictions contained in the Credit Agreements, (ii) having available cash (after setting aside appropriate reserves), and (iii) any other restrictions set forth in this Agreement, make Distributions at any time and from time to time. Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Agreement to the contrary, no Distribution or other payment in respect of Units shall be required to be made to any Member if, and to the extent that, such Distribution or other payment in respect of Units would not be permitted under the Delaware Act or other applicable law.
(b) Operating and Liquidating Distributions. Subject to Section 4.1(c) with respect to Tax Distributions, all Distributions by the Company shall be made or allocated to the Members pro rata based on the number of Class A Common Units held by each such holder.
(c) Tax Distributions.
(i) With respect to each Member, the Company shall calculate the excess of (x) (A) the Income Amount allocated or allocable to such Member for the Tax Estimation Period in question and for all preceding Tax Estimation Periods, if any, within the Taxable Year containing such Tax Estimation Period multiplied by (B) the Assumed Tax Rate over (y) the aggregate amount of all prior Tax Distributions in respect of such Taxable Year and any Distributions made to such Member pursuant to Section 4.1(b) with respect to the Tax Estimation Period in question and any previous Tax Estimation Period falling in the Taxable Year containing the applicable Tax Estimation Period referred to in (x) (A) (the amount so calculated pursuant to this sentence is herein referred to as a “Required Tax Distribution Amount”); provided, however, that the Managing Member may make adjustments in its reasonable discretion to reflect transactions occurring during the Taxable Year, provided further that to the extent permitted under the Credit Agreements, the Required Tax Distribution Amount with respect to PubCo shall in no event be less than an amount that will enable PubCo to meet both its tax obligations and its obligations pursuant to the Tax Receivable Agreements for the relevant Taxable Year. For purposes of this Agreement, the “Income Amount” for a Tax Estimation Period shall equal, with respect to any Member, the net taxable income of the Company allocated or allocable to such Member for such Tax Estimation Period (excluding any compensation paid to a Member outside of this Agreement and any guaranteed payments paid to a Member). For purposes of computing the Income Amount, taxable income shall be determined (i) without regard to any adjustments under Sections 732(d), 734(b) and 743(b) of the Code, (ii) by including adjustments to taxable income in respect of Section 704(c) of the Code, (iii) by accounting for any limitations imposed on the deductibility of expenses and other items, and (iv) by reducing such taxable income by taxable losses of the Company allocated to such Member for taxable periods (or portions thereof) beginning after the date hereof to the extent that such losses are of a character (ordinary or capital) that would permit the losses to be deducted by such Member against the current taxable income of the Company allocable to the Member for such Tax Estimation Period, are otherwise available to be utilized, and have not previously been taken into account in determining such Member’s Income Amount. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the Company and the Managing Member shall be entitled to make reasonable simplifying assumptions in making determinations contemplated by this Section 4.1(c)(i).
(ii) At least ten (10) Business Days before the individual or corporate quarterly estimate payment deadline for U.S. federal income taxes for calendar year filers
(whichever is earlier) and as soon as possible after the allocation of the Company’s actual net taxable income or loss has been finally determined, the Company shall distribute (to the extent of available cash) to the Members pro rata based upon the number of Class A Common Units held by each such Member in accordance with Section 4.1(d), an aggregate amount of cash sufficient to provide each such Member with a Distribution (a “Tax Distribution”) at least equal to such Member’s Required Tax Distribution Amount. If, on the date of a Tax Distribution, there are insufficient funds on hand to distribute to the Members the full amount of the Tax Distributions to which such Members are otherwise entitled, Distributions pursuant to this Section 4.01(c) shall be made to the Members to the extent of available funds pro rata based upon the number of Class A Common Units held by each Member in accordance with Section 4.1(d), and the Company shall make future Tax Distributions as soon as funds become available sufficient to pay the remaining portion of the Tax Distributions to which such Members are otherwise entitled.
(iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Tax Distributions will be required to be made with respect to items arising with respect to any Liquidity Event or any other sale, redemption or Transfer of Units, although any unpaid Tax Distributions with respect to any Tax Estimation Period, or portion thereof, ending before the effective time of a Liquidity Event, or any other sale, redemption or Transfer of Units, shall continue to be required to be paid prior to any Distributions being made under Section 4.1(b).
(d) Each Distribution pursuant to Section 4.1(b) and each Distribution pursuant to Section 4.1(c) shall be made to the Persons shown on the Company’s books and records as Members as of the date of such Distribution; provided, however, that if there is a Transfer of Units (including an Exchange) during a Taxable Year, in calculating Tax Distributions: (i) the Required Tax Distribution Amount for the transferor shall be calculated excluding the portion of the transferor’s Income Amount attributable to the transferred Units, (ii) the transferor and transferee of such Units may mutually agree as to which of them should receive payment of all or any portion of unpaid Tax Distributions attributable to the transferred Units, and (iii) in the case of an Exchange, PubCo and the Exchanging Member agree that any Tax Distribution attributable to the Exchanged Units shall be allocated between the Exchanging Member and PubCo based on the relative Income Amounts of the Exchanging Member and PubCo attributable to the Exchanged Units (such determination to be made in the reasonable discretion of the Managing Member, and acknowledging that the Managing Member shall be entitled to make reasonable simplifying assumptions). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary the Managing Member may in its reasonable discretion make a Tax Distribution under Section 4.1(c) to a former Member in respect of a Taxable Year (or the portion thereof) in which such former Member was a Member.
(e) For purposes of this Section 4.1, any non-cash Company assets distributed in kind to any Members shall be valued at their Fair Market Value in accordance with Article XIV.
4.2 Allocations of Net Profit and Net Loss. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, including Section 4.3, Net Profits and Net Losses (and, to the extent necessary, individual items of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit of the Company) shall be allocated among the Capital Accounts of the Members in a manner such that, after such allocations have been made, the balance of each Member’s Capital Account is, as nearly as possible, equal to (a) the amount that would be distributed to such Member if the Company were to sell all of its assets for the Book Value thereof, satisfy all of its liabilities in cash in accordance with their terms (limited with respect to each nonrecourse liability to the Book Value of the assets securing such liability), and distribute all remaining or resulting cash pursuant to Section 13.2 (assuming all Units are fully vested for this purpose), minus (b) the Member’s share of Company Minimum Gain and Member Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain, computed immediately prior to the hypothetical sale of assets, and (without duplication) the amount any such Member is treated as obligated to contribute to the Company, computed immediately after the hypothetical sale of assets. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Managing Member in its sole discretion shall make allocations for tax purposes as may be needed to ensure that allocations are in accordance with the interests of the Members within the meaning of the Code and Treasury Regulations.
4.3 Special Allocations. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Article IV:
(a) Minimum Gain Chargeback. If there is a net decrease in Company Minimum Gain or Member Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain (determined in accordance with the principles of Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(d) and 1.704-2(i)) during any Company taxable year, the Members shall be specially allocated items of Company income and gain for such year (and, if necessary, subsequent years) in an amount equal to their respective shares of such net decrease during such year, determined pursuant to Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(g) and 1.704-2(i)(5). The items to be so allocated shall be determined in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(f). This Section 4.3(a) is intended to comply with the minimum gain chargeback requirements in such Treasury Regulations Sections and shall be interpreted consistently therewith; including that no chargeback shall be required to the extent of the exceptions provided in Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(f) and 1.704-2(i)(4).
(b) Qualified Income Offset. If any Member unexpectedly receives any adjustments, allocations, or distributions described in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), (5) or (6), items of Company income and gain shall be specially allocated to such Member in an amount and manner sufficient to eliminate the deficit balance in such Member’s Adjusted Capital Account Balance created by such adjustments, allocations or distributions as promptly as possible; provided that an allocation pursuant to this Section 4.3(b) shall be made only to the extent that a Member would have a deficit Adjusted Capital Account Balance in excess of such sum after all other allocations provided for in this Article IV have been tentatively made as if this Section 4.3(b) were not in this Agreement. This Section 4.3(b) is intended to comply with the “qualified income offset” requirement of the Code and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.
(c) Gross Income Allocation. If any Member has a deficit Capital Account at the end of any taxable year which is in excess of the sum of (i) the amount such Member is obligated to restore, if any, pursuant to any provision of this Agreement, and (ii) the amount such
Member is deemed to be obligated to restore pursuant to the penultimate sentences of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(g)(1) and 1.704-2(i)(5), each such Member shall be specially allocated items of Company income and gain in the amount of such excess as quickly as possible; provided that an allocation pursuant to this Section 4.3(c) shall be made only if and to the extent that a Member would have a deficit Capital Account in excess of such sum after all other allocations provided for in this Article IV have been tentatively made as if Section 4.3(b) and this Section 4.3(c) were not in this Agreement.
(d) Nonrecourse Deductions. Nonrecourse Deductions shall be allocated to the Members holding Class A Common Units pro rata based on the number of Class A Common Units held by each Member.
(e) Member Nonrecourse Deductions. Member Nonrecourse Deductions for any taxable period shall be allocated to the Member who bears the economic risk of loss with respect to the liability to which such Member Nonrecourse Deductions are attributable in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(j).
(f) Ameliorative Allocations. Any special allocations of income or gain pursuant to Sections 4.3(a) or 4.3(c) hereof shall be taken into account in computing subsequent allocations pursuant to Section 4.2 and this Section 4.3(f), so that the net amount of any items so allocated and all other items allocated to each Member shall, to the extent possible, be equal to the net amount that would have been allocated to each Member if such allocations pursuant to Sections 4.3(a) or 4.3(c) had not occurred.
(g) Section 754 Adjustments. To the extent an adjustment to the adjusted tax basis of any Company asset pursuant to Code Sections 734(b) or 743(b) is required, pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m)(2) or 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m)(4), to be taken into account in determining Capital Accounts as a result of a distribution to any Member in complete or partial liquidation of such Member’s Units in the Company, the amount of such adjustment to the Capital Accounts shall be treated as an item of gain (if the adjustment increases the basis of the asset) or loss (if the adjustment decreases such basis) and such item of gain or loss shall be allocated to the Members in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m)(2) if such Section applies or to the Member to whom such distribution was made if Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m)(4) applies.
(h) Guaranteed Payments and Compensation Deductions. If the Company is entitled to a deduction for a guaranteed payment within the meaning of Section 707(c) of the Code or for compensation to a person providing services to the Company or its subsidiaries, in either case, the economic cost of which is borne by a Member (and not the Company or its subsidiaries), whether paid in cash, Class A Common Units, or other property, the Member who bore such economic cost shall be treated as having contributed to the Company such cash, Class A Common Units, or other property, and the Company shall allocate the deduction attributable to such payment to such Member.
(i) Forfeiture Allocation. In the event that Unvested Class A Common Units (or any other Units subject to vesting) of any Member are forfeited, then for the fiscal year of such forfeiture or other period (as determined by the Managing Member):
(i) items of income, gain, loss, and deduction shall be excluded from the calculation of Profits and Losses and shall be specially allocated to the Member whose Units have been forfeited so as to cause such Member’s Capital Account to equal such Member’s distribution entitlements under Section 4.1 after giving effect to the adjustment in the Member’s ownership of Units resulting from the applicable forfeiture;
(ii) the Managing Member may elect to apply another allocation or Capital Account adjustment method to a Unit forfeiture as they deem appropriate in lieu of the method set forth in this Section 4.3(i).
4.4 Tax Allocations.
(a) Except as provided in Sections 4.4(b), (c) and (d), Net Profits and Net Losses (and, to the extent necessary, individual items of income, gains, losses, deductions and credits) of the Company will be allocated, for federal, state and local income tax purposes, among the holders of Units in accordance with the allocation of such income, gains, losses, deductions and credits among the holders of Units for book purposes.
(b) Items of Company taxable income, gain, loss and deduction with respect to any property contributed to the capital of the Company shall be allocated among the holders of Units in accordance with Code Section 704(c) so as to take account of any variation between the adjusted basis of such property to the Company and its Book Value using such method or methods determined by the Managing Member to be appropriate and in accordance with the applicable Treasury Regulations; provided, that the Managing Member will use the “traditional method with curative allocations,” with the curative allocations applied only to sale gain, under Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-3(c) in respect of section 197 intangibles (as defined in Section 197(d) of the Code) that are subject to reverse Section 704(c) allocations as a result of the Recapitalization described in Section 3.1(b)(i) and the contribution of cash by PubCo at the time of the IPO, and in respect of revaluations of such property following the IPO, with such curative allocations limited to gain from the sale of such section 197 intangibles as described in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-3(c)(3)(iii)(B).
(c) If the Book Value of any Company asset is adjusted pursuant to Section 3.3, subsequent allocations of items of taxable income, gain, loss and deduction with respect to such asset shall take account of any variation between the adjusted basis of such asset for federal income tax purposes and its Book Value in the same manner as under Code Section 704(c).
(d) Allocations of tax credits, tax credit recapture, and any items related thereto shall be allocated to the holders of Units according to their interests in such items as determined by the Managing Member taking into account the principles of Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(4)(ii).
(e) Allocations pursuant to this Section 4.4 are solely for purposes of federal, state and local taxes and shall not affect, or in any way be taken into account in computing, any
holder’s Capital Account or share of book income, gain, loss or deduction, distributions or other Company items pursuant to any provision of this Agreement.
4.5 Other Allocation Rules.
(a) The provisions regarding the establishment and maintenance for each Member of a Capital Account as provided by Section 3.3 and the allocations set forth in Sections 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4 are intended to comply with the Treasury Regulations and to reflect the intended economic entitlement of the Members. If the Managing Member reasonably determines that the application of the provisions in Section 3.3, 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4 would result in non-compliance with the Treasury Regulations or would be inconsistent with the intended economic entitlement of the Members, the Managing Member is authorized to make any appropriate adjustments to such provisions to the extent permitted by applicable Law, including to allocate properly items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit to those Members who bear the economic burden or benefit associated therewith, or to otherwise cause the Members to achieve the economic objectives underlying this Agreement and the Reorganization Agreement. The Managing Member also shall (i) make any adjustments that it reasonably determines are necessary or appropriate to maintain equality between the Capital Accounts of the Members and the amount of Company capital reflected on the Company’s balance sheet, as computed for book purposes, in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(iv)(g) and (ii) make any reasonable and appropriate modifications in the event unanticipated events would reasonably be expected to otherwise cause this Agreement not to comply with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b). No adjustment to the allocations shall be made under this Section 4.5(a) without the prior written consent of the TSG Members or Founder Members that would be materially adversely affected thereby, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.
(b) With regard to PubCo’s acquisition of the Class A Common Units in the Reorganization Transactions, Profits or Losses shall be allocated to the Members of the Company so as to take into account the varying interests of the Members in the Company using an “interim closing of the books” method in a manner that complies with the provisions of Section 706 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder. If during any Taxable Year there is any other change in any Member’s Units in the Company, the Managing Member shall allocate the Profits or Losses to the Members of the Company so as to take into account the varying interests of the Members in the Company using any method that complies with the provisions of Section 706 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder.
(c) Solely for purposes of determining a Member’s proportionate share of the “excess nonrecourse liabilities” of the Company, within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.752-3(a)(3), the Managing Member shall allocate such liabilities in such manner that complies with the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder and that the Managing Member reasonably determines is reasonable expected to minimize any gain of the Members to the greatest extent possible under Section 731 of the Code.
4.6 Withholding Taxes.
(a) The Company shall withhold taxes from distributions to, and allocations among, the Members to the extent required by law. Except as otherwise provided in this Section
4.6, any amount so withheld by the Company with regard to a Member shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as an amount actually distributed to such Member pursuant to Section 4.1 (a “Withholding Payment”). An amount shall be considered withheld by the Company if, and at the time, remitted to a Governmental Entity without regard to whether such remittance occurs at the same time as the distribution or allocation to which it relates; provided, however, that an amount actually withheld from a specific distribution or designated by the Managing Member as withheld from a specific allocation shall be treated as if distributed at the time such distribution or allocation occurs.
(b) Each Member hereby agrees to indemnify the Company and the other Members for any liability they may incur for failure to properly withhold taxes in respect of such Member. Moreover, each Member hereby agrees that neither the Company nor any other Member shall be liable to such Member for any excess taxes withheld in respect of such Member’s interest in the Company and that, in the event of overwithholding, a Member’s sole recourse shall be to apply for a refund from the appropriate governmental authority.
(c) If it is anticipated that at the due date of the Company’s withholding obligation the Member’s share of cash distributions or other amounts due is less than the amount of the Withholding Payment, the Member with respect to which the withholding obligation applies shall pay to the Company the amount of such shortfall within thirty (30) days after notice by the Company. If a Member fails to make the required payment when due hereunder, and the Company nevertheless pays the withholding, in addition to the Company’s remedies for breach of this Agreement, the amount paid shall be deemed a recourse loan from the Company to such Member bearing interest at an interest rate per annum equal to the Base Rate plus 3.0%, and the Company shall apply all distributions or payments that would otherwise be made to such Member toward payment of the loan and interest, which payments or distributions shall be applied first to interest and then to principal until the loan is repaid in full. In the event that the distributions or proceeds to the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company are reduced on account of taxes withheld at the source or any taxes are otherwise required to be paid by the Company and such taxes are imposed on or with respect to one or more, but not all of the Members in the Company, or all of the Members in the Company at different tax rates, the amount of the reduction shall be borne by the relevant Members and treated as if it were paid by the Company as a Withholding Payment with respect to such Members pursuant to Section 4.6(a). Taxes imposed on the Company where the rate of tax varies depending on characteristics of the Members shall be treated as taxes imposed on or with respect to the Members for purposes of Section 4.6(a). In addition, if the Company is obligated to pay any taxes (including penalties, interest and any addition to tax) to any Governmental Entity that is specifically attributable to a Member or a former Member, including, without limitation, on account of Sections 864 or 1446 of the Code, then (x) such Member or former Member shall indemnify the Company in full for the entire amount paid or payable, (y) the Managing Member may offset future distributions from such Member or former Member pursuant to Section 4.1 to which such Person is otherwise entitled under this Agreement against such Member or former Member’s obligation to indemnify the Company under this Section 4.6(c) and (z) such amounts shall be treated as a Withholding Payment pursuant to Section 4.6(a) with respect to such Member or former Member.
(d) If the Company incurs an Imputed Underpayment Amount, the Partnership Representative shall determine in its discretion the portion of such Imputed Underpayment Amount attributable to each Member or former Member and such attributable amount shall be treated as a Withholding Payment pursuant to Section 4.6(a). The portion of any Imputed Underpayment Amount attributed to a former Member shall be treated as a Withholding Payment pursuant to Section 4.6(a) with respect to such former Member. The Partnership Representative shall use commercially reasonable efforts to secure any reduction in any Imputed Underpayment Amount that is available by reason of the status of any Member (or its beneficial owners), including by means of any procedures provided pursuant to Code Section 6225(c)(3), and to allocate the benefit of any such reduction to such Member. Each Member agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, Managing Member and the Partnership Representative from and against any and all liability with respect to any Imputed Underpayment Amounts required on behalf of, or with respect to, such Member or any former Member whose former interest in the Company is held by such Member. For purposes hereof, “Imputed Underpayment Amount” shall mean any “imputed underpayment” within the meaning of Section 6225 of the Code (or any corresponding or similar provision of state, local or foreign law) paid (or payable) by the Company as a result of an adjustment with respect to any Company item, including any interest or penalties with respect to any such adjustment. Imputed Underpayment Amounts shall also include any imputed underpayment amounts within the meaning of Code Section 6225 (or any corresponding or similar provision of state, local or foreign law) which are paid (or payable) by any entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes in which the Company holds (or has held) a direct or indirect interest (other than through entities treated as corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes) to the extent that the Company bears the economic burden of such amounts, whether by law or agreement.
(e) A Member’s obligations under this Section 4.6 shall survive the dissolution and winding up of the Company and any transfer, assignment or liquidation of such Member’s interest in the Company.
4.7 Allocations Upon Final Liquidation. With respect to the fiscal year in which the final liquidation of the Company occurs in accordance with Section 13.2 of the Agreement, and notwithstanding any other provision of Sections 4.2, 4.3 or 4.4 hereof, items of Company income, gain, loss and deduction shall be specially allocated to the Members in such amounts and priorities as are necessary so that the positive Capital Accounts of the Members shall, as closely as possible, equal the amounts that will be distributed to the Members pursuant to Section 13.2.
ARTICLE V
MANAGEMENT
5.1 Authority of Managing Member. The Managing Member shall be the “manager” of the Company for the purposes of the Delaware Act. Except for situations in which the approval of one or more of the Members is specifically required by the express terms of this Agreement, and subject to the provisions of this Article V, (i) all management powers and authority over the business and affairs of the Company shall be exclusively vested in the Managing Member and any Persons to whom the Managing Member delegates such powers and
authority, (ii) the Managing Member shall conduct, direct and exercise full control over all activities of the Company, including without limitation, issuance of any Equity Securities and consummation of a Liquidity Event, and (iii) the Managing Member shall have the sole power to bind or take any action on behalf of the Company, or to exercise any rights and powers (including, without limitation, the rights and powers to take certain actions, give or withhold certain consents or approvals, or make certain determinations, opinions, judgments or other decisions) granted to the Company under this Agreement or any other agreement, instrument or other document to which the Company is a party.
5.2 Delegation of Authority.
(a) The Managing Member may, from time to time, delegate to one or more Persons, including any officer or director of the Company or PubCo (or to PubCo’s Compensation Committee or its designees), or to any other Person, such authority and duties as the Managing Member may deem advisable; provided that any such Person shall exercise such authority subject to the same duties and obligations to which the Managing Member would have otherwise been subject pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. The Manager shall not cease to be a Manager of the Company as a result of the delegation of any duties hereunder. No officer or agent of the Company, in its capacity as such, shall be considered the Manager of the Company by agreement, as a result of the performance of its duties hereunder or otherwise.
(b) The Managing Member may assign titles (including, without limitation, executive chairman, non-executive chairman, chief executive officer, president, vice president, secretary, assistant secretary, treasurer or assistant treasurer) and delegate certain authority and duties to such Persons. Any number of titles may be held by the same officer of the Company or other individual. The salaries or other compensation, if any, of the officers and agents of the Company shall be fixed from time to time by the Managing Member. Any delegation pursuant to this Section 5.2 may be revoked at any time by the Managing Member.
5.3 Appointment and Removal. The Managing Member shall be designated or may be removed by the Members holding a majority of then-outstanding votes of Class B Voting Units and Class C Voting Units, voting together as a class. The Managing Member so appointed shall hold office until a successor is appointed or until the earlier of such Managing Member’s death, resignation, expulsion, bankruptcy, dissolution, the occurrence of any other event that terminates the continued membership of the Managing Member in the Company or removal.
5.4 Compensation; Expenses.
(a) The Managing Member shall not be entitled to any compensation for services rendered to the Company in its capacity as Managing Member.
(b) The Company shall pay, or cause to be paid, all costs, fees, operating expenses and other expenses of the Company (including the costs, fees and expenses of attorneys, accountants or other professionals) incurred in pursuing and conducting, or otherwise related to, the activities of the Company. The Company shall also, in the sole discretion of the Managing Member, bear and/or reimburse PubCo or the Managing Member for (i) any costs, fees or expenses incurred by the Managing Member in connection with serving as the Managing
Member, (ii) operating, administrative and other similar costs incurred by the Managing Member, to the extent the proceeds are used or will be used by the Managing Member to pay expenses described in this clause (ii), and payments pursuant to any legal, tax, accounting and other professional fees and expenses (but, for the avoidance of doubt, excluding any tax liabilities of the Managing Member), (iii) any judgments, settlements, penalties, fines or other costs and expenses in respect of any claims against, or any litigation or proceedings involving, the Managing Member, (iv) fees and expenses (other than any underwriters’ discounts and commissions that are economically recovered by the Managing Member as a result of acquiring Company Units at a discount) related to any securities offering, investment or acquisition transaction (whether or not successful) authorized by PubCo, as the Managing Member, (v) other fees and expenses in connection with the maintenance of the existence of the Managing Member, and (vi) all other expenses allocable to the Company or otherwise incurred by PubCo or the Managing Member in connection with operating the Company’s business (including expenses allocated to PubCo or the Managing Member by their Affiliates and expenses incurred by PubCo in its capacity as Managing Member). To the extent that the Managing Member determines in its sole discretion that such expenses are related to the business and affairs of PubCo or the Managing Member that are conducted through the Company and/or its Subsidiaries (including expenses that relate to the business and affairs of the Company and/or its Subsidiaries and that also relate to other activities of PubCo or the Managing Member), the Managing Member may cause the Company to pay or bear all expenses of PubCo or the Managing Member, including, without limitation, compensation and meeting costs of any board of directors or similar body of PubCo or the Managing Member, any salary, bonus, incentive compensation and other amounts paid to any Person including Affiliates of PubCo or the Managing Member to perform services for the Company, litigation costs and damages arising from litigation, accounting and legal costs and franchise taxes, except to the extent such franchise taxes are based on or measured with respect to net income or profits; provided that the Company shall not pay or bear any income tax obligations of PubCo or the Managing Member or any obligations of PubCo or the Managing Member under the Tax Receivable Agreements. To the extent practicable, expenses incurred by PubCo or the Managing Member on behalf of or for the benefit of the Company shall be billed directly to and paid by the Company and, if and to the extent any reimbursements to PubCo or the Managing Member or any of their Affiliates by the Company pursuant to this Section 5.4(b) constitute gross income to such Person (as opposed to the repayment of advances made by such Person on behalf of the Company), such amounts shall be treated as “guaranteed payments” within the meaning of Section 707(c) of the Code and shall not be treated as distributions for purposes of computing the Members’ Capital Account. Reimbursements pursuant to this Section 5.4(b) shall be in addition to any reimbursement to PubCo or the Managing Member as a result of indemnification pursuant to Section 6.4.
5.5 Limitation of Liability.
(a) Except as otherwise provided herein, in an agreement entered into by such Person and the Company or by applicable law, none of the Managing Member or any manager, officer, director, principal, member, employee, agent or Affiliate of the Managing Member shall be liable to the Company or to any Member for any act or omission performed or omitted by the Managing Member in its capacity as the Managing Member pursuant to authority granted to such
Person by this Agreement; provided that, except as otherwise provided herein, such limitation of liability shall not apply to the extent the act or omission was attributable to such Person’s gross negligence, willful misconduct or knowing violation of law, for any present or future breaches of any representations, warranties or covenants by such Person or its Affiliates contained herein with respect to any rights of the Company under any other agreements between the Managing Member and the Company. The Managing Member may exercise any of the powers granted to it by this Agreement and perform any of the duties imposed upon it hereunder either directly or by or through its agents, and none of the Managing Member or any manager, officer, director, principal, member, employee, agent or Affiliate of the Managing Member shall be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any such agent appointed by the Managing Member (so long as such agent was selected in good faith and with reasonable care). The Managing Member shall be entitled to rely upon the advice of legal counsel, independent public accountants and other experts, including financial advisors, and any act of or failure to act by the Managing Member in good faith reliance on such advice shall in no event subject the Managing Member to liability to the Company or any Member.
(b) Except as provided in this Agreement or in the Delaware Act, the debts, obligations and liabilities of the Company, whether arising in contract, tort or otherwise, shall be solely the debts, obligations and liabilities of the Company and no Managing Member shall be obligated personally for any such debts, obligations or liabilities solely by reason of acting as the Managing Member of the Company. The Managing Member shall not be personally liable for the Company’s obligations, liabilities and Losses. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the failure of the Company to observe any formalities or requirements relating to the exercise of its powers or management of its business and affairs under this Agreement or the Delaware Act shall not be grounds for imposing personal liability on the Managing Member for liabilities of the Company.
ARTICLE VI
RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBERS
6.1 Limitation of Liability.
(a) Except as provided in this Agreement or in the Delaware Act, the debts, obligations and liabilities of the Company, whether arising in contract, tort or otherwise, shall be solely the debts, obligations and liabilities of the Company and no Member shall be obligated personally for any such debts, obligations or liabilities solely by reason of being a member of the Company. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement or the Delaware Act, a Member’s liability (in its capacity as such) for Company obligations, liabilities and Losses shall be limited to the Company’s assets; provided that a Member shall be required to return to the Company any Distribution made to it after the execution of this Agreement in clear and manifest accounting or similar error. The immediately preceding sentence shall constitute a compromise to which all Members have consented within the meaning of the Delaware Act.
(b) This Agreement is not intended to, and does not, create or impose any duty (including any fiduciary duty) on any of the Members (other than the Managing Member) hereto or on their respective Affiliates. Further, notwithstanding any other provision of this
Agreement or any duty otherwise existing at law or in equity, the parties hereto agree that no Member (other than Managing Member) shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, have duties (including fiduciary duties) to any other Member or to the Company, and in doing so, recognize, acknowledge and agree that their duties and obligations to one another and to the Company are only as expressly set forth in this Agreement; provided, however, that each Member and the Managing Member shall have the duty to act in accordance with the implied contractual covenant of good faith and fair dealing. The Managing Member shall have the same fiduciary duties to the Company and the Members (including with respect to the shares of Class A Common Stock into which such Members’ Class A Units are exchangeable) as a member of the board of directors of a Delaware corporation (assuming such corporation had in its certificate of incorporation a provision eliminating the liabilities of directors and officers to the maximum extent permitted by Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL); and (ii) each Officer shall, in their capacity as such, and not in any other capacity, have the same fiduciary duties to the Company and the Members as an officer of a Delaware corporation (assuming such corporation had in its certificate of incorporation a provision eliminating the liabilities of directors and officers to the maximum extent permitted by Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL).
(c) To the extent that, at law or in equity, any Member (other than the Managing Member) has duties (including fiduciary duties) and liabilities relating thereto to the Company, to another Member or to another Person who is a party to or is otherwise bound by this Agreement, the Members (other than the Managing Member) acting under this Agreement will not be liable to the Company, to any such other Member or to any such other Person who is a party to or is otherwise bound by this Agreement, for their good faith reliance on the provisions of this Agreement. The provisions of this Agreement, to the extent that they restrict or eliminate the duties and liabilities relating thereto of any Member (other than the Managing Member) otherwise existing at law or in equity, are agreed by the Members to replace to that extent such other duties and liabilities of the Members relating thereto (other than the Managing Member).
6.2 Lack of Authority. No Member (other than the Managing Member) in its capacity as such (other than in its capacity as a Person delegated authority pursuant to Section 5.2) has the authority or power to act for or on behalf of the Company, to do any act that would be binding on the Company or to make any expenditures on behalf of the Company. The Members hereby consent to the exercise by the Managing Member of the powers conferred on it by law and this Agreement.
6.3 No Right of Partition. No Member shall have the right to seek or obtain partition by court decree or operation of law of any Company property, or the right to own or use particular or individual assets of the Company.
6.4 Indemnification.
(a) Subject to Section 4.6, the Company hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless any Person (each an “Indemnified Person”) to the fullest extent permitted under the Delaware Act, as the same now exists or may hereafter be amended, substituted or replaced (but, in the case of any such amendment, substitution or replacement only to the extent that such amendment, substitution or replacement permits the Company to provide broader indemnification rights than the Company is providing immediately prior to such amendment,
substitution or replacement), against all expenses, liabilities and losses (including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, excise taxes or penalties, as reasonably required) reasonably incurred or suffered by such Person (or one or more of such Person’s Affiliates) by reason of the fact that such Person is or was a Member (or Affiliate of a Member) or is or was serving as the Managing Member, any additional or substitute Managing Member, a Manager or a committee member pursuant to the Prior Agreement, officer, employee or other agent of the Company or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a manager, officer, director, principal, member, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, trust or other enterprise (including any manager, officer, director, principal, member, employee or agent of the Managing Member or any additional or substitute Managing Member); provided that (unless the Managing Member otherwise consents) no Indemnified Person shall be indemnified for any expenses, liabilities and losses suffered that are attributable to such Indemnified Person’s or its Affiliates’ gross negligence, willful misconduct or knowing violation of law. Expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, incurred by any such Indemnified Person in defending a proceeding related to any such indemnifiable matter shall be paid by the Company in advance of the final disposition of such proceeding, including any appeal therefrom, upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such Indemnified Person to repay such amounts if it shall ultimately be determined that such Indemnified Person is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company.
(b) The right to indemnification and the advancement of expenses conferred in this Section 6.4 shall not be exclusive of any other right which any Person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, agreement, by-law, determination of the Managing Member or otherwise.
(c) The Company will maintain directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, at its expense, for the benefit of the Managing Member, the officers of the Company and any other Persons to whom the Managing Member has delegated its authority pursuant to Section 5.2.
(d) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary (including in this Section 6.4), any indemnity by the Company relating to the matters covered in this Section 6.4 shall be provided out of and to the extent of Company assets only and no Member (unless such Member otherwise agrees in writing or is found in a final decision by a court of competent jurisdiction to have personal liability on account thereof) shall have personal liability on account thereof or shall be required to make additional capital contributions or otherwise provide funding to help satisfy such indemnity of the Company.
(e) The Company hereby acknowledges that certain of its Members (the “Fund Indemnitees”) may have rights to indemnification, advancement of expenses and/or insurance in connection with their involvement with the Company provided by other Persons (collectively, the “Fund Indemnitors”). The Company hereby agrees (i) that it is the indemnitor of first resort (i.e., its obligations to the Fund Indemnitee are primary and any obligation of the Fund Indemnitors to advance expenses or to provide indemnification for the same expenses or liabilities incurred by the Fund Indemnitees are secondary), and (ii) that it irrevocably waives, relinquishes and releases the Fund Indemnitors from any and all claims against the Fund Indemnitors for contribution, subrogation or any other recovery of any kind in respect thereof to
the fullest extent permitted by law. The Company further agrees that no advancement or payment by the Fund Indemnitors on behalf of the Fund Indemnitees with respect to any claim for which the Fund Indemnitees have sought indemnification from the Company shall affect the foregoing and the Fund Indemnitors shall have a right of contribution and/or be subrogated to the extent of such advancement or payment to all of the rights of recovery of the Fund Indemnitees against the Company.
(f) If this Section 6.4 or any portion hereof shall be invalidated on any ground by any court of competent jurisdiction, then the Company shall nevertheless indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnified Person pursuant to this Section 6.4 to the fullest extent permitted by any applicable portion of this Section 6.4 that shall not have been invalidated and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.
6.5 Members Right to Act. For matters that require the approval of the Members generally (rather than the approval of the Managing Member on behalf of the Members or the approval of a particular group of Members), the Members shall act through meetings and written consents as described in paragraphs (a) and (b) below:
(a) Any Member entitled to vote at a meeting of Members or to express consent or dissent to Company action in writing without a meeting may authorize another person or persons to act for it by proxy. A telegram, email or similar transmission by the Member, or a photographic, photostatic, facsimile or similar reproduction of a writing executed by the Member shall (if stated thereon) be treated as a proxy executed in writing for purposes of this Section 6.5(a). No proxy shall be voted or acted upon after eleven months from the date thereof, unless the proxy provides for a longer period. A proxy shall be revocable unless the proxy form conspicuously states that the proxy is irrevocable and that the proxy is coupled with an interest. Should a proxy designate two or more Persons to act as proxies, unless that instrument shall provide to the contrary, a majority of such Persons present at any meeting at which their powers thereunder are to be exercised shall have and may exercise all the powers of voting or giving consents thereby conferred, or, if only one be present, then such powers may be exercised by that one; or, if an even number attend and a majority do not agree on any particular issue, the Company shall not be required to recognize such proxy with respect to such issue if such proxy does not specify how the votes that are the subject of such proxy are to be voted with respect to such issue.
(b) The actions by the Members permitted hereunder may be taken at a meeting called by the Managing Member or by Members holding a majority of the Class A Units on the date that is at least two Business Days’ prior written notice to the other Members entitled to vote, which notice shall state the purpose or purposes for which such meeting is being called. The actions taken by the Members entitled to vote or consent at any meeting (as opposed to by written consent), however called and noticed, shall be as valid as though taken at a meeting duly held after regular call and notice if (but not until), either before, at or after the meeting, the Members entitled to vote or consent as to whom it was improperly held signs a written waiver of notice or a consent to the holding of such meeting or an approval of the minutes thereof. The actions by the Members entitled to vote or consent may be taken by vote of the Members entitled to vote or consent at a meeting or by written consent (without a meeting, without notice and
without a vote) so long as such consent is signed by the Members having not less than the minimum number of Units that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all Members entitled to vote thereon were present and voted. Prompt notice of the action so taken without a meeting shall be given to those Members entitled to vote or consent who have not consented in writing.
Any action taken pursuant to such written consent of the Members shall have the same force and effect as if taken by the Members at a meeting thereof.
ARTICLE VII
BOOKS, RECORDS, ACCOUNTING AND REPORTS
7.1 Records and Accounting. The Company shall keep, or cause to be kept, appropriate books and records with respect to the Company’s business, including all books and records necessary to provide any information, lists and copies of documents required to be provided pursuant to Section 7.3 or pursuant to applicable laws. All matters concerning (i) the determination of the relative amount of allocations and distributions among the Members pursuant to Article III and Article IV and (ii) accounting procedures and determinations, and other determinations not specifically and expressly provided for by the terms of this Agreement, shall be determined by the Managing Member, whose determination shall be final and conclusive as to all of the Members absent manifest clerical error.
7.2 Fiscal Year. The Fiscal Year of the Company shall be such annual accounting period as is established by the Managing Member from time to time.
7.3 Reports. The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to deliver or cause to be delivered, within one hundred twenty (120) days following the completion of each Taxable Year, or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter, to each Person who was a holder of Units at any time during such Taxable Year all information from the Company necessary for the preparation of such Person’s United States federal and state income tax returns, provided that the Company shall use its best efforts to provide estimates of such information to such Persons within 60 days following the completion of such Taxable Year. Except as set forth in the immediately preceding sentence or any separate written agreement between the Company and any Member, pursuant to Section 18-305(g) of the Delaware Act, no Member shall have the right to any other information from the Company, except as may be required by any non-waivable provision of law.
7.4 Transmission of Communications. Each Person that owns or controls Units on behalf of, or for the benefit of, another Person or Persons shall be responsible for conveying any report, notice or other communication received from the Company to such other Person or Persons.
7.5 Confidentiality.
(a) The Managing Member may keep confidential from the Members, for such period of time as the Managing Member determines in its reasonable discretion, (i) any information that the Managing Member reasonably believes to be in the nature of trade secrets or
(ii) other information the disclosure of which the Managing Member believes is not in the best interests of the Company, could damage the Company or its business or that the Company or Pubco is required by law, including securities laws or regulations or by agreement with any third party to keep confidential, including without limitation, information as to the Units held by any other Member. With respect to any schedules, annexes or exhibits to this Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by law, each Member (other than the Managing Member) shall only be entitled to receive and review any such schedules, annexes and exhibits relating to such Member and shall not be entitled to receive or review any schedules, annexes or exhibits relating to any other Member (other than the Managing Member).
(b) Each Member agrees, for so long as such Member owns any Units and for a period of two (2) years following the date upon which such Member ceases to own any Units, to keep confidential, any non-public information provided to such Member by the Company; provided, however, that nothing herein will limit the disclosure of any information (i) to the extent required by law, statute, rule, regulation, judicial process, subpoena or court order or required by any governmental agency or other regulatory authority; (ii) that is in the public domain or becomes generally available to the public, in each case, other than as a result of the disclosure by the parties in violation of this Agreement; (iii) to a Member’s Permitted Transferees, advisors, representatives and Affiliates or (iv) in the case of a Member that is an Affiliate of a private equity sponsor, that is included in ordinary course reporting of the status of its investment in the Company to its Affiliates or their respective limited partners or general information about the subject matter of this Agreement and Company and its Subsidiaries in connection with such Member’s or its Affiliates’ fund raising, marketing, informational or reporting activities; provided that such advisors, representatives and Affiliates shall have been advised of this agreement and shall have expressly agreed to be bound by the confidentiality provisions hereof, or shall otherwise be bound by comparable obligations of confidentiality, and the applicable Member shall be responsible for any breach of or failure to comply with this agreement by any of its Affiliates and such Member agrees, at its sole expense, to take reasonable measures (including but not limited to court proceedings) to restrain its advisors, representatives and Affiliates from prohibited or unauthorized disclosure or use of any confidential information.
ARTICLE VIII
TAX MATTERS
8.1 Preparation of Tax Returns. The Company shall arrange for the preparation and timely filing of all tax returns required to be filed by the Company. The Managing Member shall determine the accounting methods and conventions under the tax laws of the United States, the several states and other relevant jurisdictions as to the treatment of items of income, gain, deduction, loss and credit or any other method or procedure related to the preparation of such tax returns. Each Member will, upon request, supply to the Company all reasonably accessible, pertinent information in its possession relating to the operations of the Company necessary to enable the Company’s tax returns to be prepared and filed. Each Member agrees in respect of any year in which such Member had an investment in the Company that, unless otherwise agreed by the Managing Member or as required by law, such Member shall not: (i) treat, on its individual
tax returns, any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit relating to such investment in a manner inconsistent with the treatment of such item by the Company, as reflected on the Schedule K-1 or other information statement furnished by the Company to such Member; or (ii) file any claim for refund relating to any such item based on, or which would result in, any such inconsistent treatment.
8.2 Tax Elections. The Taxable Year of the Company shall be the calendar year unless otherwise required by the Code or applicable tax laws. The Managing Member shall cause the Company to have in effect (and to cause each direct or indirect subsidiary that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes to have in effect) an election pursuant to Section 754 of the Code, to adjust the tax basis of Company properties, for the taxable year that includes the date of the initial public offering of shares of Class A Common Stock and for each taxable year in which an Exchange occurs. The Managing Member shall determine whether to make or revoke any other available election or decision relating to tax matters, including controversy in Section 8.3 pursuant to the Code. Each Member will upon request supply any information necessary to give proper effect to any such election.
8.3 Tax Controversies.
(a) With respect to tax periods ending after December 31, 2017, the Managing Member (or its permitted designee) is hereby designated the “partnership representative” of the Company for purposes of, and in accordance with, Section 6223 of the Code (and any analogous provisions of state or local Tax law) (the “Partnership Representative”). With respect to tax periods ending on or prior to December 31, 2017, the Managing Member (or its permitted designee) shall act as the “tax matters partner” within the meaning of Section 6231(a)(7) of the Code (and any analogous provisions of state or local Tax law) as in effect during such tax period (the “Tax Matters Member”). For each tax period in which the Partnership Representative is an entity, the Company shall appoint an individual identified by the Partnership Representative for such tax period to act on its behalf (the “Designated Individual”).
(b) The Partnership Representative, the Tax Matters Member, or the Designated Individual, as applicable, is authorized and required to represent the Company (at the Company’s expense) in connection with all tax audits, litigations, contests, examinations, controversies and other similar proceedings of the Company’s affairs by tax authorities, including resulting administrative and judicial proceedings, and to expend Company funds for professional services reasonably incurred in connection therewith. Each holder of Units agrees to cooperate with the Company and to do or refrain from doing any or all things reasonably requested by the Company with respect to the conduct of such proceedings. Nothing herein shall be construed to restrict the Partnership Representative, the Tax Matters Member, or the Designated Individual from engaging lawyers, accountants, tax advisers, or other professional advisers or experts to assist the Partnership Representative, the Tax Matters Member or the Designated Individual in discharging its duties hereunder. None of the Partnership Representative, the Tax Matters Member or Designated Individual shall be liable to the Company, any Member or any Affiliate thereof for any costs or losses to any Persons, any diminution in value or any liability whatsoever arising as a result of the performance of its duties pursuant to this Section 8.3 absent (i) willful breach of any provision of this Section 8.3 or (ii)
bad faith, fraud, gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the Partnership Representative, the Tax Matters Member or Designated Individual, as applicable.
(c) The Partnership Representative or Tax Matters Member, as applicable, shall keep the Managing Member fully informed of the progress of any examinations, audits or other proceedings, it being agreed that, except as otherwise provided herein, no holder of Units (other than the Managing Member (or its permitted designee), in its capacity as Partnership Representative, Tax Matters Member, or Designated Individual) shall have any right to participate in any such examinations, audits or other proceedings. Each Member hereby agrees to (i) take such actions as may be required to effect the designation of the Managing Member (or its designee) as the Partnership Representative or Tax Matters Member, (ii) to cooperate to provide any information or take such other actions as may be reasonably requested by the Partnership Representative in order to determine whether any Imputed Underpayment Amount may be modified pursuant to Section 6225(c) of the Code, and (iii) in the event the Company makes an election under Section 6226 of the Code (and any analogous provision of state or local tax law), to take such actions as may be necessary or desirable to allow the Company to comply with the requirements of such election so that any “partnership adjustments” (as defined in Section 6241(2) of the Code) are taken into account by the Members and former Members rather than the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Partnership Representative, the Tax Matters Member, and the Designated Individual shall be subject to the control of the Managing Member pursuant to Section 8.2 and shall not settle or otherwise compromise any issue in any such examination, audit or other proceeding without first obtaining approval of the Managing Member. The Partnership Representative or Tax Matters Member, as applicable, shall notify the TSG Members of any examination, audit or other proceedings with respect to the Company that could reasonably be expected to affect the tax liabilities of the TSG Members (or their beneficial owners), and the TSG Members shall have the right to observe and participate through a single representative of their choosing, at their sole expense, in the conduct of such examination, audit or other proceeding, to the extent permitted by applicable law. The provisions of the immediately preceding sentence shall also apply with respect to the Founder Members, mutatis mutandis.
ARTICLE IX
RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER OF UNITS
9.1 Transfers of Units.
(a) Except for Transfers (i) approved in writing by the Managing Member, in the case of Transfers by any Member other than the Managing Member (which approval, in case of a Transfer by a Founder Member, must include at least one board member nominated by the TSG Members, for so long as TSG Members maintain the right to nominate at least one board member pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement), (ii) in the case of Transfers by the Managing Member, to any Person who succeeds to the Managing Member in accordance with Section 5.3 or (iii) that are Permitted Transfers, pursuant to and in accordance with Section 9.1(b) or (iv) the Pre-IPO Exchanges pursuant to Section 3.1(b)(ii), the IPO Exchanges pursuant to Section 3.1(b)(iii), and future Exchanges pursuant to and in accordance with Article XII, no holder of Units may sell, transfer, assign, pledge, encumber, distribute, contribute or otherwise dispose of (whether directly or indirectly (including, for the avoidance of doubt, by Transfer or issuance of
any Capital Stock of any Member that is not a natural person), whether with or without consideration and whether voluntarily or involuntarily or by operation of law) any interest (legal or beneficial) in any Units (a “Transfer”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, “Transfer” shall not include an event that terminates the existence of a Member for income tax purposes (including, without limitation, a change in entity classification of a Member under Treasury Regulations Section 301.7701-3, a sale of assets by, or liquidation of, a Member pursuant to an election under Code Sections 336 or 338, or merger, severance, or allocation within a trust or among sub-trusts of a trust that is a Member), but that does not terminate the existence of such Member under applicable state law (or, in the case of a trust that is a Member, does not terminate the trusteeship of the fiduciaries under such trust with respect to all the Company Interests of such trust that is a Member).
(b) The restrictions contained in Section 9.1(a) shall not apply, subject to Section 9.5, to any Transfer of Units by any Member to a Permitted Transferee (each an “Permitted Transfer”); provided that the restrictions contained in this Agreement will continue to apply to the Units after any Transfer and each transferee of Units shall agree in writing, prior to and as a condition precedent to the effectiveness of such Transfer, to be bound by the provisions of this Agreement, without modification or condition, subject only to the consummation of such Transfer. Upon each Permitted Transfer, the transferor will deliver written notice to the Company, which notice will disclose in reasonable detail the identity of such transferee(s) and shall include original counterpart signature pages of this Agreement or joinder agreements in a form acceptable to the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no party hereto shall avoid the provisions of this Agreement by making one or more Transfers to one or more transferees permitted under this Section 9.1(b) and then disposing of all or any portion of such party’s interest in such transferee if such disposition would result in such transferee ceasing to be a Permitted Transferee.
(c) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, as a condition to any Transfer
(i) the holder thereof shall deliver written notice to the Company describing in reasonable detail the Transfer or proposed Transfer, which shall, if so requested by the Managing Member, be accompanied by (A) an opinion of counsel which (to the Company’s reasonable satisfaction) is knowledgeable in securities law matters to the effect that such Transfer of Units may be effected without registration of such Units under the Securities Act or (B) such other evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Managing Member to the effect that such Transfer of Units may be effected without registration of such Units under the Securities Act; and
(ii) (X) if the transferor of Units who proposes to transfer such Units (or if such transferor is a disregarded entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the first direct or indirect beneficial owner of such transferor that is not a disregarded entity (the “Transferor’s Owner”)) is a “United States person” as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code, then such transferor (or Transferor’s Owner, if applicable) shall complete and provide to both of the transferee and the Company, a valid Non-Foreign Person Certificate, including the transferor’s (or Transferor’s Owner’s, if applicable) United
States taxpayer identification number, or (Y) if the transferor of Units who proposes to transfer such Units (or if such transferor is a disregarded entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Transferor’s Owner) is not a “United States person” as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code, then such transferor and transferee shall jointly provide to the Company written proof reasonably satisfactory to the Managing Member that any applicable withholding tax that may be imposed on such transfer (including pursuant to Sections 864 and 1446 of the Code) and any related tax returns or forms that are required to be filed, have been, or will be, timely paid and filed, as applicable.
(d) Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, it shall be a condition precedent to any Transfer of any Class A Common Unit held by a Member other than PubCo that, concurrently with such Transfer such transferring Member shall also Transfer to the transferee the shares of Paired Voting Stock corresponding to such Transferred Class A Common Units.
9.2 Restricted Units Legend.
(a) The Units have not been registered under the Securities Act and, therefore, in addition to the other restrictions on Transfer contained in this Agreement, cannot be sold unless subsequently registered under the Securities Act or an exemption from such registration is then available. To the extent such Units have been certificated, each certificate evidencing Units and each certificate issued in exchange for or upon the Transfer of any Units (if such securities remain Units as defined herein after such Transfer) shall be stamped or otherwise imprinted with a legend in substantially the following form:
“THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “ACT”), OR ANY STATE SECURITIES OR BLUE SKY LAWS AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, TRANSFERRED, HYPOTHECATED OR OTHERWISE ASSIGNED EXCEPT (1) PURSUANT TO A REGISTRATION STATEMENT WITH RESPECT TO SUCH SECURITIES WHICH IS EFFECTIVE UNDER THE ACT OR (2) PURSUANT TO AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE ACT RELATING TO THE DISPOSITION OF SECURITIES AND (3) IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES AND BLUE SKY LAWS.
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE ALSO SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER SPECIFIED IN THE THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT OF THE ISSUER OF SUCH SECURITIES, AS SUCH AGREEMENT MAY BE AMENDED, MODIFIED AND/OR RESTATED FROM TIME TO TIME, AND THE ISSUER RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REFUSE THE TRANSFER OF SUCH SECURITIES UNTIL SUCH TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS HAVE BEEN FULFILLED. A COPY OF SUCH FIFTH AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT SHALL BE FURNISHED BY THE ISSUER TO THE HOLDER HEREOF UPON WRITTEN REQUEST AND WITHOUT CHARGE.”
The Company will imprint such legend on certificates (if any) evidencing Units. The legend set forth above will be removed from the certificates (if any) evidencing any units which cease to be Units in accordance with the definition thereof.
(i) In addition, if the holder of the Units delivers to the Company an opinion of counsel satisfactory to the Company that no subsequent Transfer of such Units shall require registration under the Securities Act, the Company shall promptly upon such contemplated Transfer deliver new certificates for such securities (if then certificated) which do not bear the Securities Act legend set forth in Section 9.2(a). If the Company is not required to deliver new certificates for such Units not bearing such legend, the holder thereof shall not effect any Transfer of the same until the prospective transferee has confirmed to the Company in writing its agreement to be bound by the conditions contained in this Agreement.
(b) If any Units become eligible for sale pursuant to Rule 144 of the Securities and Exchange Commission or no longer constitute “restricted securities” (as defined under Rule 144(a) of the Securities and Exchange Commission), the Company shall, upon the request of the holder of such Units, remove the Securities Act legend set forth in Section 9.2(a) above from the certificates (if any) for such securities.
9.3 Assignee’s Rights.
(a) Subject to Section 9.5(b), a Transfer of Units in a manner in accordance with this Agreement shall be effective as of the date of assignment and compliance with the conditions to such Transfer and such Transfer shall be shown on the books and records of the Company. Income, loss and other Company items shall be allocated between the transferor and the Assignee according to Code Section 706 as determined by the Managing Member. Distributions made before the effective date of such Transfer shall be paid to the transferor, and Distributions made after such date shall be paid to the Assignee.
(b) Unless and until an Assignee becomes a Member pursuant to Article X, the Assignee shall not be entitled to any of the rights granted to a Member hereunder or under applicable law, other than the rights granted specifically to Assignees pursuant to this Agreement; provided that without relieving the transferring Member from any such limitations or obligations as more fully described in Section 9.4, such Assignee shall be bound by any limitations and obligations of a Member contained herein that a Member would be bound on account of such Units (including the obligation to make Capital Contributions on account of such Units).
9.4 Assignor’s Rights and Obligations. Any Member who shall Transfer any Units in a manner in accordance with this Agreement shall cease to be a Member with respect to such Units or such other interest and shall no longer have any rights or privileges, or, except as set forth in this Section 9.4, duties, liabilities or obligations, of a Member with respect to such Units or such other interest (it being understood, however, that the applicable provisions of Sections 4.1(d), 5.5 and 6.4 shall continue to inure to such Person’s benefit), except that unless and until the Assignee is admitted as a substituted Member in accordance with the provisions of Article X (the “Admission Date”), (i) such assigning Member shall retain all of the duties, liabilities and obligations of a Member with respect to such Units or other interest, including, without
limitation, the obligation (together with its Assignee pursuant to Section 9.3(b)) to make and return Capital Contributions on account of such Units or other interest pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and (ii) the Managing Member may reinstate all or any portion of the rights and privileges of such Member with respect to such Units or other interest for any period of time prior to the Admission Date. Nothing contained herein shall relieve any Member who Transfers any Units or other interest in the Company from any liability of such Member to the Company with respect to such Units that may exist on the Admission Date or that is otherwise specified in the Delaware Act and incorporated into this Agreement or for any liability to the Company or any other Person for any materially false statement made by such Member (in its capacity as such) or for any present or future breaches of any representations, warranties or covenants by such Member (in its capacity as such) contained herein or in the other agreements with the Company.
9.5 Further Restrictions.
(a) Notwithstanding any contrary provision in this Agreement, the Managing Member may impose such vesting requirements, forfeiture provisions, Transfer restrictions, minimum retained ownership requirements or other similar provisions with respect to any Units that are outstanding as of the date of this Agreement or are created thereafter, only with the written consent of the holder of such Units. Such requirements, provisions and restrictions need not be uniform and may be waived or released by the Managing Member in its sole discretion with respect to all or a portion of the Units owned by any one or more Members at any time and from time to time, and shall not, to the fullest extent permitted by law, constitute the breach of any duty hereunder or otherwise existing at law, in equity or otherwise.
(b) Notwithstanding any contrary provision in this Agreement, in no event may any Transfer of a Unit be made by any Member or Assignee if the Managing Member determines in good faith that:
(i) such Transfer is made to any Person who lacks the legal right, power or capacity to own such Unit;
(ii) such Transfer would require the registration of such transferred Unit or of any class of Unit pursuant to any applicable U.S. federal or state securities laws (including, without limitation, the Securities Act or the Exchange Act) or other non-U.S. securities laws (including Canadian provincial or territorial securities laws) or would constitute a non-exempt distribution pursuant to applicable provincial or state securities laws;
(iii) such Transfer would cause (i) all or any portion of the assets of the Company to (A) constitute “plan assets” (under ERISA, the Code or any applicable Similar Law) of any existing or contemplated Member, or (B) be subject to the provisions of ERISA, Section 4975 of the Code or any applicable Similar Law, or (ii) the Managing Member to become a fiduciary with respect to any existing or contemplated Member, pursuant to ERISA, any applicable Similar Law, or otherwise;
(iv) to the extent requested by the Managing Member, the Company does not receive such legal and/or tax opinions and written instruments (including, without limitation, copies of any instruments of Transfer and such Assignee’s consent to be bound by this Agreement as an Assignee) that are in a form satisfactory to the Managing Member, as determined by the Managing Member in good faith; or
(v) such Transfer would pose a material risk that the Company would be treated as a “publicly traded partnership” within the meaning of Section 7704 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder.
(c) In addition, notwithstanding any contrary provision in this Agreement, to the extent the Managing Member shall reasonably determine that interests in the Company do not meet the requirements of Treasury Regulation Section 1.7704-1(h) (determined taking into account the rules of Treasury Regulations Section 1.7704-1(h)(3), provided that, for such purpose, unless otherwise required by applicable Law, the Company and the Managing Member shall assume that each Member as of immediately after the Pre-IPO Exchanges is treated as a single partner within the meaning of Regulations Section 1.7704-1(h) (and none of the Member’s beneficial owners is treated as a separate partner)), the Managing Member may impose such restrictions on the Transfer of Units or other interests in the Company as the Managing Member may reasonably determine to be necessary or advisable so that the Company is not treated as a “publicly traded partnership” within the meaning of Section 7704 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder.
9.6 Counterparts; Joinder. Prior to Transferring any Units (other than Exchanges pursuant to Pre-IPO Exchanges, the IPO Exchanges, Article XII or any other Transfer to the Company) and as a condition precedent to the effectiveness of such Transfer, the transferring holder of Units will cause the prospective transferee(s) of such Units to execute and deliver to the Company counterparts of this Agreement and any other agreements relating to such Units, or executed joinders to such agreements, in each case, in a form acceptable to the Company. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any Person who acquires in any manner whatsoever any Units, irrespective of whether such Person has accepted and adopted in writing the terms and conditions of this Agreement, shall be deemed by the acceptance of the benefits of the acquisition thereof to have agreed to be subject to and bound by all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement to which any predecessor in such Units was subject or by which such predecessor was bound.
9.7 Ineffective Transfer. Any Transfer or attempted Transfer of any Units in violation of any provision of this Agreement shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be void, and the Company will not record such Transfer on its books or treat any purported transferee of such Units as the owner of such securities for any purpose.
ARTICLE X
ADMISSION OF MEMBERS
10.1 Substituted Members. Subject to the provisions of Article IX hereof, in connection with the permitted Transfer of any Units of a Member, the transferee shall become a
Substituted Member on the effective date of such Transfer, which effective date shall not be earlier than the date of compliance with the conditions to such Transfer, and such admission shall be shown on the books and records of the Company.
10.2 Additional Members. Subject to the provisions of Article IX hereof, a Person may be admitted to the Company as an Additional Member only upon furnishing to the Company (a) counterparts of this Agreement or an executed joinders to this Agreement in a form acceptable to the Managing Member and (b) such other documents or instruments as may be necessary or appropriate to effect such Person’s admission as a Member (including entering into such documents as the Managing Member may deem appropriate); provided, however, that any Person who acquires any Units pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement shall, automatically without any further action on the part of the Company or such Person, be admitted to the Company as an Additional Member. Such admission shall become effective on the date on which the Managing Member determines that such conditions have been satisfied and when any such admission is shown on the books and records of the Company.
10.3 Additional Managing Member. No Person may be admitted to the Company as an additional Managing Member or substitute Managing Member without the prior approval of the Members holding a majority of then-outstanding votes of Class B Voting Units and Class C Voting Units, voting together as a single class. A Managing Member will not be entitled to resign as a Managing Member of the Company unless another Managing Member shall have been designated pursuant to Section 5.3 (and not have previously been removed or resigned). Any additional Managing Member or substitute Managing Member admitted as a Managing Member of the Company pursuant to this Section 10.3 is hereby authorized to, and shall, continue the Company without dissolution.
ARTICLE XI
WITHDRAWAL AND RESIGNATION OF MEMBERS
No Member shall have the power or right to withdraw or otherwise resign as a Member from the Company prior to the dissolution and winding up of the Company pursuant to Article XIII without the prior written consent of the Managing Member, except as otherwise expressly permitted by this Agreement. Any Member, however, that attempts to withdraw or otherwise resign as a Member from the Company without the prior written consent of the Managing Member upon or following the dissolution and winding up of the Company pursuant to Article XIII but prior to such Member receiving the full amount of distributions from the Company to which such Member is entitled pursuant to Article XIII shall be liable to the Company for all damages (including all lost profits and special, indirect and consequential damages) directly or indirectly caused by the withdrawal or resignation of such Member. Upon a Transfer of all of a Member’s Units in a Transfer permitted by this Agreement, subject to the provisions of Section 9.4, such Member shall cease to be a Member.
ARTICLE XII
REDEMPTION AND EXCHANGE RIGHTS
12.1 Exchange Procedures.
(a) Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Article XII and the other provisions of this Agreement, after the expiration of the period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on the lock-up expiration date (or other early release of lock-up restrictions) that is specified in those certain lock-up agreements entered into in connection with the IPO or any subsequent public offering and between the managing underwriters of the IPO and each Member (the “Lock-Up Period”), each Member (other than PubCo) shall be entitled, from time to time, to cause the Company to effect an Exchange, by delivering an Exchange Notice to the Company with a copy to PubCo. Each Exchange Notice shall be in the form set forth on Exhibit A and shall include all information required to be included therein.
(b) Solely in connection with an Exchange that coincides with a substantially concurrent public offering or private sale of Class A Common Stock, within one (1) Business Day of the giving of an Exchange Notice, the Managing Member may elect to cause the Company to settle all or a portion of the Exchange in cash proceeds from such public offering or private sale in an amount equal to the Cash Settlement (in lieu of shares of Class A Common Stock), exercisable by giving written notice of such election to the Exchanging Member within such one (1) Business Day period (such notice, the “Cash Settlement Notice”); provided, that the Exchange Date for the portion of the Exchanged Units to which the Cash Settlement Units applies shall automatically be extended for one (1) additional Business Day for purposes of this Agreement unless otherwise elected in writing by the Member that delivered the relevant Exchange Notice. The Cash Settlement Notice shall set forth the portion of the Exchanged Units which shall be redeemed for cash in lieu of Class A Common Stock. To the extent such Exchange relates to the exercise of the Exchanging Member’s registration rights under Section 3 of the Registration Rights Agreement, PubCo and the Company shall cooperate in good faith with such Exchanging Member to exercise such Exchange in a manner which preserves such Exchanging Member’s rights thereunder. At any time following the giving of a Cash Settlement Notice and prior to the Exchange Date, the Managing Member may elect (exercisable by giving written notice of such election to the Exchanging Member) to revoke the Cash Settlement Notice with respect to all or any portion of the Exchanged Units and to cause the Company to redeem such Exchanged Units on the Exchange Date for the Stock Settlement. For the avoidance of doubt, the Company shall have no obligation to make a Cash Settlement that exceeds the cash contributed to the Company by PubCo from PubCo’s offering or sales of Class A Common Stock referenced in this Section 12.1(b).
(c) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, an Exchanging Member may withdraw or amend an Exchange Notice, in whole or in part, prior to the effectiveness of the Exchange, at any time prior to 5:00 p.m. New York City time, on the Business Day immediately preceding the Exchange Date (or any such later time as may be required by applicable law) by delivery of a written notice of withdrawal to the Managing Member, specifying (1) the number of withdrawn Exchanged Units, (2) if any, the number of Exchanged Units as to which the
Exchange Notice remains in effect and (3) if the Exchanging Member so determines, a new Exchange Date or any other new or revised information permitted in the Exchange Notice.
12.2 Exchange Payment. The Exchange shall be consummated on the Exchange Date. Unless PubCo has exercised its PubCo Call Right pursuant to Section 12.6, on the Exchange Date (to be effective immediately prior to the close of business on the Exchange Date) (i) PubCo shall contribute to the Company for delivery to the Exchanging Member (x) the Stock Settlement Payment with respect to any Exchanged Units not subject to a Cash Settlement Notice and (y) the Cash Settlement Payment with respect to any Exchanged Units subject to a Cash Settlement Notice, (ii) the Exchanging Member shall transfer and surrender the Exchanged Units to the Company, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances, (iii) the Company shall issue to PubCo a number of Class A Common Units equal to the number of Class A Common Units surrendered pursuant to clause (ii), (iv) solely to the extent necessary in connection with an Exchange, PubCo shall undertake all actions, including an issuance, reclassification, distribution, division or recapitalization, with respect to the Class A Common Stock to maintain a one-to-one ratio between the number of Class A Common Units owned by PubCo, directly or indirectly, and the number of outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock and Class D Common Stock, taking into account the issuance in clause (iii), any Stock Settlement, and any other action taken in connection with this Article XII, (v) the Company shall (x) cancel the redeemed Class A Common Units which were Exchanged Units held by the Exchanging Member and (y) transfer to the Exchanging Member the Cash Settlement and/or the Stock Settlement, as applicable, and (vi) PubCo shall cancel the surrendered shares of Paired Voting Stock. On or prior to the Exchange Date, and as a condition to the Exchange, the Exchanging Member shall make any applicable Certificate Delivery. Upon the Exchange of all of a Member’s Units, such Member shall cease to be a Member of the Company.
12.3 Splits, Distributions and Reclassifications. If there is any reclassification, reorganization, recapitalization or other similar transaction in which the shares of Class A Common Stock are converted or changed into another security, securities or other property, this Article XII shall continue to be applicable, mutatis mutandis, with respect to such security or other property. This Section 12.3 is intended to preserve the intended economic effect of Section 3.1 and this Article XII and to put each Member in the same economic position, to the greatest extent possible, with respect to Exchanges as if such reclassification, reorganization, recapitalization or other similar transaction had not occurred and shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with such intent.
12.4 PubCo Covenants. PubCo shall at all times keep available, solely for the purpose of issuance upon an Exchange, out of its authorized but unissued shares of Class A Common Stock, such number of shares of Class A Common Stock that shall be issuable upon the Exchange of all outstanding Class A Common Units (other than those Class A Common Units held by PubCo); provided that nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to preclude the Company or PubCo from satisfying their obligations with respect to an Exchange by delivery of a Cash Settlement or shares of Class A Common Stock that are held in treasury of PubCo. PubCo covenants that all shares of Class A Common Stock that shall be issued upon an Exchange shall, upon issuance thereof, be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances. In addition, for so long as the shares of Class A Common
Stock are listed on a stock exchange or automated or electronic quotation system, PubCo shall cause all shares of Class A Common Stock issued upon an Exchange to be listed on such stock exchange or automated or electronic quotation system at the time of such issuance. For purposes of this Section 12.4, references to the “Class A Common Stock” shall be deemed to include any Equity Securities issued or issuable as a result of any reclassification, combination, subdivision or similar transaction of the Class A Common Stock that any Member would be entitled to receive pursuant to Section 12.4.
12.5 Exchange Taxes. PubCo, the Company and each Exchanging Member shall bear their own expenses in connection with the consummation of any Exchange, whether or not any such Exchange is ultimately consummated, except that the Company shall bear any transfer taxes, stamp taxes or duties, or other similar taxes in connection with, or arising by reason of, any Exchange; provided, however, that if any shares of Class A Common Stock are to be delivered in a name other than that of the Exchanging Member (subject to the restrictions in Article IX), then the Person or Persons in whose name the shares are to be issued shall pay to the Company or PubCo, as applicable, the amount of any additional tax that may be payable in respect of any Transfer involved in such issuance in excess of the amount otherwise due if such shares were issued in the name of the Exchanging Member or shall establish to the reasonable satisfaction of the Company or PubCo, as applicable, that such additional tax has been paid or is not payable.
12.6 PubCo Call Rights. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 12.6, with respect to any Exchange Notice, an Exchanging Member shall be deemed to have offered to sell its Exchanged Units as described in any Exchange Notice directly to PubCo (rather than causing the Company to redeem such Exchanged Units), and PubCo may, by delivery of a written notice to the Exchanging Member no later than two (2) Business Days following the giving of an Exchange Notice, in accordance with, and subject to the terms of, this Section 12.6 (such notice, a “PubCo Call Notice”), elect to purchase directly and acquire such Exchanged Units on the Exchange Date by paying to the Exchanging Member (or such other Person specified in the Exchange Notice) the Stock Settlement and/or the Cash Settlement, whereupon PubCo shall acquire the Exchanged Units on the Exchange Date and be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as the owner of such Class A Common Units. Except as otherwise provided in this Section 12.6, an exercise of the PubCo Call Right shall be consummated pursuant to the same timeframe and in the same manner as the relevant Exchange would have been consummated if PubCo had not given a PubCo Call Notice, in each case as relevant, including that Section 12.1(b) shall apply mutatis mutandis and that clauses (iv) and (vi) of Section 12.2 shall apply (notwithstanding that the other clauses thereof do not apply).
12.7 Distribution Rights. No Exchange shall impair the right of the Exchanging Member to receive any distributions payable on the Class A Common Units redeemed pursuant to such Exchange in respect of a record date that occurs prior to the Exchange Date for such Exchange. No Exchanging Member, or a Person designated by an Exchanging Member to receive shares of Class A Common Stock, shall be entitled to receive, with respect to such record date, distributions or dividends both on Class A Common Units redeemed by the Company from such Exchanging Member and on shares of Class A Common Stock received by such Exchanging Member, or other Person so designated, if applicable, in such Exchange.
12.8 Exchange Restrictions
(a) Notwithstanding any contrary provision in this Agreement, to the extent the Managing Member shall reasonably determine that interests in the Company do not meet the requirements of Treasury Regulation Section 1.7704-1(h) (determined taking into account the rules of Treasury Regulations Section 1.7704-1(h)(3), provided that, for such purpose, unless otherwise required by applicable Law, the Company and the Managing Member shall assume that each Member as of immediately after the Pre-IPO Exchanges is treated as a single partner within the meaning of Regulations Section 1.7704-1(h) (and none of the Member’s beneficial owners is treated as a separate partner)), the Managing Member may impose such restrictions on Exchanges (including limiting Exchanges or creating priority procedures for Exchanges) as the Managing Member may reasonably determine to be necessary or advisable so that the Company is not treated as a “publicly traded partnership” within the meaning of Section 7704 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder. If the Managing Member determines in good faith that any such limitations or restrictions are necessary, then before imposing any such restrictions, the Managing Member shall first consult in good faith with the Founder Members and the TSG Members in order to attempt to ameliorate the cause of such restrictions. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Exchange shall be permitted (and, if attempted, shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be void ab initio) if, in the good faith determination of the Managing Member, such Exchange would pose a material risk that the Company would be treated as a “publicly traded partnership” under Section 7704 of the Code.
(b) For the avoidance of doubt, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, a Member shall not be entitled to effect an Exchange to the extent PubCo or the Company reasonably determines that such Exchange (i) would be prohibited by law or regulation or (ii) would not be permitted under any other agreements with PubCo or its subsidiaries by which such Member is bound (including, without limitation, this Agreement) or any written policies of PubCo related to unlawful or inappropriate trading applicable to its directors, officers or other personnel. Upon such determination, PubCo shall notify the Member requesting the Exchange of such determination, which notice shall include an explanation in reasonable detail as to the reason that the Exchange has not been effected. PubCo agrees that it has taken all or will take such steps as may be required to cause to qualify for exemption under Rule 16b-3(d) or (e), as applicable, under the Exchange Act, and to be exempt for purposes of Section 16(b) under the Exchange Act, any acquisitions from, or dispositions to, PubCo of equity securities of PubCo (including derivative securities with respect thereto) and any securities that may be deemed to be equity securities or derivative securities of PubCo for such purposes that result from the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, by each officer or director of PubCo. The authorizing resolutions shall be approved by either PubCo’s board of directors or a committee composed solely of two or more Non-Employee Directors (as defined in Rule 16b-3) of PubCo. By including this covenant, it is the intention of the board that all such transactions be exempt.
12.9 Tax Matters
(a) In connection with any Exchange, the Exchanging Member shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to PubCo or the Company, as applicable, a certificate, dated as of the Exchange Date and sworn under penalties of perjury, in a form reasonably
acceptable to PubCo or the Company, as applicable, certifying as to such Exchanging Member’s taxpayer identification number and that such Exchanging Member is a not a foreign person for purposes of Section 1445 and Section 1446(f) of the Code, which certificate may be an Internal Revenue Service Form W-9 if then sufficient for such purposes under applicable Law (such certificate a “Non-Foreign Person Certificate”). If an Exchanging Member is unable to provide a Non-Foreign Person Certificate in connection with an Exchange, then, at the Managing Member’s option, (i) such Exchanging Member shall provide a certificate substantially in the form described in Treasury Regulations Section 1.1446(f)-2(c)(2)(ii)(B) or (ii) the Company shall deliver a certificate substantially in in the form described in Regulations Section 1.1446(f)-2(c)(2)(ii)(C), in each case setting forth the liabilities of the Company allocated to the Exchanged Units under Section 752 of the Code, and PubCo or the Company, as applicable, shall be permitted to withhold on the amount realized by such Exchanging Partner in respect of such Exchange as provided in Section 1446(f) of the Code and Treasury Regulations thereunder and consistent with the certificate provided pursuant to clause (i) or (ii) of this sentence, as applicable.
(b) For U.S. federal and applicable state and local income tax purposes, each of the Exchanging Member, the Company and PubCo agree to treat each Exchange as a taxable sale by the Exchanging Member of the Exchanging Member’s Class A Common Units (together with an equal number of shares of Paired Voting Stock, which shares shall not be allocated any economic value) to PubCo in exchange for (A) the payment by PubCo of the Stock Settlement, the Cash Settlement, or other applicable consideration to the Exchanging Member, and (B) to the extent provided in the Tax Receivable Agreements, corresponding payments under such Tax Receivable Agreements. Within thirty (30) days following the Exchange Date, PubCo shall deliver a Section 743 notification to the Company in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.743-1(k)(2).
12.10 Withholding. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement, with respect to any Exchange pursuant to Article XII, PubCo, the Company and their agents and affiliates shall have the right to deduct and withhold taxes (in cash or in kind, including Class A Common Stock with a fair market value determined in the sole discretion of the Managing Member equal to the amount of such taxes) from any payments to be made pursuant to such Exchange, if, in their opinion, such withholding is required by law. The Managing Member may, in its sole discretion, allow an Exchanging Member to pay such taxes owed on the Exchange in cash in lieu of the Company or PubCo, as applicable, withholding or deducting such taxes. To the extent that any of the aforementioned amounts are so withheld, such withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been delivered and paid to the recipient of the payments in respect of which such deduction and withholding was made. To the extent that any payment pursuant to this Agreement is not reduced by such deductions or withholdings, such recipient shall indemnify the applicable withholding agent for any amounts imposed by any taxing authority together with any costs and expenses related thereto. PubCo and the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to provide the Exchanging Member with at least three (3) days prior written notice of any amounts that they determine is required by law and shall use commercially shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Exchanging Member to reduce or eliminate any applicable withholding.
12.11 Representations and Warranties. In connection with any Exchange or exercise of a PubCo Call Right, (i) upon the acceptance of the Class A Common Stock or an amount of cash equal to the Cash Settlement , the Exchanging Member shall represent and warrant that the Exchanging Member is the owner of the number of Class A Common Units that the Exchanging Member is electing to Exchange and that such Class A Common Units are not subject to any liens or restrictions on transfer (other than restrictions imposed by this Agreement, the charter and governing documents of PubCo and applicable Law), and (ii) if the Managing Member elects a Stock Settlement, the Managing Member shall represent that (A) the shares of Class A Common Stock issued to the Exchanging Member in settlement of the Stock Settlement are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and were issued in compliance in all material respects with applicable securities laws, and (B) the issuance of such shares of Class A Common Stock issued to the Exchanging Member in settlement of the Stock Settlement does not conflict with or result in any breach of the organizational documents of PubCo.
ARTICLE XIII
DISSOLUTION AND WINDING UP
13.1 Dissolution. The Company shall not be dissolved by the admission of Additional Members or Substituted Members or the attempted withdrawal or resignation of a Member. The Company shall dissolve, and its affairs shall be wound up, upon:
(a) the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution of the Company under Section 18-802 of the Delaware Act;
(b) any event which makes it unlawful for the business of the Company to be carried on by the Members;
(c) at any time there are no Members, unless the Company is continued in accordance with the Delaware Act; or
(d) the determination of the Managing Member in its sole discretion; provided that in the event of a dissolution pursuant to this clause (d), the relative economic rights of each class of Units immediately prior to such dissolution shall be preserved to the greatest extent practicable with respect to Distributions made to Members pursuant to Section 13.2 in connection with the winding up of the Company, taking into consideration tax and other legal constraints that may adversely affect one or more parties hereto and subject to compliance with applicable laws and regulations, unless, and to the extent that, with respect to any class of Units, holders of not less than 90% of the Units of such class consent in writing to a treatment other than as described above.
Except as otherwise set forth in this Article XIII, the Company is intended to have perpetual existence. Death, retirement, resignation, expulsion, bankruptcy or dissolution of a Member or the occurrence of any other event that terminates the continued membership of a Member in the Company shall not, in and of itself, cause a dissolution of the Company and the Company shall continue in existence subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
13.2 Winding Up and Termination. On dissolution of the Company, the Managing Member shall act as liquidating trustee or may appoint one or more Persons as liquidating trustee. The liquidating trustee shall proceed diligently to wind up the affairs of the Company and make final Distributions as provided herein and in the Delaware Act. The costs of winding up shall be borne as a Company expense. Until final Distribution, the liquidating trustee shall continue to operate the Company properties with all of the power and authority of the Managing Member. The steps to be accomplished by the liquidating trustee are as follows:
(a) as promptly as possible after dissolution and again after completion of the winding up, the liquidating trustee shall cause a proper accounting to be made by a recognized firm of certified public accountants of the Company’s assets, liabilities and operations through the last day of the calendar month in which the dissolution occurs or the completion of the winding up is completed, as applicable;
(b) the liquidating trustee shall pay, satisfy or discharge from Company funds all of the debts, liabilities and obligations of the Company (including, without limitation, all expenses incurred of winding up) or otherwise make adequate provision for payment and discharge thereof (including, without limitation, the establishment of a cash fund for contingent, conditional or unmatured liabilities in such amount and for such term as the liquidating trustee may reasonably determine); and
(c) all remaining assets of the Company shall be distributed to the Members in accordance with Section 4.1(b) by the end of the Taxable Year of the Company during which the winding up of the Company occurs (or, if later, by ninety (90) days after the date of the winding up).
The Distribution of cash and/or property to Members in accordance with the provisions of this Section 13.2 and Section 13.3 constitutes a complete return to the Members of their Capital Contributions and a complete Distribution to the Members of their interest in the Company and all the Company’s property and constitutes a compromise to which all Members have consented within the meaning of the Delaware Act. To the extent that a Member returns funds to the Company, it has no claim against any other Member for those funds.
13.3 Deferment; Distribution in Kind. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 13.2, but subject to the order of priorities set forth therein, if upon dissolution of the Company the liquidating trustee determines that an immediate sale of part or all of the Company’s assets would be impractical or would cause undue loss (or would otherwise not be beneficial) to the Members, the liquidating trustee may, in their sole discretion, defer for a reasonable time the winding up of any assets except those necessary to satisfy Company liabilities (other than loans to the Company by Members) and reserves. Subject to the order of priorities set forth in Section 13.2, the liquidating trustee may, in their sole discretion, distribute to the Members, in lieu of cash, either (i) all or any portion of such remaining Company assets in-kind in accordance with the provisions of Section 13.2(c), (ii) as tenants in common and in accordance with the provisions of Section 13.2(c), undivided interests in all or any portion of such Company assets or (iii) a combination of the foregoing. Any such Distributions in kind shall be subject to (x) such conditions relating to the disposition and management of such assets as the liquidating trustee deem reasonable and equitable and (y) the terms and conditions of any agreements governing
such assets (or the operation thereof or the holders thereof) at such time. Any Company assets distributed in kind will first be written up or down to their Fair Market Value, thus creating Profit or Loss (if any), which shall be allocated in accordance with Section 4.2. The liquidating trustee shall determine the Fair Market Value of any property distributed in accordance with the valuation procedures set forth in Article XIV.
13.4 Cancellation of Certificate. On completion of the winding up of the Company’s affairs and Distribution of Company assets as provided herein, the Company is terminated (and the Company shall not be terminated prior to such time), and the Managing Member (or such other Person or Persons as the Delaware Act may require or permit) shall file a certificate of cancellation with the Secretary of State of Delaware, cancel any other filings made pursuant to this Agreement that are or should be canceled and take such other actions as may be necessary to terminate the Company. The Company shall be deemed to continue in existence for all purposes of this Agreement until it is terminated pursuant to this Section 13.4.
13.5 Reasonable Time for Winding Up. A reasonable time shall be allowed for the orderly winding up of the business and affairs of the Company and the liquidation of its assets pursuant to Sections 13.2 and 13.3 in order to minimize any losses otherwise attendant upon such winding up.
13.6 Return of Capital. The liquidating trustee shall not be personally liable for the return of Capital Contributions or any portion thereof to the Members (it being understood that any such return shall be made solely from Company assets).
ARTICLE XIV
VALUATION
14.1 Value. “Fair Market Value” of any asset, property or equity interest means the amount which a seller of such asset, property or equity interest would receive in a sale of such asset, property or equity interest in an arms-length transaction with an unaffiliated third party consummated on a date determined by the Managing Member (which may be the date on which the event occurred which necessitated the determination of the Fair Market Value) (and after giving effect to any transfer taxes payable in connection with such sale). Notwithstanding the foregoing, in making the determination of Fair Market Value as described in Section 14.2, the Managing Member, the Disputing Member (as defined below) and any investment banking firm (as described below) shall not give effect or take into account any “minority discount” or “illiquidity discount” (or any similar discount arising out of the fact that the Units are restricted or are not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, publicly traded or listed on a securities exchange), but shall value the Company and its Subsidiaries and their respective businesses in their entirety on an enterprise basis using any variety of industry recognized valuation techniques commonly used to value businesses.
14.2 Determination and Dispute. Fair Market Value shall be determined by the Managing Member (or, if pursuant to Section 13.3, the liquidating trustee) in its good faith judgment in such manner as it deems reasonable and using all factors, information and data deemed to be pertinent. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at the request of any Founder Member or
TSG Member(a “Disputing Member”), the Managing Member will retain an investment banking firm of recognized national standing reasonably acceptable to such Founder Member, or TSG Member to determine the Fair Market Value of such Units, assets or consideration.
ARTICLE XV
GENERAL PROVISIONS
15.1 Power of Attorney.
(a) Each holder of Units hereby constitutes and appoints the Managing Member and the liquidating trustee, with full power of substitution, as his, her or its true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact, with full power and authority in his, her or its name, place and stead, to:
(i) execute, swear to, acknowledge, deliver, file and record in the appropriate public offices (A) this Agreement, all certificates and other instruments and all amendments thereof which the Managing Member deems appropriate or necessary to form, qualify, or continue the qualification of, the Company as a limited liability company in the State of Delaware and in all other jurisdictions in which the Company may conduct business or own property; (B) all instruments which the Managing Member deems appropriate or necessary to reflect any amendment, change, modification or restatement of this Agreement in accordance with its terms; (C) all conveyances and other instruments or documents which the Managing Member deems appropriate or necessary to reflect the dissolution and winding up of the Company pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, including a certificate of cancellation; and (D) all instruments relating to the admission, withdrawal or substitution of any Member pursuant to Article X or Article XI; and
(ii) sign, execute, swear to and acknowledge all ballots, consents, approvals, waivers, certificates and other instruments appropriate or necessary, in the reasonable judgment of the Managing Member, to evidence, confirm or ratify any vote, consent, approval, agreement or other action which is made or given by such holder of Units hereunder or is consistent with the terms of this Agreement and/or appropriate or necessary (and not inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement), in the reasonable judgment of the Managing Member, to effectuate the terms of this Agreement.
(b) For the avoidance of doubt, the foregoing power of attorney does not include the power or authority to vote any Units held by any Member on any matter on which the Members have a right to vote, either at a meeting or by any written consent, either as contemplated by Section 6.5 or otherwise under this Agreement.
(c) The foregoing power of attorney is irrevocable and coupled with an interest, and shall survive the death, disability, incapacity, dissolution, bankruptcy, insolvency or termination of any holder of Units and the Transfer of all or any portion of his, her or its Units and shall extend to such holder’s heirs, successors, assigns and personal representatives.
15.2 Amendments.
(a) The Managing Member (pursuant to its power of attorney from the holders of Units as provided in Section 15.1 or otherwise), without the consent of any holder of Units, may amend any provision of this Agreement, and execute, swear to, acknowledge, deliver, file and record whatever documents may be required in connection therewith, to reflect:
(i) a change in the name of the Company or the location of the principal place of business of the Company;
(ii) admission, substitution, removal or withdrawal of Members or Assignees in accordance with this Agreement;
(iii) a change that does not adversely affect any holder of Units in any material respect in its capacity as an owner of Units and is necessary or desirable to satisfy any requirements, conditions or guidelines contained in any opinion, directive, order, ruling or regulation of any United States federal or state agency or judicial authority or contained in any United States federal or state statute; or
(iv) as contemplated by Section 3.1(d).
(b) Except as provided in Section 2.2 and Section 15.2(a), this Agreement may not be amended or modified except with the consent of the Managing Member and the consent or approval of each of the Founder Majority Interest and the TSG Majority Interest, for so long as the Founder Members or the TSG Members hold at least 10% of the then outstanding Class A Units, respectively. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, even if the Founder Members and/or TSG Members hold less than 10% of the then-outstanding Class A Units, respectively, the Founder Majority Interest and TSG Majority Interest must also consent to or approve any amendments or modifications to Article IV, Section 6.1, Section 9.1, Section 13.2, this Section 15.2 or related definitions or any other amendments or modifications that affect the rights granted to the applicable Founder Members and/or TSG Members in such sections in any materially adverse respect, provided, further, any amendment which would materially and adversely affect the rights or duties of a Member on a discriminatory and non-pro rata basis shall require the consent of such Member, other than those actions set forth in Section 15.2(a) above. In addition, the amendment of any specific approval, consent, voting right, or transfer rights of a specified Member shall require the approval of such Member, provided that such Member holds the relevant Units, as applicable, required to exercise such rights. Any amendment or modification effected in accordance with this Section 15.2(b) shall be effective, in accordance with its terms, with respect to the rights and obligations of and binding upon all Members. For the avoidance of doubt, without any action or requirement of consent by any Member, the Company shall update the books and records of the Company to remove a Member’s name therefrom once such Member no longer holds any Equity Securities, following which such Person shall cease to be a “Member” or have any rights or obligations under this Agreement.
15.3 Title to Company Assets. The Company assets shall be deemed to be owned by the Company as an entity, and no holder of Units, individually or collectively, shall have any ownership interest in such Company assets or any portion thereof. The Managing Member
hereby declares and warrants that any Company assets for which legal title is held in its name or the name of any nominee shall be held in trust by the Managing Member or such nominee for the use and benefit of the Company in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement. All Company assets shall be recorded as the property of the Company on its books and records, irrespective of the name in which legal title to such Company assets is held.
15.4 Addresses and Notices. Any notice provided for in this Agreement will be in writing and will be either personally delivered, or received by certified mail, return receipt requested, sent by reputable overnight courier service (charges prepaid) or facsimile to the Company at the address set forth below and to any other recipient and to any holder of Units at such address as indicated by the Company’s records, or at such address or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party has specified by prior written notice to the sending party. Notices will be deemed to have been given hereunder when delivered personally or sent by facsimile (provided confirmation of transmission is received), three days after deposit in the U.S. mail and one day after deposit with a reputable overnight courier service. The Company’s address is:
To the Company:
Dutch Mafia, LLC
110 SW 4th Street
Grants Pass, OR 97526
Facsimile Number: (541) 471-0330
Email Address: legal@dutchbros.com
Attention: General Counsel
To the Managing Member:
Dutch Bros, Inc.
110 SW 4th Street
Grants Pass, OR 97526
Facsimile Number: (541) 471-0330
Email Address: legal@dutchbros.com
Attention: General Counsel
in each case, with a copy (which shall not constitute written notice) to:
Cooley LLP
Attn: Eric Jensen
3175 Hanover Street
Palo Alto, CA 94304
15.5 Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their heirs, executors, administrators, successors, legal representatives and permitted assigns.
15.6 Creditors. None of the provisions of this Agreement shall be for the benefit of or enforceable by any creditors of the Company or any of its Affiliates, and no creditor who makes
a loan to the Company or any of its Affiliates may have or acquire (except pursuant to the terms of a separate agreement executed by the Company in favor of such creditor) at any time as a result of making the loan any direct or indirect interest in Company Profits, Losses, Distributions, capital or property other than as a secured creditor.
15.7 Waiver. No failure by any party to insist upon the strict performance of any covenant, duty, agreement or condition of this Agreement or to exercise any right or remedy consequent upon a breach thereof shall constitute a waiver of any such breach or any other covenant, duty, agreement or condition.
15.8 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which will be an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement binding on all the parties hereto. Counterparts may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including pdf or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, e.g., www.docusign.com) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.
15.9 Applicable Law; Waiver of Jury Trial. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions (whether of the State of Delaware or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware. Any dispute relating hereto shall be heard in the state or federal courts of Delaware, and the parties agree to exclusive jurisdiction and venue therein and waive, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection based on venue or forum non conveniens with respect to any action instituted therein. The parties hereto hereby consent to service being made through the notice procedures set forth in Section 15.4 and irrevocably submit to the jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts. THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVE, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
15.10 Severability. Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provision or the effectiveness or validity of any provision in any other jurisdiction, and this Agreement will be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.
15.11 Further Action. The parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to execute and deliver all documents, provide all information and take or refrain from taking such actions as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this Agreement.
15.12 Offset. Whenever the Company is to pay any sum to any holder of Units or any Affiliate or related person thereof, any undisputed amounts that such holder of Units or such Affiliate or related person owes to the Company (such lack of dispute to be evidenced by written
confirmation of such by such holder of Units or related person thereof) may be deducted from that sum before payment.
15.13 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, those documents expressly referred to herein (including, without limitation, the Reorganization Agreement the Tax Receivable Agreements, the Registration Rights Agreement and the Stockholders Agreement) and other documents of even date herewith embody the complete agreement and understanding among the parties and supersede and preempt any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or among the parties, written or oral (including the Prior Agreement), which may have related to the subject matter hereof in any way.
15.14 Remedies. Each holder of Units shall have all rights and remedies set forth in this Agreement and all rights and remedies which such Person has been granted at any time under any other agreement or contract and all of the rights which such Person has under any law. Any Person having any rights under any provision of this Agreement or any other agreements contemplated hereby shall be entitled to seek to enforce such rights specifically (without posting a bond or other security), to recover damages by reason of any breach of any provision of this Agreement and to exercise all other rights granted by law.
15.15 Descriptive Headings; Interpretation. The descriptive headings of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and do not constitute a substantive part of this Agreement. Whenever required by the context, any pronoun used in this Agreement shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine or neuter forms, and the singular form of nouns, pronouns and verbs shall include the plural and vice versa. The use of the word “including” in this Agreement shall be by way of example rather than by limitation. Reference to any agreement, document or instrument means such agreement, document or instrument as amended or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof, and if applicable hereof. Wherever required by the context, references to a Fiscal Year shall refer to a portion thereof. The use of the words “or,” “either” and “any” shall not be exclusive. The parties hereto have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. In the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, to the fullest extent permitted by law, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties hereto, and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement. Wherever a conflict exists between this Agreement and any other agreement, this Agreement shall control but solely to the extent of such conflict.
15.16 Spousal Consent. Each Member who is married severally represents that true and complete copies of this Agreement and all documents to be executed by such Member hereunder have been furnished to his or her spouse; represents and warrants to the Company and to the other Members that such spouse has read this Agreement and all related documents applicable to such Member, is familiar with each of their terms, and has agreed to be bound to the obligations of such Member hereunder and thereunder.
* * * * *
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement as of the date first written above.
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DUTCH MAFIA LLC
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By:
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Name:
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Title:
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DUTCH BROS INC.
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By:
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Name:
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Title:
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement as of the date first written above.
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MEMBERS
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[Member 1]
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By:
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Name:
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Title:
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement as of the date first written above.
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MEMBERS
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[Member 2]
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By:
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EXHIBIT A
[FORM OF]
ELECTION OF EXCHANGE
Dutch Bros, Inc.
110 SW 4th Street
Grants Pass, OR 97526
Facsimile Number: (541) 471-0330
Email Address: jlute@dutchbros.com
Attention: General Counsel
Dutch Mafia LLC
110 SW 4th Street
Grants Pass, OR 97526
Facsimile Number: (541) 471-0330
Email Address: jlute@dutchbros.com
Attention: General Counsel
Reference is hereby made to the Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated as of [ ] (as amended and/or restated from time to time, the “LLC Agreement”), among Dutch Bros Inc., a Delaware corporation (“PubCo”), Dutch Mafia LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”), and the Members from time to time party thereto (each, a “Holder”). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the LLC Agreement.
Effective as of the Exchange Date as determined in accordance with the LLC Agreement, the undersigned Member hereby transfers and surrenders to the Company the number of Class A Common Units set forth below and an equal number of shares of Paired Voting Stock held by such Member in exchange for the issuance to the undersigned Member of that number of shares of Class A Common Stock equal to the number of Class A Common Units so exchanged (to be issued in its name as set forth below in book entry for so long as the Company does not elect to certificate its capital stock), or, at the election of the Managing Member, a Cash Settlement to the account set forth below, in each case in accordance with the LLC Agreement. The undersigned hereby acknowledges that the Exchange of Class A Common Units shall include the cancellation of an equal number of outstanding shares of Paired Voting Stock held by the undersigned that have been surrendered in such Exchange.
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Legal Name of Undersigned Member:
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Address:
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Number of Class A Common Units to be Exchanged:
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Maximum Stated Selling Price of such Units
(See Exchange TRA §3.1(c)):
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Cash Settlement Instructions:
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If the undersigned Member desires the shares of Class A Common Stock be settled through the facilities of The Depositary Trust Company (“DTC”), please indicate the account of the DTC participant below.
In the event PubCo elects to certificate the shares of Class A Common Stock issued to the Member, please indicate the following:
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Legal Name for Certificate Delivery:
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Address for Certificate Delivery:
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The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that the undersigned is the owner of the number of Class A Common Units the undersigned is electing to Exchange pursuant to this Exchange Notice, and that such Class A Common Units are not subject to any liens or restrictions on transfer (other than restrictions imposed by the Agreement, the charter and governing documents of PubCo and applicable Law).
The undersigned hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints any officer of PubCo, as applicable, as the attorney of the undersigned, with full power of substitution and resubstitution in the premises, solely to do any and all things and to take any and all actions necessary to effect the Exchange elected hereby, in each case in accordance with the LLC Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned, by authority duly given, has caused this Election of Exchange to be executed and delivered by the undersigned or by its duly authorized attorney.
TAX RECEIVABLE AGREEMENT (Reorganization)
between
DUTCH BROS INC.
and
THE PERSONS NAMED HEREIN
Dated as of [ ]
TAX RECEIVABLE AGREEMENT
This TAX RECEIVABLE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), is dated as of[ ], and is between Dutch Bros Inc., a Delaware corporation, each of the undersigned parties who held equity interests in the Blockers as set forth in Exhibit A, and each of the other persons from time to time that becomes a party hereto (each, a “TRA Party” and together the “TRA Parties”).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the TRA Parties, through their ownership of the Blockers, indirectly held Class A Common Units (the “Units”) in Dutch Mafia LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“OpCo”), which is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income Tax purposes;
WHEREAS, TSG7 A AIV VI Holdings L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, is classified as an association taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income Tax purposes;
WHEREAS, DG Coinvestor Blocker, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (together with TSG7 A AIV VI Holdings L.P., the “Blockers”), is classified as an association taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income Tax purposes;
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Master Reorganization Agreement dated on or about the IPO Date, among the Corporate Taxpayer and the parties named therein, in connection with the IPO, (i) a separate wholly owned, direct Subsidiary of the Corporate Taxpayer will merge with and into each of the Blockers, with each of the Blockers surviving the applicable merger (each a “Blocker Merger”), and (ii) immediately thereafter, each of the Blockers will merge with and into the Corporate Taxpayer (each a “Second Step Merger” and together with the Blocker Mergers, the “Reorganization”);
WHEREAS, after the Pre-IPO Exchanges (as defined in the LLC Agreement), the Corporate Taxpayer will be the sole managing member of OpCo, and will hold, directly and/or indirectly, Units;
WHEREAS, as a result of the Reorganization, the Corporate Taxpayer will be entitled to use the Pre-Merger NOLs, Blocker Transferred Basis and Basis Adjustments relating to the Acquired Units;
WHEREAS, the income, gain, loss, expense and other Tax items of the Corporate Taxpayer may be affected by the (i) Pre-Merger NOLs, (ii) Blocker Transferred Basis, (iii) Basis Adjustments, and (iv) Imputed Interest (collectively, the “Tax Attributes”); and
WHEREAS, the parties to this Agreement desire to provide for certain payments and make certain arrangements with respect to the effect of the Tax Attributes on the liability for Taxes of the Corporate Taxpayer.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the respective covenants and agreements set forth herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.1 Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the terms set forth in this Article I shall have the following meanings (such meanings to be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined).
“Acquired Units” means the Units acquired by the Corporate Taxpayer in the Second Step Mergers.
“Actual Tax Liability” means, with respect to any Taxable Year, an amount, not less than zero, equal to the actual liability for Taxes of (i) the Corporate Taxpayer and (ii) without duplication, OpCo (and OpCo’s applicable subsidiaries), but in the case of this clause (ii) only with respect to Taxes imposed on OpCo (and OpCo’s applicable subsidiaries) and allocable to the Corporate Taxpayer; provided, that the actual liability for Taxes described in clause (i) shall be calculated (a) using the Assumed Rate, solely for purposes of calculating the U.S. state and local Actual Tax Liability of the Corporate Taxpayer, and (b) assuming, solely for purposes of calculating the liability for U.S. federal income Taxes, in order to prevent double counting, that U.S. state and local Taxes are not deductible by the Corporate Taxpayer for U.S. federal income Tax purposes.
“Affiliate” means , with respect to any specified Person, (a) any other Person that directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, Controls, is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, such specified Person, (b) a Member of the Immediate Family of such specified Person, and (c) any investment fund advised or managed by, or under common Control with, such specified Person.
“Agreed Rate” means a per annum rate of the lesser of (i) 6.5% and (ii) LIBOR plus 100 basis points.
“Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble to this Agreement.
“Amended Schedule” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3(b) of this Agreement.
“Assumed Rate” means, for any Taxable Year with respect to Taxes imposed on the Corporate Taxpayer by U.S. state and local jurisdictions, the tax rate equal to the sum of the product of (x) OpCo’s Tax apportionment percentage(s) for each U.S. state and local jurisdiction in which the Corporate Taxpayer files Tax Returns for the relevant Taxable Year and (y) the highest corporate Tax rate(s) for each such U.S. state and local jurisdiction in which the Corporate Taxpayer files Tax Returns for each relevant Taxable Year; provided, that the Assumed Rate calculated pursuant to the foregoing shall be reduced by the assumed U.S. federal income Tax benefit received by the Corporate Taxpayer with respect to U.S. state and local jurisdiction Taxes (with such benefit calculated as the product of (a) the Corporate Taxpayer’s marginal U.S. federal income Tax rate for such Taxable Year and (b) the Assumed Rate (without regard to this proviso)).
“Attributable” means the portion of any Tax Attribute of the Corporate Taxpayer that is “Attributable” to the Blocker Shareholders and shall be determined by reference to the Tax Attributes, under the following principles:
(i) any Pre-Merger NOLs and Blocker Transferred Basis shall be determined separately with respect to each Blocker, using reasonable methods for tracking such Pre-Merger NOLs or Blocker Transferred Basis, and are Attributable to the Blocker Shareholders of each Blocker whose Pre-Merger NOLs or Blocker Transferred Basis carried over to the Corporate Taxpayer (determined without regard to any dilutive or antidilutive effect of any contribution to or distribution from OpCo after the date of the applicable Reorganization (including without regard to any contribution by the Corporate Taxpayer to OpCo under Section 721 of the Code in conjunction with the IPO), and not taking into account any adjustment under Section 743(b) of the Code);
(ii) any Basis Adjustment shall be determined separately with respect to the Corporate Taxpayer’s acquisition of Acquired Units from each Blocker, using reasonable methods for tracking such Basis Adjustments, and are Attributable to the Blocker Shareholders in an amount equal to the total Basis Adjustments relating to such Acquired Units of such Blocker (determined without regard to any dilutive or antidilutive effect of any contribution to or distribution from OpCo after the date of the Reorganization);
(iii) any Pre-Merger NOLs, Blocker Transferred Basis, and Basis Adjustments that are Attributable to the Blocker Shareholders of a Blocker as described above in clauses (i) and (ii) shall be Attributable to each Blocker Shareholder in proportion to such Blocker Shareholder’s interest in such Blocker;
(iv) any deduction to the Corporate Taxpayer with respect to a Taxable Year in respect of Imputed Interest is Attributable to the Person that is required to include the Imputed Interest in income (without regard to whether such Person is actually subject to Tax thereon).
“Basis Adjustment” means the adjustment to the Tax basis of a Reference Asset under Sections 732 of the Code (in situations where OpCo becomes an entity that is disregarded as separate from its owner for U.S. federal income Tax purposes) or under Sections 734(b), 743(b) and/or 754 of the Code (in situations where OpCo remains in existence as an entity
treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income Tax purposes), and, in each case, analogous sections of state, local and foreign Tax laws, as a result of the Corporate Taxpayer’s acquisition of the Acquired Units in the Second Step Mergers.
“Basis Schedule” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1 of this Agreement.
“Beneficial Owner” means, with respect to any security, a Person who directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, has or shares: (i) voting power, which includes the power to vote, or to direct the voting of, such security; and/or (ii) investment power, which includes the power to dispose of, or to direct the disposition of, such security. The term “Beneficial Ownership” shall have a correlative meaning.
“Blocker Shareholder” means each Person who, prior to the applicable Blocker Merger, holds equity interests of a Blocker and, as a result of such Blocker Merger, holds Class D shares of common stock of the Corporate Taxpayer.
“Blocker Transferred Basis” means the existing Tax basis of any Reference Asset that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, depreciable or amortizable (or that will eventually be subject to depreciation or amortization once placed in service), stock of a corporation or land, in each case, that is Attributable to the Acquired Units, determined as of immediately prior to Blocker Mergers. For the avoidance of doubt, Blocker Transferred Basis shall not include any Basis Adjustments.
“Blocker Merger” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals of this Agreement.
“Blockers” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals of this Agreement.
“Business Day” means each day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banking institutions in State of New York are authorized or required by law to close.
“Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:
(i) any Person or any group of Persons acting together that would constitute a “group” for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended or any successor provisions thereto (excluding (a) a corporation or other entity owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Corporate Taxpayer in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Corporate Taxpayer or (b) a group of Persons in which one or more of the TSG Members or the Founder Members (each as defined in the LLC Agreement) or any of their Affiliates, directly or indirectly hold Beneficial Ownership of securities representing more than 50% of the total voting power held by such group) is or becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Corporate Taxpayer representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Corporate Taxpayer’s then outstanding voting securities; or
(ii) there is consummated a merger or consolidation of the Corporate Taxpayer with any other corporation or other entity, and, immediately after the consummation of such merger or consolidation, the voting securities of the Corporate Taxpayer
immediately prior to such merger or consolidation do not continue to represent or are not converted into more than 50% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Person resulting from such merger or consolidation or, if the surviving company is a Subsidiary, the ultimate parent thereof; or
(iii) the stockholders of the Corporate Taxpayer approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Corporate Taxpayer or there is consummated an agreement or series of related agreements for the sale, lease or other disposition, directly or indirectly, by the Corporate Taxpayer of all or substantially all of the Corporate Taxpayer’s assets, other than such sale or other disposition by the Corporate Taxpayer of all or substantially all of the Corporate Taxpayer’s assets to an entity at least 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of which are owned by stockholders of the Corporate Taxpayer in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Corporate Taxpayer immediately prior to such sale.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a “Change of Control” shall not be deemed to have occurred by virtue of the consummation of any transaction or series of integrated transactions immediately following which the record holders of the shares of the Corporate Taxpayer immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to have substantially the same proportionate ownership in, and voting control over, and own substantially all of the shares of, an entity which owns, directly or indirectly, all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporate Taxpayer immediately following such transaction or series of transactions.
“Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
“Control” means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
“Corporate Taxpayer” means Dutch Bros Inc. and any successor corporation and shall include any Person that is a member of any consolidated Tax Return of which Dutch Bros Inc. is a member.
“Corporate Taxpayer Return” means the U.S. federal income Tax Return of the Corporate Taxpayer filed with respect to Taxes of any Taxable Year, including any consolidated Tax Return.
“Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefit” for a Taxable Year means the cumulative amount of Realized Tax Benefits for all Taxable Years of the Corporate Taxpayer, up to and including such Taxable Year net of the Realized Tax Detriment for the same period. The Realized Tax Benefit and Realized Tax Detriment for each Taxable Year shall be determined based on the most recent Tax Benefit Schedules or Amended Schedules, if any, in existence at the time of such determination; provided, that, for the avoidance of doubt, the computation of the Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefit shall be adjusted to reflect any applicable Determination with respect to any Realized Tax Benefits and/or Realized Tax Detriments.
“Default Cap” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(c) of this Agreement.
“Default Rate” means a per annum rate of LIBOR plus 500 basis points.
“Determination” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 1313(a) of the Code or any other event (including the execution of IRS Form 870-AD), including a settlement with the applicable Taxing Authority, that establishes the amount of any liability for Tax.
“Dispute” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.8(a) of this Agreement.
“Early Termination Date” means the date of an Early Termination Notice for purposes of determining the Early Termination Payment.
“Early Termination Effective Date” means the date on which an Early Termination Schedule becomes binding pursuant to Section 4.2 of this Agreement.
“Early Termination Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2 of this Agreement.
“Early Termination Payment” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.3(b) of this Agreement.
“Early Termination Rate” means the lesser of (i) 6.5% and (ii) LIBOR plus 100 basis points.
“Early Termination Schedule” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2 of this Agreement.
“Estimated Tax Benefit Payment” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6 of this Agreement.
“Exchange TRA” means the Tax Receivable Agreement (Exchanges) between the Corporate Taxpayer, OpCo, and certain current and former members of OpCo, dated on or about the date hereof.
“Exchange TRA Parties” means each party (other than the Corporate Taxpayer) to the Exchange TRA.
“Expert” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.9 of this Agreement.
“Future TRAs” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1 of this Agreement.
“Hypothetical Tax Liability” means, with respect to any Taxable Year, an amount, not less than zero, equal to the hypothetical liability for Taxes of (i) the Corporate Taxpayer and (ii) without duplication, OpCo (and OpCo’s applicable subsidiaries), but in the case of this clause (ii) only with respect to Taxes imposed on OpCo (and OpCo’s applicable subsidiaries) and allocable to the Corporate Taxpayer, in each case using the same methods, elections, conventions, and practices used on the relevant Tax Returns of the Corporate Taxpayer and OpCo, but (a) calculated without taking into account the Pre-Merger NOLs, Blocker Transferred Basis or Basis Adjustments for the Reference Assets, (b) excluding any deduction attributable to Imputed Interest attributable to any payment made under this Agreement for the
Taxable Year, and (c), with respect to the Taxes described in clause (i) only, calculated (A) using the Assumed Rate, solely for purposes of calculating the U.S. state and local Hypothetical Tax Liability of the Corporate Taxpayer, and (B) assuming, solely for purposes of calculating the liability for U.S. federal income Taxes, in order to prevent double counting, that U.S. state and local Taxes are not deductible by the Corporate Taxpayer for U.S. federal income Tax purposes. For the avoidance of doubt, Hypothetical Tax Liability shall be determined without taking into account the carryover or carryback of any Tax item (or portions thereof) that is attributable to a Tax Attribute as applicable.
“Imputed Interest” in respect of a TRA Party shall mean any interest imputed under Section 1272, 1274, 7872 or 483 or other provision of the Code with respect to the Corporate Taxpayer’s payment obligations in respect of such TRA Party under this Agreement.
“Interest Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(b) of this Agreement.
“IPO” means the initial public offering of Class A shares of common stock of the Corporate Taxpayer (including any option to purchase additional Class A Shares exercisable by the underwriters related to such initial public offering).
“IPO Date” means the initial closing date of the IPO.
“IRS” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
“Joinder” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.6(a) of this Agreement.
“LIBOR” means during any period, the rate which appears on the Bloomberg Page BBAM1 (or on such other substitute Bloomberg page that displays rates at which U.S. dollar deposits are offered by leading banks in the London interbank deposit market), or the rate which is quoted by another source selected by the Corporate Taxpayer as an authorized information vendor for the purpose of displaying rates at which U.S. dollar deposits are offered by leading banks in the London interbank deposit market (an “Alternate Source”), at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two (2) Business Days prior to the first day of such period as the London interbank offered rate for U.S. dollars having a borrowing date and a maturity comparable to such period or, if such period is longer than one year, the London interbank offered rate for U.S. dollars having a maturity of one year (or if there shall at any time, for any reason, no longer exist a Bloomberg Page BBAM1 (or any substitute page) or any LIBOR Alternate Source, a comparable replacement rate determined by the Corporate Taxpayer at such time, which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error); provided, that at no time shall LIBOR be less than 0%. If the Corporate Taxpayer has made the determination (such determination to be conclusive absent manifest error) that (i) LIBOR is no longer a widely recognized benchmark rate for newly originated loans in the U.S. loan market in U.S. dollars or (ii) the applicable supervisor or administrator (if any) of LIBOR has made a public statement identifying a specific date after which LIBOR shall no longer be used for determining interest rates for loans in the U.S. loan market in U.S. dollars, then the Corporate Taxpayer shall, subject to the prior written consent of the TRA Party Representative (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), establish a replacement interest rate (the “Replacement Rate”), after giving due consideration to any evolving or then prevailing
conventions for similar loans in the U.S. loan market in U.S. dollars for such alternative benchmark, and including any mathematical or other adjustments to such benchmark giving due consideration to any evolving or then prevailing convention for similar loans in the U.S. loan market in U.S. dollars for such benchmark, which adjustment, method for calculating such adjustment and benchmark shall be published on an information service as selected from time to time by the Corporate Taxpayer. The Replacement Rate shall, subject to the next two sentences, replace LIBOR for all purposes under this Agreement. In connection with the establishment and application of the Replacement Rate, this Agreement shall be amended solely with the consent of the Corporate Taxpayer and OpCo, as may be necessary or appropriate, in the reasonable judgment of the Corporate Taxpayer, to effect the provisions of this definition. The Replacement Rate shall be applied in a manner consistent with market practice; provided that, in each case, to the extent such market practice is not administratively feasible for the Corporate Taxpayer, such Replacement Rate shall be applied as otherwise reasonably determined by the Corporate Taxpayer.
“LLC Agreement” means the Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of OpCo, dated on or about the date hereof, as such agreement may be further amended, restated, supplemented and/or otherwise modified from time to time.
“Material Objection Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2 of this Agreement.
“Member of the Immediate Family” means, with respect to any Person who is an individual, (a) each parent, spouse (but not including a former spouse or a spouse from whom such Person is legally separated) or child (including those adopted) of such individual and (b) each trust naming only one or more of the Persons listed in clause (a) above as beneficiaries.
“Net Tax Benefit” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(b) of this Agreement.
“Objection Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3(a) of this Agreement.
“OpCo” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals of this Agreement.
“Opt-Out Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(c) of this Agreement.
“Person” means any individual, corporation, firm, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, estate, trust, business association, organization, governmental entity or other entity.
“Pre-Merger NOLs” means, without duplication, the net operating losses, capital losses, research and development credits, work opportunity tax credits, excess Section 163(j) limitation carryforwards, charitable deductions, foreign Tax credits and any Tax attributes subject to carryforward under Section 381 of the Code that the Corporate Taxpayer is entitled to utilize as a result of the Blockers’ participation in the Reorganization that relate to periods (or portions thereof) prior to the Reorganization. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “Pre-Merger NOL” shall not include any Tax attribute of a Blocker that is used to offset Taxes of such Blocker, if such offset Taxes are attributable to taxable periods (or portion thereof) ending on or prior to the date of the Reorganization.
“Realized Tax Benefit” means, for a Taxable Year, the excess, if any, of the Hypothetical Tax Liability over the Actual Tax Liability. If all or a portion of the Actual Tax Liability for the Taxable Year arises as a result of an audit by a Taxing Authority of any Taxable Year, such liability shall not be included in determining the Realized Tax Benefit unless and until there has been a Determination.
“Realized Tax Detriment” means, for a Taxable Year, the excess, if any, of the Actual Tax Liability over the Hypothetical Tax Liability. If all or a portion of the Actual Tax Liability for the Taxable Year arises as a result of an audit by a Taxing Authority of any Taxable Year, such liability shall not be included in determining the Realized Tax Detriment unless and until there has been a Determination.
“Reconciliation Dispute” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.9 of this Agreement.
“Reconciliation Procedures” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3(a) of this Agreement.
“Reference Asset” means any asset that is held by OpCo, or by any of its direct or indirect Subsidiaries treated as a partnership or disregarded entity (but only to the extent such indirect Subsidiaries are held through Subsidiaries treated as partnerships or disregarded entities) for purposes of the applicable Tax, at the time of the Reorganization. A Reference Asset also includes any asset that is “substituted basis property” under Section 7701(a)(42) of the Code with respect to a Reference Asset. For the avoidance of doubt, a Reference Asset does not include an asset held directly or indirectly by a Subsidiary treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income Tax purposes.
“Reorganization” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals of this Agreement.
“Schedule” means any of the following: (i) a Basis Schedule; (ii) a Tax Benefit Schedule; or (iii) the Early Termination Schedule.
“Second Step Merger” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals of this Agreement.
“Senior Obligations” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1 of this Agreement.
“Subsidiaries” means, with respect to any Person, as of any date of determination, any other Person as to which such Person, owns, directly or indirectly, or otherwise controls more than 50% of the voting power or other similar interests or the sole general partner interest or managing member or similar interest of such Person.
“Take-Private Transaction” by any Person or group of Persons means (i) the acquisition by such Person or group of Persons, acting together, of all or substantially of the issued and outstanding Class A Shares (other than Class A Shares then held, directly or indirectly, by such Person or group of Persons or their Affiliates), or (ii) any sale of securities, merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization or other transaction to which such Person or group of Persons or their Affiliates is a party, as a result of which the Class A Shares cease to
be listed on the a National Securities Exchange or automated or electronic quotation system on which such securities were listed, provided, that notwithstanding the foregoing, any event that constitutes a Change of Control shall not constitute a “Take-Private Transaction.”
“Tax Attributes” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals of this Agreement.
“Tax Benefit Payment” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(b) of this Agreement.
“Tax Benefit Schedule” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2 of this Agreement.
“Tax Return” means any return, declaration, report or similar statement filed or required to be filed with respect to Taxes (including any attached schedules), including, without limitation, any information return, claim for refund, amended return and declaration of estimated Tax.
“Taxable Year” means a taxable year of the Corporate Taxpayer as defined in Section 441(b) of the Code or comparable section of state or local Tax law, as applicable (and, therefore, for the avoidance of doubt, may include a period of less than twelve (12) months for which a Tax Return is made), ending after the IPO Date.
“Taxes” means any and all U.S. federal, state, local and foreign taxes, assessments or similar charges that are based on or measured with respect to net income or profits (including, for the avoidance of doubt, alternative minimum taxes and franchise taxes that are based on or measured with respect to net income or profits), and any interest related to such Tax.
“Taxing Authority” means any domestic, federal, national, state, county or municipal or other local government, any subdivision, agency, commission or authority thereof, or any quasi-governmental body exercising any taxing authority or any other authority exercising Tax regulatory authority.
“TRA Party” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble to this Agreement.
“TRA Party Representative” means TSG7 A AIV VI Holdings-A, L.P., or such other Person as designated in writing by the TRA Party Representative after the date hereof (including in connection with an assignment of a TSG Party’s rights hereunder).
“Treasury Regulations” means the final, temporary and proposed regulations under the Code promulgated from time to time (including corresponding provisions and succeeding provisions) as in effect for the relevant taxable period.
“True-Up” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6 of this Agreement.
“TSG Assignee” means any Permitted Transferee (as such term is defined in the Joinder) of a TSG Party.
“TSG Party” means the Blocker Shareholders, and any Person that becomes a TRA Party for purposes of this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.6(a) of this Agreement.
“Units” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals of this Agreement.
“Valuation Assumptions” shall mean, as of an Early Termination Date, the assumptions that in each Taxable Year ending on or after such Early Termination Date, (1) the Corporate Taxpayer will have taxable income sufficient to fully utilize the Tax items arising from the Tax Attributes (other than any items addressed in clause (2) below) during such Taxable Year or future Taxable Years (including, for the avoidance of doubt, Imputed Interest that would result from future payments made under this Agreement that would be paid in accordance with the Valuation Assumptions) in which such deductions would become available, (2) any Pre-Merger NOLs or loss carryovers generated by deductions arising from any Tax Attributes or Imputed Interest that are available as of the date of such Early Termination Date will be used by the Corporate Taxpayer on a pro rata basis from the date of such Early Termination Date through the earlier of (x) the scheduled expiration date under applicable Tax law of such Pre-Merger NOLs or loss carryovers or (y) the fifth (5th) anniversary of the Early Termination Date, (3) the U.S. federal income Tax rates that will be in effect for each such Taxable Year will be those specified for each such Taxable Year by the Code and other law as in effect on the Early Termination Date, the Assumed Rate will be calculated based on such rates and the apportionment factors applicable in the most recently ended Taxable Year (except to the extent any change to such Tax rates has already been enacted into law), and LIBOR or the Replacement Rate, as applicable, that will be in effect for each such Taxable Year will be the rate in effect on the Early Termination Date, and (4) any non-amortizable, non-depreciable assets will be disposed of on the later of the fifteenth (15th) anniversary of the IPO Date or the fifth (5th) anniversary of the Early Termination Date, and any cash equivalents will be disposed of twelve (12) months following the Early Termination Date; provided, that in the event of a Change of Control, such non-amortizable, non-depreciable assets shall be deemed disposed of at the time of sale (if applicable) of the relevant asset in the Change of Control (if earlier than such fifteenth (15th) anniversary).
ARTICLE II
DETERMINATION OF CERTAIN REALIZED TAX BENEFIT
SECTION 2.1 Basis Schedule. Within ninety (90) calendar days after the due date (including extensions) of IRS Form 1120 (or any successor form) of the Corporate Taxpayer for each relevant Taxable Year, the Corporate Taxpayer shall deliver to each TRA Party a schedule (the “Basis Schedule”) that shows, in reasonable detail necessary to perform the calculations required by this Agreement, (i) the Blocker Transferred Basis of the Reference Assets Attributable to such TRA Party, (ii) the Basis Adjustments with respect to the Reference Assets Attributable to such TRA Party, (iii) with respect to depreciable or amortizable Reference Assets, the period (or periods) over which such Blocker Transferred Basis and each such Basis Adjustment Attributable to such TRA Party is amortizable and/or depreciable, and (iv) the Pre-Merger NOLs Attributable to such TRA Party that remain (if any) and may give rise to payments pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. All costs and expenses incurred in connection with the provision and preparation of the Basis Schedules and Tax Benefit Schedules under this Agreement shall be borne by OpCo.
SECTION 2.2 Tax Benefit Schedule.
(a) Tax Benefit Schedule. Within ninety (90) calendar days after the due date (including extensions) of IRS Form 1120 (or any successor form) of the Corporate Taxpayer for any Taxable Year in which there is a Realized Tax Benefit or a Realized Tax Detriment Attributable to a TRA Party, the Corporate Taxpayer shall provide to such TRA Party a schedule showing, in reasonable detail, the calculation of the Realized Tax Benefit and Tax Benefit Payment, or the Realized Tax Detriment, as applicable, in respect of such TRA Party for such Taxable Year (a “Tax Benefit Schedule”). Each Tax Benefit Schedule will become final as provided in Section 2.3(a) and may be amended as provided in Section 2.3(b) (subject to the procedures set forth in Section 2.3(b)).
(b) Applicable Principles. Subject to Section 3.3, the Realized Tax Benefit (or the Realized Tax Detriment) for each Taxable Year is intended to measure the decrease (or increase) in the actual liability for Taxes of the Corporate Taxpayer for such Taxable Year attributable to the Tax Attributes, determined using a “with and without” methodology. Carryovers or carrybacks of any Tax item attributable to any of the Tax Attributes shall be considered to be subject to the rules of the Code and the Treasury Regulations or the applicable provisions of U.S. state and local Tax law, as applicable, governing the use, limitation and expiration of carryovers or carrybacks of the relevant type. If a carryover or carryback of any Tax item includes a portion that is attributable to any Tax Attribute (the “TRA Portion”) and another portion that is not (the “Non-TRA Portion”), such portions shall be considered to be used in accordance with the “with and without” methodology so that the amount of any Non-TRA Portion is deemed utilized, to the extent available, prior to the amount of any TRA Portion, to the extent available (with the TRA Portion being applied on a proportionate basis consistent with the provisions of Section 3.3. The parties agree that (A) all Tax Benefit Payments (other than the portion of the Tax Benefit Payments treated as Imputed Interest thereon) attributable to Blocker Transferred Basis, Basis Adjustments or Pre-Merger NOLs will be treated as “other property or money” within the meaning of Section 356(a)(1)(B) of the Code received in the respective Blocker Merger, and will be treated as such for tax reporting purposes to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, (B) the Actual Tax Liability will take into account the deduction of the portion of the Tax Benefit Payment that must be accounted for as Imputed Interest, and (C) the liability for Taxes of the Corporate Taxpayer and the taxable income of the Corporate Taxpayer for Tax purposes as determined for purposes of calculating the Actual Tax Liability and the Hypothetical Tax Liability shall include, without duplication, such liability for Taxes and such taxable income that is economically borne by or allocated to the Corporate Taxpayer as a result of the provisions of Section 4.6(d) of the LLC Agreement; provided, however, that such liability for Taxes and such taxable income shall be included in the Hypothetical Tax Liability and the Actual Tax Liability subject to the adjustments and assumptions set forth in the definitions thereof and, to the extent any such amount is taken into account on an Amended Schedule, such amount shall adjust a Tax Benefit Payment, as applicable, in accordance with Section 2.3(b).
(c) Administrative Assumptions. For the avoidance of doubt, the Corporate Taxpayer shall be entitled to make reasonable simplifying assumptions in making determinations contemplated by this Agreement, including reasonable assumptions regarding
basis recovery periods based on available balance sheet information and including the assumption that the Assumed Rate is to be applied against the amount of taxable income of the Corporate Taxpayer for U.S. federal income Tax purposes that is used in calculating the Actual Tax Liability and the Hypothetical Tax Liability (and the parties hereby agree that that the Corporate Taxpayer’s determination of the Realized Tax Benefit and Realized Tax Detriment with respect to U.S. state and local Taxes will not take into account jurisdiction-specific U.S. state and local adjustments to the U.S. federal taxable income base or to the U.S. federal rules regarding the utilization of Tax attribute carryovers). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, to the extent the Corporate Taxpayer reasonably determines (in consultation with its accounting and Tax advisors and the TRA Party Representatives) that the administrative burden and costs associated with calculating the Tax Attributes with respect to any Subsidiary of OpCo would materially outweigh the Tax Benefit Payment attributable to such Tax Attributes, the Corporate Taxpayer shall be permitted to determine that such Tax Attributes shall not be treated as Tax Attributes for all purposes of this Agreement.
SECTION 2.3 Procedures, Amendments.
(a) Procedure. Every time the Corporate Taxpayer delivers to a TRA Party an applicable Schedule under this Agreement, including any Amended Schedule delivered pursuant to Section 2.3(b), and any Early Termination Schedule or amended Early Termination Schedule, the Corporate Taxpayer shall also (x) deliver to such TRA Party supporting schedules and work papers, as determined by the Corporate Taxpayer or as reasonably requested by such TRA Party, providing reasonable detail regarding data and calculations that were relevant for purposes of preparing the Schedule and (y) allow such TRA Party reasonable access at no cost to the appropriate representatives at the Corporate Taxpayer, as determined by the Corporate Taxpayer or as reasonably requested by such TRA Party, in connection with a review of such Schedule. Without limiting the generality of the preceding sentence, the Corporate Taxpayer shall ensure that any Tax Benefit Schedule that is delivered to a TRA Party, along with any supporting schedules and work papers, provides a reasonably detailed presentation of the calculation of the Actual Tax Liability and the Hypothetical Tax Liability and identifies any material assumptions or operating procedures or principles that were used for purposes of such calculations. An applicable Schedule or amendment thereto shall become final and binding on all parties thirty (30) calendar days from the date on which all relevant TRA Parties are treated as having received the applicable Schedule or amendment thereto under Section 7.1 unless any TRA Party Representative (i) within thirty (30) calendar days from such date provides the Corporate Taxpayer with written notice of a material objection to such Schedule (“Objection Notice”) made in good faith or (ii) provides a written waiver of such right of any Objection Notice within the period described in clause (i) above, in which case such Schedule or amendment thereto becomes binding on the date the waiver is received by the Corporate Taxpayer. If the Corporate Taxpayer and the TRA Party Representative, for any reason, are unable to successfully resolve the issues raised in the Objection Notice within thirty (30) calendar days after receipt by the Corporate Taxpayer of an Objection Notice, the Corporate Taxpayer and the TRA Party Representative shall employ the reconciliation procedures as described in Section 7.9 of this Agreement (the “Reconciliation Procedures”).
(b) Amended Schedule. The applicable Schedule for any Taxable Year may be amended from time to time by the Corporate Taxpayer (i) in connection with a Determination affecting such Schedule, (ii) to correct material inaccuracies in the Schedule identified as a result of the receipt of additional factual information relating to a Taxable Year after the date the Schedule was provided to a TRA Party, (iii) to comply with an Expert’s determination under the Reconciliation Procedures, (iv) to reflect a change in the Realized Tax Benefit, or the Realized Tax Detriment for such Taxable Year attributable to a carryback or carryforward of a loss or other Tax item to such Taxable Year, (v) to reflect a change in the Realized Tax Benefit or the Realized Tax Detriment for such Taxable Year attributable to an amended Tax Return filed for such Taxable Year or (vi) to adjust an applicable TRA Party’s Basis Schedule to take into account payments made pursuant to this Agreement (any such Schedule, an “Amended Schedule”). The Corporate Taxpayer shall provide an Amended Schedule to each applicable TRA Party when the Corporate Taxpayer delivers the Basis Schedule for the following taxable year.
ARTICLE III
TAX BENEFIT PAYMENTS
SECTION 3.1 Payments.
(a) Payments. Within five (5) Business Days after a Tax Benefit Schedule delivered to a TRA Party becomes final in accordance with Section 2.3(a) and Section 7.9, if applicable, the Corporate Taxpayer shall pay such TRA Party for such Taxable Year the Tax Benefit Payment determined pursuant to Section 3.1(b) that is Attributable to such TRA Party. Each such Tax Benefit Payment shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the bank account previously designated by such TRA Party to the Corporate Taxpayer or as otherwise agreed by the Corporate Taxpayer and such TRA Party. For the avoidance of doubt, (x) no Tax Benefit Payment shall be required to be made in respect of estimated Tax payments, including, without limitation, U.S. federal estimated income Tax payments and (y) the payments provided for pursuant to the above sentence shall be computed separately for each TRA Party.
(b) A “Tax Benefit Payment” in respect of a TRA Party for a Taxable Year means an amount, not less than zero, equal to the Net Tax Benefit that is Attributable to such TRA Party and the Interest Amount with respect thereto. For the avoidance of doubt, for tax purposes, the Interest Amount shall not be treated as interest, but instead, shall be treated as additional consideration in the applicable transaction, unless otherwise required by law. Subject to Section 3.3, the “Net Tax Benefit” for a Taxable Year shall be an amount equal to the excess, if any, of 85% of the Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefit as of the end of such Taxable Year, over the total amount of payments previously made under the first sentence of Section 3.1(a) (excluding payments attributable to Interest Amounts) provided, for the avoidance of doubt, that no such recipient shall be required to return any portion of any previously made Tax Benefit Payment. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the parties acknowledge and agree that the determination of the portion of the Tax Benefit Payment to be paid to a TRA Party under this Agreement with respect to U.S. state and local Taxes shall not require separate “with and without” calculations in respect of each applicable U.S. state and local Tax jurisdiction
but rather will be based on the U.S. federal taxable income or gain for such taxable year reported on the Corporate Taxpayer’s IRS Form 1120 (or any successor form) and the Assumed Rate. The “Interest Amount” shall equal the interest on the Net Tax Benefit calculated at the Agreed Rate from the due date (without extensions) for filing IRS Form 1120 (or any successor form) of the Corporate Taxpayer with respect to Taxes for such Taxable Year until the payment date under Section 3.1(a) or Section 3.6, as applicable.
(c) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the aggregate payments to a TRA Party under this Agreement shall not exceed 45% of the fair market value of the consideration received by a TRA Party in the Reorganization (the “Default Cap”), provided that, if a TRA Party delivers written notification before the end of its taxable year that includes the Reorganization to the Corporate Taxpayer of a stated maximum selling price (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation 15A.453-1(c)(2)), the amount of the initial consideration received in connection with the Reorganization and the aggregate Tax Benefit Payments to such TRA Party in respect of the Acquired Units (other than amounts accounted for as interest under the Code) shall not exceed such stated maximum selling price, and the Default Cap shall not apply with respect to such TRA Party.
SECTION 3.2 No Duplicative Payments. It is intended that the provisions of this Agreement will not result in duplicative payment of any amount (including interest) required under this Agreement. The provisions of this Agreement shall be construed in the appropriate manner to ensure such intentions are realized.
SECTION 3.3 Pro Rata Payments. Notwithstanding anything in Section 3.1 to the contrary, to the extent that the aggregate Realized Tax Benefit of the Corporate Taxpayer with respect to the Tax Attributes is limited in a particular Taxable Year because the Corporate Taxpayer does not have sufficient taxable income, the Net Tax Benefit of the Corporate Taxpayer and the “Net Tax Benefit” of the Corporate Taxpayer under the Exchange TRA shall collectively be allocated among all parties eligible for Tax Benefit Payments under this Agreement and all parties eligible for “Tax Benefit Payments” under the Exchange TRA in proportion to the amount of Net Tax Benefit, as such term is defined in this Agreement and in the Exchange TRA, as applicable, that would have been Attributable to each such party if the Corporate Taxpayer had sufficient taxable income so that there were no such limitation.
SECTION 3.4 Payment Ordering. If for any reason the Corporate Taxpayer does not fully satisfy its payment obligations to make all Tax Benefit Payments due under this Agreement in respect of a particular Taxable Year, then the Corporate Taxpayer and the TRA Parties agree that (i) Tax Benefit Payments for such Taxable Year shall be allocated to all parties eligible for Tax Benefit Payments under this Agreement in proportion to the amounts of Net Tax Benefit, respectively, that would have been Attributable to each TRA Party if the Corporate Taxpayer had sufficient cash available to make such Tax Benefit Payments and (ii) no Tax Benefit Payments shall be made in respect of any Taxable Year until all Tax Benefit Payments to all TRA Parties in respect of all prior Taxable Years have been made in full.
SECTION 3.5 Excess Payments. To the extent the Corporate Taxpayer makes a payment to a TRA Party in respect of a particular Taxable Year under Section 3.1(a) of this Agreement (taking into account Section 3.3 and Section 3.4) in an amount in excess of the
amount of such payment that should have been made to such TRA Party in respect of such Taxable Year, then (i) such TRA Party shall not receive further payments under Section 3.1(a) until such TRA Party has foregone a cumulative amount of payments equal to such excess and (ii) the Corporate Taxpayer will pay the amount of such TRA Party’s foregone payments to the other Persons to whom a payment is due under this Agreement and the Exchange TRA and that have not received any such excess payment in a manner such that each such Person to whom a payment is due under this Agreement and the Exchange TRA, to the maximum extent possible, receives aggregate payments under Section 3.1(a) (taking into account Section 3.3 and Section 3.4) and the corresponding sections of the Exchange TRA in the amount it would have received if there had been no excess payment to such TRA Party.
SECTION 3.6 Optional Estimated Tax Benefit Payment Procedure. As long as the Corporate Taxpayer is current in respect of its payment obligations owed to each TRA Party pursuant to this Agreement and there are no delinquent Tax Benefit Payments (including interest thereon) outstanding in respect of prior Taxable Years for any TRA Party, and is current with respect to the corresponding obligations to the Exchange TRA Parties under the Exchange TRA, the Corporate Taxpayer may, in its sole discretion, make one or more estimated payments to the TRA Parties and Exchange TRA Parties in respect of any anticipated amounts to be owed pursuant to Section 3.1 of this Agreement and Section 3.1 of the Exchange TRA (any such estimated payment referred to as an “Estimated Tax Benefit Payment”); provided that any Estimated Tax Benefit Payment made to a TRA Party pursuant to this Section 3.6 is matched by a proportionately equal Estimated Tax Benefit Payment to all other TRA Parties and Exchange TRA Parties then entitled to a Tax Benefit Payment; provided further that any Estimated Tax Benefit Payment that is made in advance of the due date (without extensions) for filing the U.S. federal income Tax Return of the Corporate Taxpayer for the Taxable Year shall be treated as being made on such due date for purposes of determining the Interest Amount. Any Estimated Tax Benefit Payment made under this Section 3.6 shall be paid by the Corporate Taxpayer to the TRA Parties and applied against the final amount of any Tax Benefit Payment to be made pursuant to Section 3.1. The payment of an Estimated Tax Benefit Payment by the Corporate Taxpayer to the TRA Parties pursuant to this Section 3.6 shall also terminate the obligation of the Corporate Taxpayer to make payment of any Interest Amount that might have otherwise accrued with respect to the proportionate amount of the Tax Benefit Payment that is being paid in advance of the applicable Tax Benefit Schedule being finalized pursuant to Section 2.3(a). Upon the making of any Estimated Tax Benefit Payment pursuant to this Section 3.6, the amount of such Estimated Tax Benefit Payment shall first be applied to any estimated Interest Amount, if any, and then applied to the remaining residual amount of the Tax Benefit Payment to be made pursuant to Section 3.1. In determining the final amount of any Tax Benefit Payment to be made pursuant to Section 3.1, and for purposes of finalizing the Tax Benefit Schedule pursuant to Section 2.3(a), the amount of any Estimated Tax Benefit Payments that may have been made with respect to the Taxable Year shall be increased if the finally determined Tax Benefit Payment for a Taxable Year exceeds the Estimated Tax Benefit Payments made for such Taxable Year, with such increase being paid by the Corporate Taxpayer to the TRA Parties along with an appropriate Interest Amount (and any Default Rate interest) in respect of the amount of such increase (a “True-Up”). If the Estimated Tax Benefit Payment to a TRA Party for a Taxable Year exceeds the finally determined Tax Benefit Payment to the TRA Party for such Taxable
Year, such excess shall be applied to reduce the amount of any subsequent future Tax Benefit Payments (including Estimated Tax Benefit Payments, if any) to be paid by the Corporate Taxpayer to such TRA Party. As of the date on which any Estimated Tax Benefit Payments are made, and as of the date on which any True-Up is made, all such payments shall be made in the same manner and subject to the same terms and conditions as otherwise contemplated by Section 3.1 and all other applicable terms of this Agreement.
ARTICLE IV
TERMINATION
SECTION 4.1 Early Termination of Agreement; Breach of Agreement.
(a) The Corporate Taxpayer may terminate this Agreement with respect to all amounts payable to the TRA Parties and with respect to all of the Units held by the TRA Parties at any time by paying to each TRA Party the Early Termination Payment in respect of such TRA Party; provided, however, that this Agreement shall only terminate upon the receipt of the Early Termination Payment by all TRA Parties, and provided, further, that the Corporate Taxpayer may withdraw any notice to execute its termination rights under this Section 4.1(a) prior to the time at which any Early Termination Payment has been paid. Upon payment of the Early Termination Payment by the Corporate Taxpayer, none of the TRA Parties or the Corporate Taxpayer shall have any further payment obligations under this Agreement, other than for any (a) Tax Benefit Payments due and payable and that remain unpaid as of the Early Termination Notice and (b) Tax Benefit Payment due for the Taxable Year ending with or including the date of the Early Termination Notice (except to the extent that the amount described in clause (b) is included in the Early Termination Payment).
(b) In the event that the Corporate Taxpayer (1) materially breaches any of its material obligations under this Agreement, whether as a result of failure to make any payment when due, failure to honor any other material obligation required hereunder or by operation of law as a result of the rejection of this Agreement in a case commenced under the Bankruptcy Code or otherwise or (2)(A) shall commence any case, proceeding or other action (i) under any existing or future law of any jurisdiction, domestic or foreign, relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or relief of debtors, seeking to have an order for relief entered with respect to it, or seeking to adjudicate a bankruptcy or insolvency, or seeking reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, winding-up, liquidation, dissolution, composition or other relief with respect to it or its debts or (ii) seeking an appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator or other similar official for it or for all or any substantial part of its assets, or it shall make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors or (B) there shall be commenced against the Corporate Taxpayer any case, proceeding or other action of the nature referred to in clause (A) above that remains undismissed or undischarged for a period of sixty (60) calendar days, all obligations hereunder shall be automatically accelerated and shall be immediately due and payable, and such obligations shall be calculated as if an Early Termination Notice had been delivered on the date of such breach and shall include, but not be limited to, (1) the Early Termination Payments calculated as if an Early Termination Notice had been delivered on the date of a breach, (2) any Tax Benefit Payment due and payable and that remains unpaid as of the
date of a breach, and (3) any Tax Benefit Payment in respect of any TRA Party due for the Taxable Year ending with or including the date of a breach; provided that procedures similar to the procedures of Section 4.2 shall apply with respect to the determination of the amount payable by the Corporate Taxpayer pursuant to this sentence. Notwithstanding the foregoing (other than as set forth in subsection (2) above), in the event that the Corporate Taxpayer breaches this Agreement, each TRA Party shall be entitled to elect to receive the amounts set forth in clauses (1), (2) and (3) above or to seek specific performance of the terms hereof. The parties agree that the failure to make any payment due pursuant to this Agreement within three (3) months of the date such payment is due shall be deemed to be a material breach of a material obligation under this Agreement for all purposes of this Agreement, and that it will not be considered to be a material breach of a material obligation under this Agreement to make a payment due pursuant to this Agreement within three (3) months of the date such payment is due. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, it shall not be a material breach of a material obligation of this Agreement if the Corporate Taxpayer fails to make any Tax Benefit Payment when due to the extent that the Corporate Taxpayer has insufficient funds to make such payment; provided, (i) the Corporate Taxpayer has used reasonable efforts to obtain such funds and (ii) that the interest provisions of Section 5.2 shall apply to such late payment (unless the Corporate Taxpayer does not have sufficient funds to make such payment as a result of limitations imposed by any Senior Obligations, in which case Section 5.2 shall apply, but the Default Rate shall be replaced by the Agreed Rate); provided further, for the avoidance of doubt, the last sentence of this Section 4.1(b) shall not apply to any payments due pursuant to the acceleration upon a Change of Control contemplated by Section 4.1(c).
(c) The Corporate Taxpayer shall provide written notice to the TRA Party Representative thirty (30) days in advance of the closing of any Change of Control, and the TRA Party Representative shall have the option, upon written notice to the Corporate Taxpayer (“Opt-Out Notice”) within twenty (20) days thereafter, to cause the TRA Parties to continue as TRA Parties under this Agreement after such Change of Control, in which case each such TRA Party will not be entitled to receive the amounts set forth in the remainder of this Section 4.1(c), and Valuation Assumptions (1), (2), and (4) (substituting in each case the terms “date of a Change of Control” for an “Early Termination Date,”) shall apply to Tax Benefit Payments to each such TRA Party following the closing of such Change of Control. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing sentence in this Section 4.1(c), if an Opt-Out Notice is not timely provided with respect to a TRA Party, all obligations hereunder will be accelerated and such obligations shall be calculated as if an Early Termination Notice had been delivered on the date of such Change of Control and shall include (1) the Early Termination Payments calculated with respect to such TRA Parties as if the Early Termination Date is the date of such Change of Control, (2) any Tax Benefit Payment due and payable and that remains unpaid as of the date of such Change of Control, and (3) any Tax Benefit Payment in respect of any TRA Party due for the Taxable Year ending with or including the date of such Change of Control. If an Opt-Out Notice is not timely provided with respect to a TRA Party, (i) such TRA Party shall be entitled to receive the amounts set forth in clauses (1), (2) and (3) of the preceding sentence, (ii) any Early Termination Payment described in the preceding sentence shall be calculated utilizing the Valuation Assumptions, substituting in each case the terms “date of a Change of
Control” for an “Early Termination Date,” and (iii) Section 4.2 and Section 4.3 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, with respect to payments to such TRA Party upon the Change of Control.
SECTION 4.2 Early Termination Notice. If the Corporate Taxpayer chooses to exercise its right of early termination under Section 4.1 above, the Corporate Taxpayer shall deliver to each TRA Party notice of such intention to exercise such right (“Early Termination Notice”) and a schedule (the “Early Termination Schedule”) specifying the Corporate Taxpayer’s intention to exercise such right and showing in reasonable detail the calculation of the Early Termination Payment(s) due for each TRA Party. Each Early Termination Schedule shall become final and binding on all parties thirty (30) calendar days from the first date on which all applicable TRA Parties are treated as having received such Schedule or amendment thereto under Section 7.1 unless any TRA Party Representative (i) within thirty (30) calendar days after such date provides the Corporate Taxpayer with notice of a material objection to such Schedule made in good faith (“Material Objection Notice”) or (ii) provides a written waiver of such right of a Material Objection Notice within the period described in clause (i) above, in which case such Schedule becomes binding on the date the waiver is received by the Corporate Taxpayer. If the Corporate Taxpayer and the TRA Party Representative, for any reason, are unable to successfully resolve the issues raised in such notice within thirty (30) calendar days after receipt by the Corporate Taxpayer of the Material Objection Notice, the Corporate Taxpayer and the TRA Party Representative shall employ the Reconciliation Procedures in which case such Schedule becomes binding ten (10) calendar days after the conclusion of the Reconciliation Procedures.
SECTION 4.3 Payment upon Early Termination.
(a) Within three (3) calendar days after an Early Termination Effective Date, the Corporate Taxpayer shall pay to each TRA Party an amount equal to the Early Termination Payment in respect of such TRA Party. Such payment shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to a bank account or accounts designated by such TRA Party or as otherwise agreed by the Corporate Taxpayer and such TRA Party or, in the absence of such designation or agreement, by check mailed to the last mailing address provided by such TRA Party to the Corporate Taxpayer.
(b) “Early Termination Payment” in respect of a TRA Party shall equal the present value, discounted at the Early Termination Rate as of the applicable Early Termination Effective Date, of all Tax Benefit Payments in respect of such TRA Party that would be required to be paid by the Corporate Taxpayer beginning from the Early Termination Date and assuming that the Valuation Assumptions in respect of such TRA Party are applied and that each Tax Benefit Payment for the relevant Taxable Year would be satisfied on the due date (without extensions) under applicable law as of the Early Termination Effective Date for filing of IRS Form 1120 (or any successor form) of the Corporate Taxpayer.
ARTICLE V
SUBORDINATION AND LATE PAYMENTS
SECTION 5.1 Subordination. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, any payments required to be made by the Corporate Taxpayer to the TRA Parties under this Agreement shall rank subordinate and junior in right of payment to any principal, interest or other amounts due and payable in respect of any obligations in respect of indebtedness for borrowed money of the Corporate Taxpayer and its Subsidiaries (“Senior Obligations”) and shall rank pari passu in right of payment with all current or future unsecured obligations of the Corporate Taxpayer that are not Senior Obligations. To the extent that any payment under this Agreement is not permitted to be made at the time payment is due as a result of this Section 5.1 and the terms of agreements governing Senior Obligations, such payment obligation nevertheless shall accrue for the benefit of TRA Parties and the Corporate Taxpayer shall make such payments at the first opportunity that such payments are permitted to be made in accordance with the terms of the Senior Obligations. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, to the extent that the Corporate Taxpayer or any of its Affiliates enters into future Tax receivable or other similar agreements (“Future TRAs” which, for the avoidance of doubt, does not include the Exchange TRA), the Corporate Taxpayer shall ensure that the terms of any such Future TRA shall provide that the Tax Attributes subject to this Agreement are considered senior in priority to any Tax attributes subject to any such Future TRA for purposes of calculating the amount and timing of payments under any such Future TRA.
SECTION 5.2 Late Payments by the Corporate Taxpayer. Subject to the proviso in the last sentence of Section 4.1(b), the amount of all or any portion of any Tax Benefit Payment or Early Termination Payment not made to the TRA Parties when due under the terms of this Agreement, whether as a result of Section 5.1 or otherwise, shall be payable together with any interest thereon, computed at the Default Rate and commencing from the date on which such Tax Benefit Payment or Early Termination Payment was first due and payable to the date of actual payment.
ARTICLE VI
NO DISPUTES; CONSISTENCY; COOPERATION
SECTION 6.1 Participation in the Corporate Taxpayer’s and OpCo’s Tax Matters. Except as otherwise provided herein, the Corporate Taxpayer shall have full responsibility for, and sole discretion over, all Tax matters concerning the Corporate Taxpayer and OpCo, including without limitation the preparation, filing or amending of any Tax Return and defending, contesting or settling any issue pertaining to Taxes; provided that the Corporate Taxpayer shall not amend any material Tax Return, settle any material Tax issue, or take any other material action, in each case, pertaining to Taxes of any Blocker with respect to any taxable period (or portion thereof) ending on or prior to the date of the Reorganization without the consent of the TRA Party Representative, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, unless such amendment, settlement or other action would not reduce the payments that such Blocker Shareholders are entitled to receive hereunder or otherwise materially adversely affect such Blocker Shareholders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
Corporate Taxpayer shall notify the TRA Party Representative of, and keep the TRA Party Representative reasonably informed with respect to, the portion of any audit of the Corporate Taxpayer and OpCo by a Taxing Authority the outcome of which is reasonably expected to materially affect the rights and obligations of the TRA Parties under this Agreement, and shall provide the TRA Party Representative reasonable opportunity to provide information and other input to the Corporate Taxpayer, OpCo and their respective advisors concerning the conduct of any such portion of such audit; provided, however, that the Corporate Taxpayer and OpCo shall not be required to take any action that is inconsistent with any provision of the LLC Agreement.
SECTION 6.2 Consistency. The Corporate Taxpayer and the TRA Parties agree to report and cause to be reported for all purposes, including U.S. federal, state and local tax purposes and financial reporting purposes, all Tax-related items (including, without limitation, the Tax Attributes and each Tax Benefit Payment) in a manner consistent with that contemplated by this Agreement or specified by the Corporate Taxpayer in any Schedule required to be provided by or on behalf of the Corporate Taxpayer under this Agreement unless otherwise required by law. The Corporate Taxpayer shall (and shall cause OpCo and its other Subsidiaries to) use commercially reasonable efforts (for the avoidance of doubt, taking into account the interests and entitlements of all TRA Parties under this Agreement) to defend the Tax treatment contemplated by this Agreement and any Schedule in any audit, contest or similar proceeding with any Taxing Authority.
SECTION 6.3 Cooperation. Each of the TRA Parties shall (a) furnish to the Corporate Taxpayer in a timely manner such information, documents and other materials in its possession as the Corporate Taxpayer may reasonably request for purposes of making any determination or computation necessary or appropriate under this Agreement, preparing any Tax Return or contesting or defending any audit, examination or controversy with any Taxing Authority, (b) make itself available to the Corporate Taxpayer and its representatives to provide explanations of documents and materials and such other information as the Corporate Taxpayer or its representatives may reasonably request in connection with any of the matters described in clause (a) above, and (c) reasonably cooperate in connection with any such matter, and the Corporate Taxpayer shall reimburse each such TRA Party for any reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred pursuant to this Section 6.3. Upon the request of any TRA Party, the Corporate Taxpayer shall cooperate in taking any action reasonably requested by such TRA Party in connection with its tax or financial reporting and/or the consummation of any assignment or transfer of any of its rights and/or obligations under this Agreement, including without limitation, providing any information or executing any documentation.
ARTICLE VII
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 7.1 Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed duly given and received (a) on the date of delivery if delivered personally, or by facsimile or email with confirmation of transmission by the transmitting equipment or (b) on the first Business Day following the date of dispatch if delivered by a recognized next-day courier service. All notices hereunder shall be
delivered as set forth below, or pursuant to such other instructions as may be designated in writing by the party to receive such notice:
If to the Corporate Taxpayer, to:
c/o Dutch Mafia, LLC
110 SW 4th Street
Grants Pass, OR 97526
Facsimile Number: (541) 471-0330
Email Address: legal@dutchbros.com
Attention: General Counsel
If to the TRA Parties, to the respective addresses, fax numbers and email addresses set forth in Exhibit A.
Any party may change its address, fax number or email by giving the other party written notice of its new address, fax number or email in the manner set forth above.
SECTION 7.2 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to the other parties, it being understood that all parties need not sign the same counterpart. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Agreement by facsimile transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Agreement.
SECTION 7.3 Entire Agreement; No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of each party hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns, and nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other Person any right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.
SECTION 7.4 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of Delaware.
SECTION 7.5 Severability. If any term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any law or public policy, all other terms and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated as originally contemplated to the greatest extent possible.
SECTION 7.6 Successors; Assignment; Amendments; Waivers.
(a) Each TRA Party may assign all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to any Person as long as such transferee has executed and delivered, or, in connection with such transfer, executes and delivers, a joinder to this Agreement, substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto, agreeing to become a TRA Party for all purposes of this Agreement, except as otherwise provided in such joinder (a “Joinder”), provided, however, that, at any time during the term of this Agreement, the total number of TSG Assignees, in the aggregate, who are TRA Parties cannot be greater than five (5), other than Affiliates of the TSG Parties or Permitted Assignees. For avoidance of doubt, this Section 7.6(a) shall apply regardless of whether such TRA Party continues to hold any interest in the Corporate Taxpayer or OpCo. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any TRA Party sells, exchanges, distributes or otherwise transfers Units to any Person (other than the Corporate Taxpayer or OpCo) in accordance with the terms of LLC Agreement, such TRA Party shall have the option to assign to the transferee (a “Permitted Assignee”) of such Units its rights under this Agreement with respect to such transferred Units; provided that such transferee has delivered a valid Joinder. For the avoidance of doubt, if a TRA Party transfers Units in accordance with the terms of the LLC Agreement but does not assign to the transferee of such Units its rights under this Agreement with respect to such transferred Units, such TRA Party shall continue to be entitled to receive the Tax Benefit Payments arising in respect of a subsequent Exchange of such Units (and such transferred Units shall be separately identified, so as to facilitate the determination of payments hereunder). Any assignment, or attempted assignment in violation of this Agreement, including any failure of a purported assignee to enter into a Joinder or to provide any forms or other information to the extent required hereunder, shall be null and void, and shall not bind or be recognized by the Corporate Taxpayer or the TRA Parties. The Corporate Taxpayer shall be entitled to treat the record owner of any rights under this Agreement as the absolute owner thereof and shall incur no liability for payments made in good faith to such owner until such time as a written assignment of such rights is permitted pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Section 7.6(a) and has been recorded on the books of the Corporate Taxpayer.
(b) No provision of this Agreement may be amended unless such amendment is approved in writing by the Corporate Taxpayer and each of the TRA Parties who, together with its Affiliates, would be entitled to receive ten percent (10%) or more of the total amount of the Early Termination Payments payable to all TRA Parties hereunder and “Early Termination Payments” as defined in the Exchange TRA payable to all the Exchange TRA Parties under the Exchange TRA, in each case if the Corporate Taxpayer had exercised its right of early termination on the date such amendment is proposed to the TRA Parties; provided, that no such amendment shall be effective if such amendment will have a disproportionate effect on the payments one or more TRA Parties receive under this Agreement unless such amendment is consented in writing by such TRA Parties disproportionately affected; provided further, that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 7.6(b), no such amendment in contemplation of, in connection with, or following a Take-Private Transaction by a Founder Member (as defined in the Exchange TRA) or its Affiliates shall be effective without the prior written consent of the TRA Party Representative, and no such amendment in contemplation of, in connection with, or following a Take-Private Transaction by a TSG Member (as defined in the
Exchange TRA) or its Affiliates shall be effective without the prior written consent of the TRA Party Representative of the Founder Members (as specified in the Exchange TRA). No provision of this Agreement may be waived unless such waiver is in writing and signed by the party against whom the waiver is to be effective.
(c) All of the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon, shall inure to the benefit of and shall be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors, assigns, heirs, executors, administrators and legal representatives. The Corporate Taxpayer shall require and cause any direct or indirect successor (whether by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Corporate Taxpayer, by written agreement, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Corporate Taxpayer would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place.
SECTION 7.7 Titles and Subtitles. The titles of the sections and subsections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not to be considered in construing this Agreement.
SECTION 7.8 Resolution of Disputes.
(a) Any and all disputes which are not governed by Section 7.9 and cannot be settled amicably, including any ancillary claims of any party, arising out of, relating to or in connection with the validity, negotiation, execution, interpretation, performance or non-performance of this Agreement (including the validity, scope and enforceability of this arbitration provision) (each a “Dispute”) shall be finally settled by arbitration conducted by a single arbitrator in New York, New York in accordance with the then-existing Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce. If the parties to the Dispute fail to agree on the selection of an arbitrator within thirty (30) calendar days of the receipt of the request for arbitration, the International Chamber of Commerce shall make the appointment. The arbitrator shall be a lawyer admitted to the practice of law in the State of New York and shall conduct the proceedings in the English language. Performance under this Agreement shall continue if reasonably possible during any arbitration proceedings.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a), the Corporate Taxpayer may bring an action or special proceeding in any court of competent jurisdiction for the purpose of compelling a party to arbitrate, seeking temporary or preliminary relief in aid of an arbitration hereunder, and/or enforcing an arbitration award and, for the purposes of this paragraph (b), each TRA Party (i) expressly consents to the application of paragraph (c) of this Section 7.8 to any such action or proceeding, (ii) agrees that proof shall not be required that monetary damages for breach of the provisions of this Agreement would be difficult to calculate and that remedies at law would be inadequate, and (iii) irrevocably appoints the Corporate Taxpayer as agent of such TRA Party for service of process in connection with any such action or proceeding and agrees that service of process upon such agent, who shall promptly advise the TRA Party of any such service of process, shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon the TRA Party in any such action or proceeding.
(c) (i) EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF COURTS LOCATED IN NEW YORK, NEW YORK FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION 7.8, OR ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING ANCILLARY TO AN ARBITRATION OR CONTEMPLATED ARBITRATION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO OR CONCERNING THIS AGREEMENT. Such ancillary judicial proceedings include any suit, action or proceeding to compel arbitration, to obtain temporary or preliminary judicial relief in aid of arbitration, or to confirm an arbitration award. The parties acknowledge that the fora designated by this paragraph (c) have a reasonable relation to this Agreement, and to the parties’ relationship with one another; and
(ii) The parties hereby waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any objection which they now or hereafter may have to personal jurisdiction or to the laying of venue of any such ancillary suit, action or proceeding brought in any court referred to in the preceding paragraph of this Section 7.8 and such parties agree not to plead or claim the same.
SECTION 7.9 Reconciliation. In the event that the Corporate Taxpayer and a TRA Party Representative are unable to resolve a disagreement with respect to the matters governed by Sections 2.3 and 4.2 within the relevant period designated in this Agreement (“Reconciliation Dispute”), the Reconciliation Dispute shall be submitted for determination to a nationally recognized expert (the “Expert”) in the particular area of disagreement mutually acceptable to both parties. The Expert shall be a partner or principal in a nationally recognized accounting or law firm, and unless the Corporate Taxpayer and the TRA Party Representative agree otherwise, the Expert shall not, and the firm that employs the Expert shall not, have any material relationship with the Corporate Taxpayer or the TRA Party Representative or other actual or potential conflict of interest. If the Corporate Taxpayer and the TRA Party Representative are unable to agree on an Expert within fifteen (15) calendar days of receipt by the respondent(s) of written notice of a Reconciliation Dispute, then the Expert shall be appointed by the International Chamber of Commerce Centre for Expertise. The Expert shall resolve any matter relating to the TRA Party’s Basis Schedule or an amendment thereto or the Early Termination Schedule or an amendment thereto within thirty (30) calendar days and shall resolve any matter relating to a Tax Benefit Schedule or an amendment thereto within fifteen (15) calendar days or as soon thereafter as is reasonably practicable, in each case after the matter has been submitted to the Expert for resolution. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, if the matter is not resolved before any payment that is the subject of a disagreement would be due (in the absence of such disagreement) or any Tax Return reflecting the subject of a disagreement is due, the undisputed amount shall be paid on the date prescribed by this Agreement and such Tax Return may be filed as prepared by the Corporate Taxpayer, subject to adjustment or amendment upon resolution. The costs and expenses relating to the engagement of such Expert or amending any Tax Return shall be borne by the Corporate Taxpayer except as provided in the next sentence. The Corporate Taxpayer and the TRA Party Representative shall bear their own costs and expenses of such proceeding, unless (i) the Expert adopts the TRA Party Representative’s position, in which case the Corporate Taxpayer shall reimburse the TRA Party Representative for any reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses in such proceeding, or (ii) the Expert adopts the
Corporate Taxpayer’s position, in which case the TRA Party Representative shall reimburse the Corporate Taxpayer for any reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses in such proceeding. Any dispute as to whether a dispute is a Reconciliation Dispute within the meaning of this Section 7.9 shall be decided by the Expert. The Expert shall finally determine any Reconciliation Dispute and the determinations of the Expert pursuant to this Section 7.9 shall be binding on the Corporate Taxpayer and each of the TRA Parties and may be entered and enforced in any court having jurisdiction.
SECTION 7.10 Withholding. The Corporate Taxpayer shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from any payment payable pursuant to this Agreement such amounts as the Corporate Taxpayer is required to deduct and withhold with respect to the making of such payment under the Code or any provision of state, local or foreign Tax law; provided that, prior to deducting or withholding any such amounts, the Corporate Taxpayer shall notify the applicable TRA Party Representative and shall consult in good faith with such TRA Party Representative regarding the basis for such deduction or withholding. To the extent that amounts are so withheld and paid over to the appropriate Taxing Authority by the Corporate Taxpayer, such withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the Person in respect of whom such withholding was made. To the extent that any payment pursuant to this Agreement is not reduced by such deductions or withholdings, such recipient shall indemnify the applicable withholding agent for any amounts imposed by any Taxing Authority together with any costs and expenses related thereto, but not including penalties and interest attributable to the applicable withholding agent’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. Each TRA Party shall promptly provide the Corporate Taxpayer, OpCo or other applicable withholding agent with any applicable Tax forms and certifications (including IRS Form W-9 or the applicable version of IRS Form W-8) reasonably requested, in connection with determining whether any such deductions and withholdings are required under the Code or any provision of state, local or foreign Tax law.
SECTION 7.11 Admission of the Corporate Taxpayer into a Consolidated Group; Transfers of Corporate Assets.
(a) If the Corporate Taxpayer is or becomes a member of an affiliated, consolidated, combined or unitary group of corporations that files a consolidated, combined or unitary income Tax Return pursuant to Sections 1501 et seq. of the Code or any corresponding provisions of state, local or foreign law, then: (i) the provisions of this Agreement shall be applied with respect to the group as a whole; and (ii) Tax Benefit Payments, Early Termination Payments and other applicable items hereunder shall be computed with reference to the consolidated, combined or unitary taxable income, gain, loss, deduction and attributes of the group as a whole.
(b) If the Corporate Taxpayer (or any member of a group described in Section 7.11(a)) transfers or is deemed to transfer any Unit or any Reference Asset to a transferee that is treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income Tax purposes (other than a member of a group described in Section 7.11(a)) in a transaction in which the transferee’s basis in the property acquired is determined in whole or in part by reference to such transferor’s basis in such property, then the Corporate Taxpayer shall cause such transferee to assume the obligation to
make payments hereunder with respect to the applicable Tax Attributes associated with any Reference Asset or interest therein acquired (directly or indirectly) in such transfer (taking into account any gain recognized in the transaction) in a manner consistent with the terms of this Agreement as the transferee (or one of its Affiliates) actually realizes Tax benefits from the Tax Attributes.
(c) If OpCo or any applicable Subsidiary transfers (or is deemed to transfer for U.S. federal income Tax purposes) any Reference Asset to a transferee that is treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income Tax purposes (other than a member of a group described in Section 7.11(a)) in a transaction in which the transferee’s basis in the property acquired is determined in whole or in part by reference to such transferor’s basis in such property, OpCo or the applicable Subsidiary shall be treated as having disposed of the Reference Asset in a wholly taxable transaction. The consideration deemed to be received by OpCo or the applicable Subsidiary in the transaction contemplated in the prior sentence shall be equal to the fair market value of the deemed transferred asset, plus (i) the amount of debt to which such asset is subject, in the case of a transfer of an encumbered asset or (ii) the amount of debt allocated to such asset, in the case of a transfer of a partnership interest.
(d) If any member of a group described in Section 7.11(a) that owns any Unit deconsolidates from the group (or the Corporate Taxpayer deconsolidates from the group), then the Corporate Taxpayer shall cause such member (or the parent of the consolidated group in a case where the Corporate Taxpayer deconsolidates from the group) to assume the obligation to make payments hereunder with respect to the applicable Tax Attributes associated with any Reference Asset it owns (directly or indirectly) in a manner consistent with the terms of this Agreement as the member (or one of its Affiliates) actually realizes Tax benefits. If a transferee or a member of a group described in Section 7.11(a) assumes an obligation to make payments hereunder pursuant to this Section 7.11(d), then the initial obligor is relieved of the obligation assumed.
(e) If the Corporate Taxpayer (or any member of a group described in Section 7.11(a)) transfers (or is deemed to transfer for U.S. federal income Tax purposes) any Unit in a transaction that is wholly or partially taxable, then for purposes of calculating payments under this Agreement, OpCo shall be treated as having disposed of the portion of any Reference Asset (determined based on a pro rata share of an undivided interest in each Reference Asset) that is indirectly transferred by the Corporate Taxpayer or other entity described above (i.e., taking into account the number of Units transferred) in a wholly or partially taxable transaction, as applicable, in which all income, gain or loss is allocated to the Corporate Taxpayer. The consideration deemed to be received by OpCo shall be equal to the fair market value of the deemed transferred asset, plus (i) the amount of debt to which such asset is subject, in the case of a transfer of an encumbered asset or (ii) the amount of debt allocated to such asset, in the case of a transfer of a partnership interest.
SECTION 7.12 Confidentiality.
(a) Each TRA Party and each of their assignees acknowledge and agree that the information of the Corporate Taxpayer is confidential and, except in the course of performing any duties as necessary for the Corporate Taxpayer and its Affiliates, as required by
law or legal process or to enforce the terms of this Agreement, such person shall keep and retain in the strictest confidence and not disclose to any Person any confidential matters, acquired pursuant to this Agreement, of the Corporate Taxpayer and its Affiliates and successors, concerning OpCo, its members and its Affiliates and successors, learned by the TRA Party heretofore or hereafter. This Section 7.12 shall not apply to (i) any information that has been made publicly available by the Corporate Taxpayer or any of its Affiliates, becomes public knowledge (except as a result of an act of the TRA Party in violation of this Agreement) or is generally known to the business community and (ii) the disclosure of information to the extent necessary for the TRA Party to prepare and file its Tax Returns, to respond to any inquiries regarding the same from any Taxing Authority or to prosecute or defend any action, proceeding or audit by any Taxing Authority with respect to such Tax Returns. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, each TRA Party and each of their assignees (and each employee, representative or other agent of the TRA Party or its assignees, as applicable) may disclose to any and all Persons, without limitation of any kind, the Tax treatment and Tax structure of the Corporate Taxpayer, OpCo and their Affiliates, and any of their transactions, and all materials of any kind (including opinions or other Tax analyses) that are provided to the TRA Party relating to such Tax treatment and Tax structure.
(b) If a TRA Party or an assignee commits a breach, or threatens to commit a breach, of any of the provisions of this Section 7.12, the Corporate Taxpayer shall have the right and remedy to have the provisions of this Section 7.12 specifically enforced by injunctive relief or otherwise by any court of competent jurisdiction without the need to post any bond or other security, it being acknowledged and agreed that any such breach or threatened breach shall cause irreparable injury to the Corporate Taxpayer or any of its Subsidiaries or the TRA Parties and the accounts and funds managed by the Corporate Taxpayer and that money damages alone shall not provide an adequate remedy to such Persons. Such rights and remedies shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other rights and remedies available at law or in equity.
SECTION 7.13 Change in Law. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if, in connection with an actual or proposed change in law, a TRA Party reasonably believes that the existence of this Agreement would have a material adverse Tax consequence to such TRA Party, then at the election of such TRA Party and to the extent specified by such TRA Party, this Agreement (i) shall cease to have further effect with respect to such TRA Party or (ii) shall otherwise be amended in a manner determined by such TRA Party, provided that such amendment shall not result in an increase in payments under this Agreement at any time as compared to the amounts and times of payments that would have been due in the absence of such amendment.
SECTION 7.14 Electronic Signature. The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” “delivery,” and words of like import in or relating to this Agreement or any document to be signed in connection with this Agreement shall be deemed to include electronic signatures (including pdf or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, e.g., www.docusign.com), deliveries or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature, physical delivery thereof or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case
may be, and the parties hereto consent to conduct the transactions contemplated hereunder by electronic means.
[The remainder of this page is intentionally blank]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporate Taxpayer and each TRA Party have duly executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
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Corporate Taxpayer
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DUTCH BROS, INC.
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By:
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Name:
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Title:
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OpCo
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DUTCH MAFIA, LLC
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By:
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Name:
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Title:
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[Signature Page to the Reorganization Tax Receivable Agreement]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
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TSG7 A AIV VI HOLDINGS-A, L.P.
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By:
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Name:
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DG COINVESTOR BLOCKER AGGREGATOR, L.P.
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By:
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[Signature Page to the Reorganization Tax Receivable Agreement]
Exhibit A
TSG7 A AIV VI Holdings-A, L.P. and DG Coinvestor Blocker Aggregator, L.P.
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[●]
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[●]
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[●]
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Attention:
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[●]
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Email:
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[●]
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[●]
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Facsimile Number:
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[●]
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Exhibit B
Form of Joinder
This JOINDER (this “Joinder”) to the Tax Receivable Agreement (as defined below), is by and among Dutch Bros Inc., a Delaware corporation (including any successor corporation the “Corporate Taxpayer”), ______________________ (“Transferor”) and ______________________ (“Permitted Transferee”).
WHEREAS, on ______________________, Permitted Transferee shall acquire ______________________ percent of the Transferor’s right to receive payments that may become due and payable under the Tax Receivable Agreement (as defined below) (the “Acquired Interests”) from Transferor (the “Acquisition”); and
WHEREAS, Transferor, in connection with the Acquisition, has required Permitted Transferee to execute and deliver this Joinder pursuant to Section 7.6(a) of the Tax Receivable Agreement (Reorganization), dated as of [ ], between the Corporate Taxpayer, OpCo and the TRA Parties (as defined therein) (the “Tax Receivable Agreement”).
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the respective covenants and agreements set forth herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1.1 Definitions. To the extent capitalized words used in this Joinder are not defined in this Joinder, such words shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Tax Receivable Agreement.
1.2 Acquisition. For good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged by the Transferor and the Permitted Transferee, the Transferor hereby transfers and assigns absolutely to the Permitted Transferee all of the Acquired Interests.
1.3 Joinder. Permitted Transferee hereby acknowledges and agrees (i) that it has received and read the Tax Receivable Agreement, (ii) that the Permitted Transferee is acquiring the Acquired Interests in accordance with and subject to the terms and conditions of the Tax Receivable Agreement and (iii) to become a “TRA Party” (as defined in the Tax Receivable Agreement) for all purposes of the Tax Receivable Agreement.
1.4 Notice. Any notice, request, consent, claim, demand, approval, waiver or other communication hereunder to Permitted Transferee shall be delivered or sent to Permitted Transferee at the address set forth on the signature page hereto in accordance with Section 7.1 of the Tax Receivable Agreement.
1.6 Governing Law. This Joinder shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of Delaware .
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Joinder has been duly executed and delivered by Permitted Transferee as of the date first above written.
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DUTCH BROS INC.
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Name
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[TRANSFEROR]
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By:
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Name
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Title:
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[PERMITTED TRANSFEREE]
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By:
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Address for notices:
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TAX RECEIVABLE AGREEMENT (Exchanges)
between
DUTCH BROS INC.
and
THE PERSONS NAMED HEREIN
Dated as of [ ]
TAX RECEIVABLE AGREEMENT
This TAX RECEIVABLE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), is dated as of [ ], and is between Dutch Bros Inc., a Delaware corporation, each of the undersigned parties who directly or indirectly hold Class A Common Units (the “Units”) in Dutch Mafia, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“OpCo”) as set forth in Exhibit A, and each of the other persons from time to time that becomes a party hereto (each, excluding the Corporate Taxpayer and OpCo, a “TRA Party” and together the “TRA Parties”).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, OpCo is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income Tax purposes;
WHEREAS, after the Pre-IPO Exchanges (as defined in the LLC Agreement), the Corporate Taxpayer will be the sole managing member of OpCo, and will hold, directly and/or indirectly, Units;
WHEREAS, in connection with the IPO, the Corporate Taxpayer will acquire Units in exchange for a contribution of cash to OpCo not treated as part of a disguised sale under Section 707(a) of the Code (the “Primary Contribution”);
WHEREAS, as a result of the Recapitalization, Pre-IPO Exchanges (each as defined in the LLC Agreement) and Primary Contribution, the Corporate Taxpayer will be entitled to 704(c) Benefits;
WHEREAS, in connection with the IPO, certain TRA Parties will Exchange Units for cash and Class A Shares in a transaction intended to be governed by Section 351 of the Code (the “TRA Party IPO Exchanges”);
WHEREAS, from time to time following the Lock-Up Period (as defined in the LLC Agreement), each holder of Units (other than the Corporate Taxpayer) has the right require OpCo to redeem (a “Redemption”) all or a portion of such holder’s Units for, at the Corporate Taxpayer’s election, cash or shares of Class A common stock of the Corporate Taxpayer (“Class A Shares”), in either case contributed to OpCo by the Corporate Taxpayer, provided that, at the election of the Corporate Taxpayer in its sole discretion, the Corporate Taxpayer may effect a direct exchange (a “Direct Exchange”) of such cash or Class A Shares for such Units, all in accordance with and subject to the provisions of the LLC Agreement;
WHEREAS, OpCo and each of its direct and indirect Subsidiaries treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income Tax purposes currently have and will have in effect an election under Section 754 of the Code, for each Taxable Year that includes the IPO Date and for each Taxable Year in which a taxable acquisition (including a deemed taxable acquisition under Section 707(a) of the Code) of Units by the Corporate Taxpayer or by OpCo from any of the TRA Parties (an “Exchanging Holder”) for Class A Shares and/or other consideration occurs;
WHEREAS, as a result of each Exchange (including the TRA Party IPO Exchanges), the Corporate Taxpayer will be entitled to use the Common Basis and the Basis Adjustments relating to the Units acquired in such Exchange;
WHEREAS, the income, gain, loss, expense and other Tax items of the Corporate Taxpayer may be affected by the (i) 704(c) Benefits, (ii) Common Basis, (iii) Basis Adjustments, and (iv) any deduction attributable to Imputed Interest and 704(c) Benefit Guaranteed Payments (collectively, the “Tax Attributes”);
WHEREAS, the parties to this Agreement desire to provide for certain payments and make certain arrangements with respect to the effect of the Tax Attributes on the liability for Taxes of the Corporate Taxpayer.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the respective covenants and agreements set forth herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.1 Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the terms set forth in this Article I shall have the following meanings (such meanings to be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined).
“704(c) Benefit” means the disproportionate allocation of tax items of income, gain, deduction and loss to, or away from, the Corporate Taxpayer pursuant to Section 704(c) of the Code in respect of any difference between the fair market value and the tax basis of the Reference Assets immediately following the Primary Contribution. For the avoidance of doubt, such amount would include disproportionate allocations (if any) of tax items of income and gain to a TRA Party and away from the Corporate Taxpayer, and take into account the election by OpCo to use the remedial method under Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-3(d) with respect to differences between book value and adjusted tax basis arising in connection with (x) that certain Contribution Agreement by and among OpCo and certain Founder Members dated as of September 27, 2018, and (y) the issuance of PI Units (as defined in the LLC Agreement) on January 22, 2019.
“704(c) Benefit Guaranteed Payments” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(b) of this Agreement.
“704(c) Benefit Percentage” in respect of a TRA Party for a Taxable Year, shall mean the percentage, the numerator of which is the number of Units held by such TRA Party at the end of such Taxable Year and the denominator is the number of Units held by all TRA Parties (other than the Corporate Taxpayer) at the end of such Taxable Year.
“Actual Tax Liability” means, with respect to any Taxable Year, an amount, not less than zero, equal to the actual liability for Taxes of (i) the Corporate Taxpayer and (ii) without duplication, OpCo (and OpCo’s applicable subsidiaries), but in the case of this clause (ii) only with respect to Taxes imposed on OpCo (and OpCo’s applicable subsidiaries) and allocable to the Corporate Taxpayer; provided, that the actual liability for Taxes described in clause (i) shall be calculated (a) using the Assumed Rate, solely for purposes of calculating the U.S. state and local Actual Tax Liability of the Corporate Taxpayer, and (b) assuming, solely for purposes of calculating the liability for U.S. federal income Taxes, in order to prevent double counting, that U.S. state and local Taxes are not deductible by the Corporate Taxpayer for U.S. federal income Tax purposes.
“Affiliate” means, with respect to any specified Person, (a) any other Person that directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, Controls, is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, such specified Person, (b) a Member of the Immediate Family of such specified Person, and (c) any investment fund advised or managed by, or under common Control with, such specified Person.
“Agreed Rate” means a per annum rate of the lesser of (i) 6.5% and (ii) LIBOR plus 100 basis points.
“Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble to this Agreement.
“Amended Schedule” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3(b) of this Agreement.
“Assumed Rate” means, for any Taxable Year with respect to Taxes imposed on the Corporate Taxpayer by U.S. state and local jurisdictions, the tax rate equal to the sum of the product of (x) OpCo’s Tax apportionment percentage(s) for each U.S. state and local jurisdiction in which the Corporate Taxpayer files Tax Returns for the relevant Taxable Year and (y) the highest corporate Tax rate(s) for each such U.S. state and local jurisdiction in which the Corporate Taxpayer files Tax Returns for each relevant Taxable Year; provided, that the Assumed Rate calculated pursuant to the foregoing shall be reduced by the assumed U.S. federal income Tax benefit received by the Corporate Taxpayer with respect to U.S. state and local jurisdiction Taxes (with such benefit calculated as the product of (a) the Corporate Taxpayer’s marginal U.S. federal income Tax rate for such Taxable Year and (b) the Assumed Rate (without regard to this proviso)).
“Attributable” means the portion of any Tax Attribute of the Corporate Taxpayer that is “Attributable” to any present or former holder of Units, other than the Corporate Taxpayer, and shall be determined by reference to the Tax Attributes, under the following principles:
(i) any Common Basis and the Basis Adjustments shall be determined separately with respect to each Exchanging Holder, using reasonable methods for tracking such Common Basis or Basis Adjustments, and are Attributable to each
Exchanging Holder in an amount equal to the total Common Basis and Basis Adjustments relating to such Units Exchanged by such Exchanging Holder (determined without regard to any dilutive or antidilutive effect of any contribution to or distribution from OpCo after the date of an applicable Exchange, and taking into account any adjustment under Section 743(b) of the Code);
(ii) 704(c) Benefits shall be determined separately with respect to each TRA Party for each Taxable Year, and is Attributable to each TRA Party in an amount equal to the product of the total 704(c) Benefits and such TRA Party’s 704(c) Benefit Percentage for such Taxable Year, and
(iii) any deduction to the Corporate Taxpayer with respect to a Taxable Year in respect of Imputed Interest or 704(c) Benefit Guaranteed Payments is Attributable to the Person that is required to include such Imputed Interest or 704(c) Benefit Guaranteed Payment in income (without regard to whether such Person is actually subject to Tax thereon).
“Basis Adjustment” means the adjustment to the Tax basis of a Reference Asset under Sections 732, 734(b) and/or 1012 of the Code (in situations where, as a result of one or more Exchanges, OpCo becomes an entity that is disregarded as separate from its owner for U.S. federal income Tax purposes) or under Sections 734(b), 743(b) and/or 754 of the Code (in situations where, following an Exchange, OpCo remains in existence as an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income Tax purposes) and, in each case, analogous sections of state, local and foreign Tax laws, as a result of an Exchange and the payments made pursuant to this Agreement in respect of such Exchange. For the avoidance of doubt, the amount of any Basis Adjustment resulting from an Exchange of one or more Units shall be determined without regard to any Pre-Exchange Transfer of such Units and as if any such Pre-Exchange Transfer had not occurred. The amount of any Basis Adjustment shall be determined using the Market Value at the time of the Exchange.
“Basis Schedule” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1 of this Agreement.
“Beneficial Owner” means, with respect to any security, a Person who directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, has or shares: (i) voting power, which includes the power to vote, or to direct the voting of, such security; and/or (ii) investment power, which includes the power to dispose of, or to direct the disposition of, such security. The term “Beneficial Ownership” shall have a correlative meaning.
“Business Day” means each day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banking institutions in State of New York are authorized or required by law to close.
“Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:
(i) any Person or any group of Persons acting together that would constitute a “group” for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended or any successor provisions thereto (excluding (a) a corporation or other entity owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Corporate Taxpayer in
substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Corporate Taxpayer or (b) a group of Persons in which one or more of the TSG Members or the Founder Members or any of their Affiliates, directly or indirectly hold Beneficial Ownership of securities representing more than 50% of the total voting power held by such group) is or becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Corporate Taxpayer representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Corporate Taxpayer’s then outstanding voting securities; or
(ii) there is consummated a merger or consolidation of the Corporate Taxpayer with any other corporation or other entity, and, immediately after the consummation of such merger or consolidation, the voting securities of the Corporate Taxpayer immediately prior to such merger or consolidation do not continue to represent or are not converted into more than 50% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Person resulting from such merger or consolidation or, if the surviving company is a Subsidiary, the ultimate parent thereof; or
(iii) the stockholders of the Corporate Taxpayer approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Corporate Taxpayer or there is consummated an agreement or series of related agreements for the sale, lease or other disposition, directly or indirectly, by the Corporate Taxpayer of all or substantially all of the Corporate Taxpayer’s assets, other than such sale or other disposition by the Corporate Taxpayer of all or substantially all of the Corporate Taxpayer’s assets to an entity at least 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of which are owned by stockholders of the Corporate Taxpayer in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Corporate Taxpayer immediately prior to such sale.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a “Change of Control” shall not be deemed to have occurred by virtue of the consummation of any transaction or series of integrated transactions immediately following which the record holders of the shares of the Corporate Taxpayer immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to have substantially the same proportionate ownership in, and voting control over, and own substantially all of the shares of, an entity which owns, directly or indirectly, all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporate Taxpayer immediately following such transaction or series of transactions.
“Class A Shares” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals of this Agreement.
“Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
“Common Basis” means the existing Tax basis of any Reference Asset that is (i) depreciable or amortizable (or that will eventually be subject to depreciation or amortization once placed in service) for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (ii) stock of a corporation, or (iii) land, in each case, that is Attributable to Units acquired by the Corporate Taxpayer upon an Exchange, determined as of immediately prior to such Exchange, provided, that any Tax basis giving rise to 704(c) Benefits shall be excluded from the determination of Common Basis. For the avoidance of doubt, Common Basis shall not include any Basis Adjustments.
“Control” means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
“Corporate Taxpayer” means Dutch Bros Inc. and any successor corporation and shall include any Person that is a member of any consolidated Tax Return of which Dutch Bros Inc. is a member.
“Corporate Taxpayer Return” means the U.S. federal income Tax Return of the Corporate Taxpayer filed with respect to Taxes of any Taxable Year, including any consolidated Tax Return.
“Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefit” for a Taxable Year means the cumulative amount of Realized Tax Benefits for all Taxable Years of the Corporate Taxpayer, up to and including such Taxable Year net of the Realized Tax Detriment for the same period. The Realized Tax Benefit and Realized Tax Detriment for each Taxable Year shall be determined based on the most recent Tax Benefit Schedules or Amended Schedules, if any, in existence at the time of such determination; provided, that, for the avoidance of doubt, the computation of the Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefit shall be adjusted to reflect any applicable Determination with respect to any Realized Tax Benefits and/or Realized Tax Detriments.
“Default Rate” means a per annum rate of LIBOR plus 500 basis points.
“Determination” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 1313(a) of the Code or any other event (including the execution of IRS Form 870-AD), including a settlement with the applicable Taxing Authority, that establishes the amount of any liability for Tax.
“Direct Exchange” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals of this Agreement.
“Dispute” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.8(a) of this Agreement.
“Early Termination Date” means the date of an Early Termination Notice for purposes of determining the Early Termination Payment.
“Early Termination Effective Date” means the date on which an Early Termination Schedule becomes binding pursuant to Section 4.2 of this Agreement.
“Early Termination Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2 of this Agreement.
“Early Termination Payment” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.3(b) of this Agreement.
“Early Termination Rate” means the lesser of (i) 6.5% and (ii) LIBOR plus 100 basis points.
“Early Termination Schedule” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2 of this Agreement.
“Estimated Tax Benefit Payment” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6 of this Agreement.
“Exchange” means any fully or partially taxable acquisition (including a deemed taxable acquisition under Section 707(a) of the Code, and any acquisition subject to Section 351(b) or 357(c) of the Code) of Units by the Corporate Taxpayer in exchange for Class A Shares and/or other consideration (including the TRA Party IPO Exchanges and any future Redemptions or Direct Exchanges, but not including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Primary Contribution), and any deemed Exchange of Units pursuant to this Agreement.
“Exchange Date” means the date of any Exchange.
“Exchanging Holder” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals of this Agreement.
“Expert” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.9 of this Agreement.
“Founder Assignee” means any Permitted Transferee (as such term is defined in the Joinder) of a Founder Party.
“Founder Member” has the meaning set forth in the LLC Agreement.
“Founder Party” means any Founder Member that is a TRA Party or becomes a TRA Party for purposes of this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.6(a) of this Agreement.
“Future TRAs” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1 of this Agreement.
“Hypothetical Tax Liability” means, with respect to any Taxable Year, an amount, not less than zero, equal to the hypothetical liability for Taxes of (i) the Corporate Taxpayer and (ii) without duplication, OpCo (and OpCo’s applicable subsidiaries), but in the case of this clause (ii) only with respect to Taxes imposed on OpCo (and OpCo’s applicable subsidiaries) and allocable to the Corporate Taxpayer, in each case using the same methods, elections, conventions, and practices used on the relevant Tax Returns of the Corporate Taxpayer and OpCo, but (a) calculated without taking into account the 704(c) Benefits, Common Basis, or Basis Adjustments for the Reference Assets, (b) excluding any deduction attributable to any payment of Imputed Interest or 704(c) Benefit Guaranteed Payment for the Taxable Year, and (c) with respect to the Taxes described in clause (i) only, calculated (A) using the Assumed Rate, solely for purposes of calculating the U.S. state and local Hypothetical Tax Liability of the Corporate Taxpayer, and (B) assuming, solely for purposes of calculating the liability for U.S. federal income Taxes, in order to prevent double counting, that U.S. state and local Taxes are not deductible by the Corporate Taxpayer for U.S. federal income Tax purposes. For the avoidance of doubt, Hypothetical Tax Liability shall be determined without taking into account the carryover or carryback of any Tax item (or portions thereof) that is attributable to a Tax Attribute as applicable.
“Imputed Interest” in respect of a TRA Party shall mean any interest imputed under Section 1272, 1274, 7872 or 483 or other provision of the Code with respect to the Corporate Taxpayer’s payment obligations in respect of such TRA Party under this Agreement.
“Interest Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(b) of this Agreement.
“IPO” means the initial public offering of Class A Shares by the Corporate Taxpayer (including any option to purchase additional Class A Shares exercisable by the underwriters related to such initial public offering).
“IPO Date” means the initial closing date of the IPO.
“IRS” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
“Joinder” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.6(a) of this Agreement.
“LIBOR” means during any period, the rate which appears on the Bloomberg Page BBAM1 (or on such other substitute Bloomberg page that displays rates at which U.S. dollar deposits are offered by leading banks in the London interbank deposit market), or the rate which is quoted by another source selected by the Corporate Taxpayer as an authorized information vendor for the purpose of displaying rates at which U.S. dollar deposits are offered by leading banks in the London interbank deposit market (an “Alternate Source”), at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two (2) Business Days prior to the first day of such period as the London interbank offered rate for U.S. dollars having a borrowing date and a maturity comparable to such period or, if such period is longer than one year, the London interbank offered rate for U.S. dollars having a maturity of one year (or if there shall at any time, for any reason, no longer exist a Bloomberg Page BBAM1 (or any substitute page) or any LIBOR Alternate Source, a comparable replacement rate determined by the Corporate Taxpayer at such time, which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error); provided, that at no time shall LIBOR be less than 0%. If the Corporate Taxpayer has made the determination (such determination to be conclusive absent manifest error) that (i) LIBOR is no longer a widely recognized benchmark rate for newly originated loans in the U.S. loan market in U.S. dollars or (ii) the applicable supervisor or administrator (if any) of LIBOR has made a public statement identifying a specific date after which LIBOR shall no longer be used for determining interest rates for loans in the U.S. loan market in U.S. dollars, then the Corporate Taxpayer shall, subject to the prior written consent of the TRA Party Representatives (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), establish a replacement interest rate (the “Replacement Rate”), after giving due consideration to any evolving or then prevailing conventions for similar loans in the U.S. loan market in U.S. dollars for such alternative benchmark, and including any mathematical or other adjustments to such benchmark giving due consideration to any evolving or then prevailing convention for similar loans in the U.S. loan market in U.S. dollars for such benchmark, which adjustment, method for calculating such adjustment and benchmark shall be published on an information service as selected from time to time by the Corporate Taxpayer. The Replacement Rate shall, subject to the next two sentences, replace LIBOR for all purposes under this Agreement. In connection with the establishment and application of the Replacement Rate, this Agreement shall be amended solely with the consent of the Corporate Taxpayer and OpCo, as may be necessary or appropriate, in the reasonable judgment of the Corporate Taxpayer, to effect the provisions of this definition. The Replacement Rate shall be applied in a manner consistent with market practice; provided that, in each case, to the extent such market practice is not administratively feasible for the Corporate Taxpayer, such Replacement Rate shall be applied as otherwise reasonably determined by the Corporate Taxpayer.
“LLC Agreement” means the Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of OpCo, dated on or about the date hereof, as such agreement may be further amended, restated, supplemented and/or otherwise modified from time to time.
“Market Value” shall mean, (i) with respect to an Exchange, the value of the Class A Shares on the applicable Exchange Date determined by the Corporate Taxpayer on a reasonable and consistent basis and used by the Corporate Taxpayer in its U.S. federal income Tax reporting with respect to such Exchange, and (ii) with respect to a deemed Exchange pursuant to Valuation Assumption (5), (A) if the Class A Common Stock trades on a National Securities Exchange (as defined in the LLC Agreement) or automated or electronic quotation system, the arithmetic average of the high trading price on such date (or if such date is not a Trading Day (as used in this definition, as defined in the LLC Agreement), the immediately preceding Trading Day) and the low trading price on such date (or if such date is not a Trading Day, the immediately preceding Trading Day) or (B) if the Class A Common Stock is not then traded on a National Securities Exchange or automated or electronic quotation system, as applicable, the Appraiser FMV (as defined in the LLC Agreement) of one (1) share of Class A Common Stock on such date.
“Material Objection Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2 of this Agreement.
“Member of the Immediate Family” means, with respect to any Person who is an individual, (a) each parent, spouse (but not including a former spouse or a spouse from whom such Person is legally separated) or child (including those adopted) of such individual and (b) each trust naming only one or more of the Persons listed in clause (a) above as beneficiaries.
“Net Tax Benefit” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(b) of this Agreement.
“Objection Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3(a) of this Agreement.
“OpCo” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals of this Agreement.
“Opt-Out Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(c) of this Agreement.
“Person” means any individual, corporation, firm, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, estate, trust, business association, organization, governmental entity or other entity.
“Pre-Exchange Transfer” means any transfer (including upon death) or distribution in respect of one or more Units (i) that occurs prior to an Exchange of such Units, and (ii) to which Section 734(b) or 743(b) of the Code applies.
“Primary Contribution” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals of this Agreement.
“Realized Tax Benefit” means, for a Taxable Year, the excess, if any, of the Hypothetical Tax Liability over the Actual Tax Liability. If all or a portion of the Actual Tax Liability for the Taxable Year arises as a result of an audit by a Taxing Authority of any Taxable Year, such liability shall not be included in determining the Realized Tax Benefit unless and until there has been a Determination.
“Realized Tax Detriment” means, for a Taxable Year, the excess, if any, of the Actual Tax Liability over the Hypothetical Tax Liability. If all or a portion of the Actual Tax Liability for the Taxable Year arises as a result of an audit by a Taxing Authority of any Taxable Year, such liability shall not be included in determining the Realized Tax Detriment unless and until there has been a Determination.
“Reconciliation Dispute” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.9 of this Agreement.
“Reconciliation Procedures” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3(a) of this Agreement.
“Redemption” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals of this Agreement.
“Reference Asset” means any asset that is held by OpCo, or by any of its direct or indirect Subsidiaries treated as a partnership or disregarded entity (but only to the extent such indirect Subsidiaries are held through Subsidiaries treated as partnerships or disregarded entities) for purposes of the applicable Tax, on the relevant date of determination. A Reference Asset also includes any asset that is “substituted basis property” under Section 7701(a)(42) of the Code with respect to a Reference Asset. For the avoidance of doubt, a Reference Asset does not include an asset held directly or indirectly by a Subsidiary treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income Tax purposes.
“Reorganization TRA” means the Tax Receivable Agreement (Reorganization) between the Corporate Taxpayer, OpCo, TSG7 A AIV VI Holdings-A, L.P. and DG Coinvestor Blocker Aggregator, L.P., dated on or about the date hereof.
“Reorganization TRA Parties” means the “TRA Parties” as defined in the Reorganization TRA.
“Schedule” means any of the following: (i) a Basis Schedule; (ii) a Tax Benefit Schedule; or (iii) the Early Termination Schedule.
“Senior Obligations” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1 of this Agreement.
“Subsidiaries” means, with respect to any Person, as of any date of determination, any other Person as to which such Person, owns, directly or indirectly, or otherwise controls more than 50% of the voting power or other similar interests or the sole general partner interest or managing member or similar interest of such Person.
“Take-Private Transaction” by any Person or group of Persons means (i) the acquisition by such Person or group of Persons, acting together, of all or substantially of the issued and outstanding Class A Shares (other than Class A Shares then held, directly or indirectly, by such Person or group of Persons or their Affiliates), or (ii) any sale of securities, merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization or other transaction to which such Person or group of Persons or their Affiliates is a party, as a result of which the Class A Shares cease to be listed on the a National Securities Exchange or automated or electronic quotation system on which such securities were listed, provided, that notwithstanding the foregoing, any event that constitutes a Change of Control shall not constitute a “Take-Private Transaction.”
“Tax Attributes” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals of this Agreement.
“Tax Benefit Payment” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(b) of this Agreement.
“Tax Benefit Schedule” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2 of this Agreement.
“Tax Return” means any return, declaration, report or similar statement filed or required to be filed with respect to Taxes (including any attached schedules), including, without limitation, any information return, claim for refund, amended return and declaration of estimated Tax.
“Taxable Year” means a taxable year of the Corporate Taxpayer as defined in Section 441(b) of the Code or comparable section of state or local Tax law, as applicable (and, therefore, for the avoidance of doubt, may include a period of less than twelve (12) months for which a Tax Return is made), ending after the IPO Date.
“Taxes” means any and all U.S. federal, state, local and foreign taxes, assessments or similar charges that are based on or measured with respect to net income or profits (including, for the avoidance of doubt, alternative minimum taxes and franchise taxes that are based on or measured with respect to net income or profits), and any interest related to such Tax.
“Taxing Authority” means any domestic, federal, national, state, county or municipal or other local government, any subdivision, agency, commission or authority thereof, or any quasi-governmental body exercising any taxing authority or any other authority exercising Tax regulatory authority.
“TRA Party IPO Exchanges” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals of this Agreement.
“TRA Party” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble to this Agreement.
“TRA Party Representative” means:
(a) with respect to each Founder Member and its Affiliates, Travis Boersma, or such other Person as designated in writing by the TRA Party Representative for the Founder Members after the date hereof (including in connection with an assignment of the Founder Members’ rights hereunder); and
(b) with respect to each TSG Member and its Affiliates, Dutch Holdings, LLC, or such other Person as designated in writing by the TRA Party Representative for the TSG Members after the date hereof (including in connection with an assignment of the TSG Parties’ rights hereunder).
“Treasury Regulations” means the final, temporary and proposed regulations under the Code promulgated from time to time (including corresponding provisions and succeeding provisions) as in effect for the relevant taxable period.
“True-Up” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6 of this Agreement.
“TSG Assignee” means any Permitted Transferee (as such term is defined in the Joinder) of a TSG Party.
“TSG Member” has the meaning set forth in the LLC Agreement.
“TSG Party” means any TSG Member that is a TRA Party or becomes a TRA Party for purposes of this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.6(a) of this Agreement.
“Units” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals of this Agreement.
“Valuation Assumptions” shall mean, as of an Early Termination Date, the assumptions that in each Taxable Year ending on or after such Early Termination Date, (1) the Corporate Taxpayer will have taxable income sufficient to fully utilize the Tax items arising from the Tax Attributes (other than any items addressed in clause (2) below) during such Taxable Year or future Taxable Years (including, for the avoidance of doubt, Basis Adjustments and Imputed Interest that would result from future payments made under this Agreement that would be paid in accordance with the Valuation Assumptions) in which such deductions would become available, (2) loss carryovers generated by deductions arising from any Tax Attributes or Imputed Interest that are available as of the date of such Early Termination Date will be used by the Corporate Taxpayer on a pro rata basis from the date of such Early Termination Date through the earlier of (x) the scheduled expiration date under applicable Tax law of such loss carryovers or (y) the fifth (5th) anniversary of the Early Termination Date, (3) the U.S. federal income Tax rates that will be in effect for each such Taxable Year will be those specified for each such Taxable Year by the Code and other law as in effect on the Early Termination Date, the Assumed Rate will be calculated based on such rates and the apportionment factors applicable in the most recently ended Taxable Year (except to the extent any change to such Tax rates has already been enacted into law), and LIBOR or the Replacement Rate, as applicable, that will be in effect for each such Taxable Year will be the rate in effect on the Early Termination Date, (4) any non-amortizable, non-depreciable assets will be disposed of on the later of the fifteenth (15th) anniversary of the applicable Exchange or the fifth (5th) anniversary of the Early Termination Date, and any cash equivalents will be disposed of twelve (12) months following the Early Termination Date; provided, that in the event of a Change of Control, such non-amortizable, non-depreciable assets shall be deemed disposed of at the time of sale (if applicable) of the relevant asset in the Change of Control (if earlier than such fifteenth (15th) anniversary), and (5) if, at the Early Termination Date, there are Units that have not been Exchanged, then each such Unit shall be deemed Exchanged for the Market Value (as determined in accordance with clause (ii) of the definition thereof) of the Class A Shares that would be transferred if the Exchange occurred on the Early Termination Date.
ARTICLE II
DETERMINATION OF CERTAIN REALIZED TAX BENEFIT
SECTION 2.1 Basis Schedule. Within ninety (90) calendar days after the due date (including extensions) of IRS Form 1120 (or any successor form) of the Corporate Taxpayer for each relevant Taxable Year, the Corporate Taxpayer shall deliver to each TRA Party, a schedule (the “Basis Schedule”) that shows, in reasonable detail necessary to perform the calculations
required by this Agreement, (i) the 704(c) Benefit Attributable to such TRA Party, if any, (ii) the Common Basis of the Reference Assets Attributable to such TRA Party, if any, (iii) the Basis Adjustment with respect to the Reference Assets Attributable to such TRA Party as a result of the Exchanges effected in such Taxable Year or any prior Taxable Year by such TRA Party, if any, calculated in the aggregate, and (iv) with respect to depreciable or amortizable Reference Assets, the period (or periods) over which such Common Basis and each such Basis Adjustment Attributable to such TRA Party is amortizable and/or depreciable. All costs and expenses incurred in connection with the provision and preparation of the Basis Schedules and Tax Benefit Schedules under this Agreement shall be borne by OpCo.
SECTION 2.2 Tax Benefit Schedule.
(a) Tax Benefit Schedule. Within ninety (90) calendar days after the due date (including extensions) of IRS Form 1120 (or any successor form) of the Corporate Taxpayer for any Taxable Year in which there is a Realized Tax Benefit or a Realized Tax Detriment Attributable to a TRA Party, the Corporate Taxpayer shall provide to such TRA Party a schedule showing, in reasonable detail, the calculation of the Realized Tax Benefit and Tax Benefit Payment, or the Realized Tax Detriment, as applicable, in respect of such TRA Party for such Taxable Year (a “Tax Benefit Schedule”). Each Tax Benefit Schedule will become final as provided in Section 2.3(a) and may be amended as provided in Section 2.3(b) (subject to the procedures set forth in Section 2.3(b)).
(b) Applicable Principles. Subject to Section 3.3, the Realized Tax Benefit (or the Realized Tax Detriment) for each Taxable Year is intended to measure the decrease (or increase) in the actual liability for Taxes of the Corporate Taxpayer for such Taxable Year attributable to the Tax Attributes, determined using a “with and without” methodology. Carryovers or carrybacks of any Tax item attributable to any of the Tax Attributes shall be considered to be subject to the rules of the Code and the Treasury Regulations or the appropriate provisions of U.S. state and local Tax law, as applicable, governing the use, limitation and expiration of carryovers or carrybacks of the relevant type. If a carryover or carryback of any Tax item includes a portion that is attributable to any Tax Attribute (the “TRA Portion”) and another portion that is not (the “Non-TRA Portion”), such portions shall be considered to be used in accordance with the “with and without” methodology so that the amount of any Non-TRA Portion is deemed utilized, to the extent available, prior to the amount of any TRA Portion, to the extent available (with the TRA Portion being applied on a proportionate basis consistent with the provisions of Section 3.3). The parties agree that (A) all Tax Benefit Payments (other than the portion of the Tax Benefit Payments treated as Imputed Interest) attributable to the Common Basis or Basis Adjustments will be treated as subsequent upward purchase price adjustments that have the effect of creating additional Basis Adjustments to Reference Assets for the Corporate Taxpayer in the year of payment, (B) as a result, such additional Basis Adjustments will be incorporated into the current year calculation and into future year calculations, as appropriate, on an iterative basis continuing until any incremental Basis Adjustment is immaterial as reasonably determined by the applicable TRA Party Representative and the Corporate Taxpayer in good faith, (C) all Tax Benefit Payments attributable to the 704(c) Benefits (or to deductions arising from such payments) will be treated as contributed by the Corporate Taxpayer to OpCo and paid by OpCo to the applicable TRA Party as “guaranteed
payments” under Section 707(c) of the Code (“704(c) Benefit Guaranteed Payments”), and the deduction associated with such 704(c) Benefit Guaranteed Payments shall be allocated to the Corporate Taxpayer, (D) the Actual Tax Liability will take into account the deduction of the portion of the Tax Benefit Payment that must be accounted for as Imputed Interest, and (E) the liability for Taxes of the Corporate Taxpayer and the taxable income of the Corporate Taxpayer for Tax purposes as determined for purposes of calculating the Actual Tax Liability and the Hypothetical Tax Liability shall include, without duplication, such liability for Taxes and such taxable income that is economically borne by or allocated to the Corporate Taxpayer as a result of the provisions of Section 4.6(d) of the LLC Agreement; provided, however, that such liability for Taxes and such taxable income shall be included in the Hypothetical Tax Liability and the Actual Tax Liability subject to the adjustments and assumptions set forth in the definitions thereof and, to the extent any such amount is taken into account on an Amended Schedule, such amount shall adjust a Tax Benefit Payment, as applicable, in accordance with Section 2.3(b).
(c) Administrative Assumptions. For the avoidance of doubt, the Corporate Taxpayer shall be entitled to make reasonable simplifying assumptions in making determinations contemplated by this Agreement, including reasonable assumptions regarding basis recovery periods based on available balance sheet information and including the assumption that the Assumed Rate is to be applied against the amount of taxable income of the Corporate Taxpayer for U.S. federal income Tax purposes that is used in calculating the Actual Tax Liability and the Hypothetical Tax Liability (and the parties hereby agree that that the Corporate Taxpayer’s determination of the Realized Tax Benefit and Realized Tax Detriment with respect to U.S. state and local Taxes will not take into account jurisdiction-specific U.S. state and local adjustments to the U.S. federal taxable income base or to the U.S. federal rules regarding the utilization of Tax attribute carryovers). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, to the extent the Corporate Taxpayer reasonably determines (in consultation with its accounting and Tax advisors and the TRA Party Representatives) that the administrative burden and costs associated with calculating the Tax Attributes with respect to any Subsidiary of OpCo would materially outweigh the Tax Benefit Payment attributable to such Tax Attributes, the Corporate Taxpayer shall be permitted to determine that such Tax Attributes shall not be treated as Tax Attributes for all purposes of this Agreement.
SECTION 2.3 Procedures, Amendments.
(a) Procedure. Every time the Corporate Taxpayer delivers to a TRA Party an applicable Schedule under this Agreement, including any Amended Schedule delivered pursuant to Section 2.3(b), and any Early Termination Schedule or amended Early Termination Schedule, the Corporate Taxpayer shall also (x) deliver to such TRA Party supporting schedules and work papers, as determined by the Corporate Taxpayer or as reasonably requested by such TRA Party, providing reasonable detail regarding data and calculations that were relevant for purposes of preparing the Schedule and (y) allow such TRA Party reasonable access at no cost to the appropriate representatives at the Corporate Taxpayer, as determined by the Corporate Taxpayer or as reasonably requested by such TRA Party, in connection with a review of such Schedule. Without limiting the generality of the preceding sentence, the Corporate Taxpayer shall ensure that any Tax Benefit Schedule that is delivered to a TRA Party, along with any supporting schedules and work papers, provides a reasonably detailed presentation of the calculation of the
Actual Tax Liability and the Hypothetical Tax Liability and identifies any material assumptions or operating procedures or principles that were used for purposes of such calculations. An applicable Schedule or amendment thereto shall become final and binding on all parties thirty (30) calendar days from the date on which all relevant TRA Parties are treated as having received the applicable Schedule or amendment thereto under Section 7.1 unless any TRA Party Representative (i) within thirty (30) calendar days from such date provides the Corporate Taxpayer with written notice of a material objection to such Schedule (“Objection Notice”) made in good faith or (ii) provides a written waiver of such right of any Objection Notice within the period described in clause (i) above, in which case such Schedule or amendment thereto becomes binding on the date the waiver is received by the Corporate Taxpayer. If the Corporate Taxpayer and the relevant TRA Party Representative, for any reason, are unable to successfully resolve the issues raised in the Objection Notice within thirty (30) calendar days after receipt by the Corporate Taxpayer of an Objection Notice, the Corporate Taxpayer and the relevant TRA Party Representative shall employ the reconciliation procedures as described in Section 7.9 of this Agreement (the “Reconciliation Procedures”).
(b) Amended Schedule. The applicable Schedule for any Taxable Year may be amended from time to time by the Corporate Taxpayer (i) in connection with a Determination affecting such Schedule, (ii) to correct material inaccuracies in the Schedule identified as a result of the receipt of additional factual information relating to a Taxable Year after the date the Schedule was provided to a TRA Party, (iii) to comply with an Expert’s determination under the Reconciliation Procedures, (iv) to reflect a change in the Realized Tax Benefit, or the Realized Tax Detriment for such Taxable Year attributable to a carryback or carryforward of a loss or other Tax item to such Taxable Year, (v) to reflect a change in the Realized Tax Benefit or the Realized Tax Detriment for such Taxable Year attributable to an amended Tax Return filed for such Taxable Year or (vi) to adjust an applicable TRA Party’s Basis Schedule to take into account payments made pursuant to this Agreement (any such Schedule, an “Amended Schedule”). The Corporate Taxpayer shall provide an Amended Schedule to each applicable TRA Party when the Corporate Taxpayer delivers the Basis Schedule for the following taxable year.
SECTION 2.4 Basis Adjustments.
(a) Basis Adjustments. The parties to this Agreement acknowledge and agree to treat (A) to the fullest extent permitted by law each Direct Exchange as giving rise to Basis Adjustments and (B) to the fullest extent permitted by law each Redemption using cash or Class A Common Stock contributed to OpCo by the Corporate Taxpayer as a direct purchase of Units by the Corporate Taxpayer from the applicable TRA Party pursuant to Section 707(a)(2)(B) of the Code as giving rise to Basis Adjustments.
(b) Section 754 Election. The Corporate Taxpayer shall ensure that, on and after the date hereof for each taxable year in which an Exchange may occur, OpCo and each direct and indirect Subsidiary of OpCo that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income Tax purposes will have in effect an election under Section 754 of the Code (and under any similar provisions of applicable U.S. state or local law).
ARTICLE III
TAX BENEFIT PAYMENTS
SECTION 3.1 Payments.
(a) Payments. Within five (5) Business Days after a Tax Benefit Schedule delivered to a TRA Party becomes final in accordance with Section 2.3(a) and Section 7.9, if applicable, the Corporate Taxpayer shall pay such TRA Party for such Taxable Year the Tax Benefit Payment determined pursuant to Section 3.1(b) that is Attributable to such TRA Party. Each such Tax Benefit Payment shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the bank account previously designated by such TRA Party to the Corporate Taxpayer or as otherwise agreed by the Corporate Taxpayer and such TRA Party. For the avoidance of doubt, (x) no Tax Benefit Payment shall be required to be made in respect of estimated Tax payments, including, without limitation, U.S. federal estimated income Tax payments and (y) the payments provided for pursuant to the above sentence shall be computed separately for each TRA Party.
(b) A “Tax Benefit Payment” in respect of a TRA Party for a Taxable Year means an amount, not less than zero, equal to the Net Tax Benefit that is Attributable to such TRA Party and the Interest Amount with respect thereto. For the avoidance of doubt, for tax purposes, the Interest Amount shall not be treated as interest, but instead, shall be treated as additional consideration in the applicable transaction, unless otherwise required by law. Subject to Section 3.3, the “Net Tax Benefit” for a Taxable Year shall be an amount equal to the excess, if any, of 85% of the Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefit as of the end of such Taxable Year, over the total amount of payments previously made under the first sentence of Section 3.1(a) (excluding payments attributable to Interest Amounts); provided, for the avoidance of doubt, that no such recipient shall be required to return any portion of any previously made Tax Benefit Payment. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the parties acknowledge and agree that the determination of the portion of the Tax Benefit Payment to be paid to a TRA Party under this Agreement with respect to U.S. state and local Taxes shall not require separate “with and without” calculations in respect of each applicable U.S. state and local Tax jurisdiction but rather will be based on the U.S. federal taxable income or gain for such taxable year reported on the Corporate Taxpayer’s IRS Form 1120 (or any successor form) and the Assumed Rate. The “Interest Amount” shall equal the interest on the Net Tax Benefit calculated at the Agreed Rate from the due date (without extensions) for filing IRS Form 1120 (or any successor form) of the Corporate Taxpayer with respect to Taxes for such Taxable Year until the payment date under Section 3.1(a) or Section 3.6, as applicable.
(c) The Members acknowledge and agree that, as of the date of this Agreement and as of the date of any future Exchange that may be subject to this Agreement, the aggregate value of the Tax Benefit Payments cannot be reasonably ascertained for U.S. federal income or other applicable Tax purposes. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the stated maximum selling price (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation 15A.453-1(c)(2)) with respect to any transfer of Units by a Member pursuant to an Exchange shall not exceed the sum of (I) the value of the Class A Common Stock or the amount of cash delivered to the Member, in each case, in the Exchange plus (II) the amount, if any, set forth in the Exchange Notice (as defined in the LLC Agreement) delivered by such Member to the
Corporate Taxpayer with respect to the relevant Exchange, or, if no such amount is specified, 80% of the amount described in clause (I). Aggregate Payments under this Agreement to such Member in respect of such Units (other than amounts accounted for as interest under the Code) shall not exceed the amount described in this clause (II).
SECTION 3.2 No Duplicative Payments. It is intended that the provisions of this Agreement will not result in duplicative payment of any amount (including interest) required under this Agreement. The provisions of this Agreement shall be construed in the appropriate manner to ensure such intentions are realized.
SECTION 3.3 Pro Rata Payments. Notwithstanding anything in Section 3.1 to the contrary, to the extent that the aggregate Realized Tax Benefit of the Corporate Taxpayer with respect to the Tax Attributes is limited in a particular Taxable Year because the Corporate Taxpayer does not have sufficient taxable income, the Net Tax Benefit of the Corporate Taxpayer and the “Net Tax Benefit” of the Corporate Taxpayer under the Reorganization TRA shall collectively be allocated among all parties eligible for Tax Benefit Payments under this Agreement and all parties eligible for “Tax Benefit Payments” under the Reorganization TRA in proportion to the amount of Net Tax Benefit, as such term is defined in this Agreement and in the Reorganization TRA, as applicable, that would have been Attributable to each such party if the Corporate Taxpayer had sufficient taxable income so that there were no such limitation.
SECTION 3.4 Payment Ordering. If for any reason the Corporate Taxpayer does not fully satisfy its payment obligations to make all Tax Benefit Payments due under this Agreement in respect of a particular Taxable Year, then the Corporate Taxpayer and the TRA Parties agree that (i) Tax Benefit Payments for such Taxable Year shall be allocated to all parties eligible for Tax Benefit Payments under this Agreement in proportion to the amounts of Net Tax Benefit, respectively, that would have been Attributable to each TRA Party if the Corporate Taxpayer had sufficient cash available to make such Tax Benefit Payments and (ii) no Tax Benefit Payments shall be made in respect of any Taxable Year until all Tax Benefit Payments to all TRA Parties in respect of all prior Taxable Years have been made in full.
SECTION 3.5 Excess Payments. To the extent the Corporate Taxpayer makes a payment to a TRA Party in respect of a particular Taxable Year under Section 3.1(a) of this Agreement (taking into account Section 3.3 and Section 3.4) in an amount in excess of the amount of such payment that should have been made to such TRA Party in respect of such Taxable Year, then (i) such TRA Party shall not receive further payments under Section 3.1(a) until such TRA Party has foregone a cumulative amount of payments equal to such excess and (ii) the Corporate Taxpayer will pay the amount of such TRA Party’s foregone payments to the other Persons to whom a payment is due under this Agreement and the Reorganization TRA and that have not received any such excess payment in a manner such that each such Person to whom a payment is due under this Agreement and the Reorganization TRA, to the maximum extent possible, receives aggregate payments under Section 3.1(a) (taking into account Section 3.3 and Section 3.4) and the corresponding sections of the Reorganization TRA, in the amount it would have received if there had been no excess payment to such TRA Party.
SECTION 3.6 Optional Estimated Tax Benefit Payment Procedure. As long as the Corporate Taxpayer is current in respect of its payment obligations owed to each TRA Party
pursuant to this Agreement and there are no delinquent Tax Benefit Payments (including interest thereon) outstanding in respect of prior Taxable Years for any TRA Party and is current with respect to the corresponding obligations to the Reorganization TRA Parties under the Reorganization TRA, the Corporate Taxpayer may, in its sole discretion, make one or more estimated payments to the TRA Parties and Reorganization TRA Parties in respect of any anticipated amounts to be owed pursuant to Section 3.1 of this Agreement and Section 3.1 of the Reorganization TRA (any such estimated payment referred to as an “Estimated Tax Benefit Payment”); provided that any Estimated Tax Benefit Payment made to a TRA Party pursuant to this Section 3.6 is matched by a proportionately equal Estimated Tax Benefit Payment to all other TRA Parties and Reorganization TRA Parties then entitled to a Tax Benefit Payment provided further that any Estimated Tax Benefit Payment that is made in advance of the due date (without extensions) for filing the U.S. federal income Tax Return of the Corporate Taxpayer for the Taxable Year shall be treated as being made on such due date for purposes of determining the Interest Amount. Any Estimated Tax Benefit Payment made under this Section 3.6 shall be paid by the Corporate Taxpayer to the TRA Parties and applied against the final amount of any Tax Benefit Payment to be made pursuant to Section 3.1. The payment of an Estimated Tax Benefit Payment by the Corporate Taxpayer to the TRA Parties pursuant to this Section 3.6 shall also terminate the obligation of the Corporate Taxpayer to make payment of any Interest Amount that might have otherwise accrued with respect to the proportionate amount of the Tax Benefit Payment that is being paid in advance of the applicable Tax Benefit Schedule being finalized pursuant to Section 2.3(a). Upon the making of any Estimated Tax Benefit Payment pursuant to this Section 3.6, the amount of such Estimated Tax Benefit Payment shall first be applied to any estimated Interest Amount, if any, and then applied to the remaining residual amount of the Tax Benefit Payment to be made pursuant to Section 3.1. In determining the final amount of any Tax Benefit Payment to be made pursuant to Section 3.1, and for purposes of finalizing the Tax Benefit Schedule pursuant to Section 2.3(a), the amount of any Estimated Tax Benefit Payments that may have been made with respect to the Taxable Year shall be increased if the finally determined Tax Benefit Payment for a Taxable Year exceeds the Estimated Tax Benefit Payments made for such Taxable Year, with such increase being paid by the Corporate Taxpayer to the TRA Parties along with an appropriate Interest Amount (and any Default Rate interest) in respect of the amount of such increase (a “True-Up”). If the Estimated Tax Benefit Payment to a TRA Party for a Taxable Year exceeds the finally determined Tax Benefit Payment to the TRA Party for such Taxable Year, such excess shall be applied to reduce the amount of any subsequent future Tax Benefit Payments (including Estimated Tax Benefit Payments, if any) to be paid by the Corporate Taxpayer to such TRA Party. As of the date on which any Estimated Tax Benefit Payments are made, and as of the date on which any True-Up is made, all such payments shall be made in the same manner and subject to the same terms and conditions as otherwise contemplated by Section 3.1 and all other applicable terms of this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, as is the case with Tax Benefit Payments made by the Corporate Taxpayer to the TRA Parties pursuant to Section 3.1, the Parties intend to treat the amount of any Estimated Tax Benefit Payments made pursuant to this Section 3.6 that are attributable to an Exchange in part as subsequent upward purchase price adjustments that give rise to Basis Adjustments in the Taxable Year of payment to the extent permitted by applicable law and as of the date on which such payments are made (exclusive of any amounts treated as Imputed Interest); provided that any additional Basis Adjustments arising from an Estimated Tax Benefit Payment will be
determined on an iterative basis continuing until any incremental Basis Adjustment is immaterial as determined by the applicable TRA Party Representative and the Corporate Taxpayer in good faith.
ARTICLE IV
TERMINATION
SECTION 4.1 Early Termination of Agreement; Breach of Agreement.
(a) The Corporate Taxpayer may terminate this Agreement with respect to all amounts payable to the TRA Parties and with respect to all of the Units held by the TRA Parties at any time by paying to each TRA Party the Early Termination Payment in respect of such TRA Party; provided, however, that this Agreement shall only terminate upon the receipt of the Early Termination Payment by all TRA Parties, and provided, further, that the Corporate Taxpayer may withdraw any notice to execute its termination rights under this Section 4.1(a) prior to the time at which any Early Termination Payment has been paid. Upon payment of the Early Termination Payment by the Corporate Taxpayer, none of the TRA Parties or the Corporate Taxpayer shall have any further payment obligations under this Agreement, other than for any (a) Tax Benefit Payments due and payable and that remain unpaid as of the Early Termination Notice and (b) Tax Benefit Payment due for the Taxable Year ending with or including the date of the Early Termination Notice (except to the extent that the amount described in clause (b) is included in the Early Termination Payment). If an Exchange occurs after the Corporate Taxpayer makes all of the required Early Termination Payments, the Corporate Taxpayer shall have no obligations under this Agreement with respect to such Exchange.
(b) In the event that the Corporate Taxpayer (1) materially breaches any of its material obligations under this Agreement, whether as a result of failure to make any payment when due, failure to honor any other material obligation required hereunder or by operation of law as a result of the rejection of this Agreement in a case commenced under the Bankruptcy Code or otherwise or (2)(A) shall commence any case, proceeding or other action (i) under any existing or future law of any jurisdiction, domestic or foreign, relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or relief of debtors, seeking to have an order for relief entered with respect to it, or seeking to adjudicate a bankruptcy or insolvency, or seeking reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, winding-up, liquidation, dissolution, composition or other relief with respect to it or its debts or (ii) seeking an appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator or other similar official for it or for all or any substantial part of its assets, or it shall make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors or (B) there shall be commenced against the Corporate Taxpayer any case, proceeding or other action of the nature referred to in clause (A) above that remains undismissed or undischarged for a period of sixty (60) calendar days, all obligations hereunder shall be automatically accelerated and shall be immediately due and payable, and such obligations shall be calculated as if an Early Termination Notice had been delivered on the date of such breach and shall include, but not be limited to, (1) the Early Termination Payments calculated as if an Early Termination Notice had been delivered on the date of a breach, (2) any Tax Benefit Payment due and payable and that remains unpaid as of the date of a breach, and (3) any Tax Benefit Payment in respect of any TRA Party due for the Taxable Year ending with or including the date of a breach; provided that procedures similar to the procedures of Section 4.2
shall apply with respect to the determination of the amount payable by the Corporate Taxpayer pursuant to this sentence. Notwithstanding the foregoing (other than as set forth in subsection (2) above), in the event that the Corporate Taxpayer breaches this Agreement, each TRA Party shall be entitled to elect to receive the amounts set forth in clauses (1), (2) and (3) above or to seek specific performance of the terms hereof. The parties agree that the failure to make any payment due pursuant to this Agreement within three (3) months of the date such payment is due shall be deemed to be a material breach of a material obligation under this Agreement for all purposes of this Agreement, and that it will not be considered to be a material breach of a material obligation under this Agreement to make a payment due pursuant to this Agreement within three (3) months of the date such payment is due. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, it shall not be a material breach of a material obligation of this Agreement if the Corporate Taxpayer fails to make any Tax Benefit Payment when due to the extent that the Corporate Taxpayer has insufficient funds to make such payment; provided, (i) the Corporate Taxpayer has used reasonable efforts to obtain such funds and (ii) that the interest provisions of Section 5.2 shall apply to such late payment (unless the Corporate Taxpayer does not have sufficient funds to make such payment as a result of limitations imposed by any Senior Obligations, in which case Section 5.2 shall apply, but the Default Rate shall be replaced by the Agreed Rate); provided further, for the avoidance of doubt, the last sentence of this Section 4.1(b) shall not apply to any payments due pursuant to the acceleration upon a Change of Control contemplated by Section 4.1(c).
(c) The Corporate Taxpayer shall provide written notice to the TRA Party Representatives thirty (30) days in advance of the closing of any Change of Control, and each TRA Party Representative shall have the option, upon written notice to the Corporate Taxpayer (“Opt-Out Notice”) within twenty (20) days thereafter, to cause its respective TRA Parties to continue as TRA Parties under this Agreement after such Change of Control, in which case each such TRA Party will not be entitled to receive the amounts set forth in the remainder of this Section 4.1(c), and Valuation Assumptions (1), (2), and (4) (substituting in each case the terms “date of a Change of Control” for an “Early Termination Date”) shall apply to Tax Benefit Payments to each such TRA Party following the closing of such Change of Control. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing sentence in this Section 4.1(c), if an Opt-Out Notice is not timely provided with respect to a TRA Party, all obligations hereunder will be accelerated and such obligations shall be calculated as if an Early Termination Notice had been delivered on the date of such Change of Control and shall include (1) the Early Termination Payments calculated with respect to such TRA Parties as if the Early Termination Date is the date of such Change of Control, (2) any Tax Benefit Payment due and payable and that remains unpaid as of the date of such Change of Control, and (3) any Tax Benefit Payment in respect of any TRA Party due for the Taxable Year ending with or including the date of such Change of Control. If an Opt-Out Notice is not timely provided with respect to a TRA Party, (i) such TRA Party shall be entitled to receive the amounts set forth in clauses (1), (2) and (3) of the preceding sentence, (ii) any Early Termination Payment described in the preceding sentence shall be calculated utilizing the Valuation Assumptions, substituting in each case the terms “date of a Change of Control” for an “Early Termination Date,” and (iii) Section 4.2 and Section 4.3 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, with respect to payments to such TRA Party upon the Change of Control.
SECTION 4.2 Early Termination Notice. If the Corporate Taxpayer chooses to exercise its right of early termination under Section 4.1 above, the Corporate Taxpayer shall deliver to each TRA Party notice of such intention to exercise such right (“Early Termination Notice”) and a schedule (the “Early Termination Schedule”) specifying the Corporate Taxpayer’s intention to exercise such right and showing in reasonable detail the calculation of the Early Termination Payment(s) due for each TRA Party. Each Early Termination Schedule shall become final and binding on all parties thirty (30) calendar days from the first date on which all applicable TRA Parties are treated as having received such Schedule or amendment thereto under Section 7.1 unless any TRA Party Representative (i) within thirty (30) calendar days after such date provides the Corporate Taxpayer with notice of a material objection to such Schedule made in good faith (“Material Objection Notice”) or (ii) provides a written waiver of such right of a Material Objection Notice within the period described in clause (i) above, in which case such Schedule becomes binding on the date the waiver is received by the Corporate Taxpayer. If the Corporate Taxpayer and the relevant TRA Party Representative, for any reason, are unable to successfully resolve the issues raised in such notice within thirty (30) calendar days after receipt by the Corporate Taxpayer of the Material Objection Notice, the Corporate Taxpayer and the relevant TRA Party Representative shall employ the Reconciliation Procedures in which case such Schedule becomes binding ten (10) calendar days after the conclusion of the Reconciliation Procedures.
SECTION 4.3 Payment upon Early Termination.
(a) Within three (3) calendar days after an Early Termination Effective Date, the Corporate Taxpayer shall pay to each TRA Party an amount equal to the Early Termination Payment in respect of such TRA Party. Such payment shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to a bank account or accounts designated by such TRA Party or as otherwise agreed by the Corporate Taxpayer and such TRA Party or, in the absence of such designation or agreement, by check mailed to the last mailing address provided by such TRA Party to the Corporate Taxpayer.
(b) “Early Termination Payment” in respect of a TRA Party shall equal the present value, discounted at the Early Termination Rate as of the applicable Early Termination Effective Date, of all Tax Benefit Payments in respect of such TRA Party that would be required to be paid by the Corporate Taxpayer beginning from the Early Termination Date and assuming that the Valuation Assumptions in respect of such TRA Party are applied and that each Tax Benefit Payment for the relevant Taxable Year would be satisfied on the due date (without extensions) under applicable law as of the Early Termination Effective Date for filing of IRS Form 1120 (or any successor form) of the Corporate Taxpayer.
ARTICLE V
SUBORDINATION AND LATE PAYMENTS
SECTION 5.1 Subordination. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, any payment required to be made by the Corporate Taxpayer to the TRA Parties under this Agreement shall rank subordinate and junior in right of payment to any principal, interest or other amounts due and payable in respect of any obligations in respect of
indebtedness for borrowed money of the Corporate Taxpayer and its Subsidiaries (“Senior Obligations”) and shall rank pari passu in right of payment with all current or future unsecured obligations of the Corporate Taxpayer that are not Senior Obligations. To the extent that any payment under this Agreement is not permitted to be made at the time payment is due as a result of this Section 5.1 and the terms of agreements governing Senior Obligations, such payment obligation nevertheless shall accrue for the benefit of TRA Parties and the Corporate Taxpayer shall make such payments at the first opportunity that such payments are permitted to be made in accordance with the terms of the Senior Obligations. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, to the extent that the Corporate Taxpayer or any of its Affiliates enters into future Tax receivable or other similar agreements (“Future TRAs,” which, for the avoidance of doubt, does not include the Reorganization TRA), the Corporate Taxpayer shall ensure that the terms of any such Future TRA shall provide that the Tax Attributes subject to this Agreement are considered senior in priority to any Tax attributes subject to any such Future TRA for purposes of calculating the amount and timing of payments under any such Future TRA.
SECTION 5.2 Late Payments by the Corporate Taxpayer. Subject to the proviso in the last sentence of Section 4.1(b), the amount of all or any portion of any Tax Benefit Payment or Early Termination Payment not made to the TRA Parties when due under the terms of this Agreement, whether as a result of Section 5.1 or otherwise, shall be payable together with any interest thereon, computed at the Default Rate and commencing from the date on which such Tax Benefit Payment or Early Termination Payment was first due and payable to the date of actual payment.
ARTICLE VI
NO DISPUTES; CONSISTENCY; COOPERATION
SECTION 6.1 Participation in the Corporate Taxpayer’s and OpCo’s Tax Matters. Except as otherwise provided herein, the Corporate Taxpayer shall have full responsibility for, and sole discretion over, all Tax matters concerning the Corporate Taxpayer and OpCo, including without limitation the preparation, filing or amending of any Tax Return and defending, contesting or settling any issue pertaining to Taxes. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporate Taxpayer shall notify each TRA Party Representative of, and keep each TRA Party Representative reasonably informed with respect to, the portion of any audit of the Corporate Taxpayer and OpCo by a Taxing Authority the outcome of which is reasonably expected to materially affect the rights and obligations of the TRA Parties under this Agreement, and shall provide each TRA Party Representative reasonable opportunity to provide information and other input to the Corporate Taxpayer, OpCo and their respective advisors concerning the conduct of any such portion of such audit; provided, however, that the Corporate Taxpayer and OpCo shall not be required to take any action that is inconsistent with any provision of the LLC Agreement.
SECTION 6.2 Consistency. The Corporate Taxpayer and the TRA Parties agree to report and cause to be reported for all purposes, including U.S. federal, state and local tax purposes and financial reporting purposes, all Tax-related items (including, without limitation, the Tax Attributes and each Tax Benefit Payment) in a manner consistent with that contemplated by this Agreement or specified by the Corporate Taxpayer in any Schedule required to be
provided by or on behalf of the Corporate Taxpayer under this Agreement unless otherwise required by law. The Corporate Taxpayer shall (and shall cause OpCo and its other Subsidiaries to) use commercially reasonable efforts (for the avoidance of doubt, taking into account the interests and entitlements of all TRA Parties under this Agreement) to defend the Tax treatment contemplated by this Agreement and any Schedule in any audit, contest or similar proceeding with any Taxing Authority.
SECTION 6.3 Cooperation. Each of the TRA Parties shall (a) furnish to the Corporate Taxpayer in a timely manner such information, documents and other materials in its possession as the Corporate Taxpayer may reasonably request for purposes of making any determination or computation necessary or appropriate under this Agreement, preparing any Tax Return or contesting or defending any audit, examination or controversy with any Taxing Authority, (b) make itself available to the Corporate Taxpayer and its representatives to provide explanations of documents and materials and such other information as the Corporate Taxpayer or its representatives may reasonably request in connection with any of the matters described in clause (a) above, and (c) reasonably cooperate in connection with any such matter, and the Corporate Taxpayer shall reimburse each such TRA Party for any reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred pursuant to this Section 6.3. Upon the request of any TRA Party, the Corporate Taxpayer shall cooperate in taking any action reasonably requested by such TRA Party in connection with its tax or financial reporting and/or the consummation of any assignment or transfer of any of its rights and/or obligations under this Agreement, including without limitation, providing any information or executing any documentation.
ARTICLE VII
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 7.1 Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed duly given and received (a) on the date of delivery if delivered personally, or by facsimile or email with confirmation of transmission by the transmitting equipment or (b) on the first Business Day following the date of dispatch if delivered by a recognized next-day courier service. All notices hereunder shall be delivered as set forth below, or pursuant to such other instructions as may be designated in writing by the party to receive such notice:
If to the Corporate Taxpayer, to:
c/o Dutch Mafia, LLC
110 SW 4th Street
Grants Pass, OR 97526
Facsimile Number: (541) 471-0330
Email Address: legal@dutchbros.com
Attention: General Counsel
If to the TRA Parties, to the respective addresses and email addresses set forth in Exhibit A.
Any party may change its address, fax number or email by giving the other party written notice of its new address, fax number or email in the manner set forth above.
SECTION 7.2 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to the other parties, it being understood that all parties need not sign the same counterpart. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Agreement by facsimile transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Agreement.
SECTION 7.3 Entire Agreement; No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of each party hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns, and nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other Person any right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.
SECTION 7.4 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of Delaware.
SECTION 7.5 Severability. If any term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any law or public policy, all other terms and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated as originally contemplated to the greatest extent possible.
SECTION 7.6 Successors; Assignment; Amendments; Waivers.
(a) Each TRA Party may assign all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to any Person as long as such transferee has executed and delivered, or, in connection with such transfer, executes and delivers, a joinder to this Agreement, substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto, agreeing to become a TRA Party for all purposes of this Agreement, except as otherwise provided in such joinder (a “Joinder”), provided, however, that, at any time during the term of this Agreement, (i) the total number of Founder Assignees, in the aggregate, who are TRA Parties cannot be greater than five (5), other than Affiliates of the Founder Parties and Permitted Assignees, and (ii) the total number of TSG Assignees, in the aggregate, who are TRA Parties cannot be greater than five (5), other than Affiliates of the TSG Parties and Permitted Assignees. For avoidance of doubt, this Section 7.6(a) shall apply regardless of whether such TRA Party continues to hold any interest in the Corporate Taxpayer or OpCo. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any TRA Party sells, exchanges, distributes or otherwise transfers Units to any Person (other than the Corporate Taxpayer or OpCo) in accordance with the terms of LLC Agreement, such TRA Party shall have the option to assign to the transferee (a “Permitted
Assignee”) of such Units its rights under this Agreement with respect to such transferred Units; provided that such transferee has delivered a valid Joinder. For the avoidance of doubt, if a TRA Party transfers Units in accordance with the terms of the LLC Agreement but does not assign to the transferee of such Units its rights under this Agreement with respect to such transferred Units, such TRA Party shall continue to be entitled to receive the Tax Benefit Payments arising in respect of a subsequent Exchange of such Units (and such transferred Units shall be separately identified, so as to facilitate the determination of payments hereunder). Any assignment, or attempted assignment in violation of this Agreement, including any failure of a purported assignee to enter into a Joinder or to provide any forms or other information to the extent required hereunder, shall be null and void, and shall not bind or be recognized by the Corporate Taxpayer or the TRA Parties. The Corporate Taxpayer shall be entitled to treat the record owner of any rights under this Agreement as the absolute owner thereof and shall incur no liability for payments made in good faith to such owner until such time as a written assignment of such rights is permitted pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Section 7.6(a) and has been recorded on the books of the Corporate Taxpayer.
(b) No provision of this Agreement may be amended unless such amendment is approved in writing by the Corporate Taxpayer and each of the TRA Parties who, together with its Affiliates, would be entitled to receive ten percent (10%) or more of the total amount of the Early Termination Payments payable to all TRA Parties hereunder and “Early Termination Payments” as defined in the Reorganization TRA payable to all Reorganization TRA Parties under the Reorganization TRA, in each case if the Corporate Taxpayer had exercised its right of early termination on the date such amendment is proposed to the TRA Parties; provided, that no such amendment shall be effective if such amendment will have a disproportionate effect on the payments one or more TRA Parties receive under this Agreement unless such amendment is consented in writing by such TRA Parties disproportionately affected; provided further, that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 7.6(b), no such amendment in contemplation of, in connection with, or following a Take-Private Transaction by a Founder Member or its Affiliates shall be effective without the prior written consent of the TRA Party Representative of the TSG Members, and no such amendment in contemplation of, in connection with, or following a Take-Private Transaction by a TSG Member or its Affiliates shall be effective without the prior written consent of the TRA Party Representative of the Founder Members. No provision of this Agreement may be waived unless such waiver is in writing and signed by the party against whom the waiver is to be effective.
(c) All of the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon, shall inure to the benefit of and shall be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors, assigns, heirs, executors, administrators and legal representatives. The Corporate Taxpayer shall require and cause any direct or indirect successor (whether by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Corporate Taxpayer, by written agreement, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Corporate Taxpayer would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place.
SECTION 7.7 Titles and Subtitles. The titles of the sections and subsections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not to be considered in construing this Agreement.
SECTION 7.8 Resolution of Disputes.
(a) Any and all disputes which are not governed by Section 7.9 and cannot be settled amicably, including any ancillary claims of any party, arising out of, relating to or in connection with the validity, negotiation, execution, interpretation, performance or non-performance of this Agreement (including the validity, scope and enforceability of this arbitration provision) (each a “Dispute”) shall be finally settled by arbitration conducted by a single arbitrator in New York, New York in accordance with the then-existing Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce. If the parties to the Dispute fail to agree on the selection of an arbitrator within thirty (30) calendar days of the receipt of the request for arbitration, the International Chamber of Commerce shall make the appointment. The arbitrator shall be a lawyer admitted to the practice of law in the State of New York and shall conduct the proceedings in the English language. Performance under this Agreement shall continue if reasonably possible during any arbitration proceedings.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a), the Corporate Taxpayer may bring an action or special proceeding in any court of competent jurisdiction for the purpose of compelling a party to arbitrate, seeking temporary or preliminary relief in aid of an arbitration hereunder, and/or enforcing an arbitration award and, for the purposes of this paragraph (b), each TRA Party (i) expressly consents to the application of paragraph (c) of this Section 7.8 to any such action or proceeding, (ii) agrees that proof shall not be required that monetary damages for breach of the provisions of this Agreement would be difficult to calculate and that remedies at law would be inadequate, and (iii) irrevocably appoints the Corporate Taxpayer as agent of such TRA Party for service of process in connection with any such action or proceeding and agrees that service of process upon such agent, who shall promptly advise the TRA Party of any such service of process, shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon the TRA Party in any such action or proceeding.
(c) (i) EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF COURTS LOCATED IN NEW YORK, NEW YORK FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION 7.8, OR ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING ANCILLARY TO AN ARBITRATION OR CONTEMPLATED ARBITRATION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO OR CONCERNING THIS AGREEMENT. Such ancillary judicial proceedings include any suit, action or proceeding to compel arbitration, to obtain temporary or preliminary judicial relief in aid of arbitration, or to confirm an arbitration award. The parties acknowledge that the fora designated by this paragraph (c) have a reasonable relation to this Agreement, and to the parties’ relationship with one another; and
(ii) The parties hereby waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any objection which they now or hereafter may have to personal jurisdiction or to the laying of venue of any such ancillary suit, action or proceeding
brought in any court referred to in the preceding paragraph of this Section 7.8 and such parties agree not to plead or claim the same.
SECTION 7.9 Reconciliation. In the event that the Corporate Taxpayer and a TRA Party Representative are unable to resolve a disagreement with respect to the matters governed by Sections 2.3 and 4.2 within the relevant period designated in this Agreement (“Reconciliation Dispute”), the Reconciliation Dispute shall be submitted for determination to a nationally recognized expert (the “Expert”) in the particular area of disagreement mutually acceptable to both parties. The Expert shall be a partner or principal in a nationally recognized accounting or law firm, and unless the Corporate Taxpayer and the relevant TRA Party Representative agree otherwise, the Expert shall not, and the firm that employs the Expert shall not, have any material relationship with the Corporate Taxpayer or the relevant TRA Party Representative or other actual or potential conflict of interest. If the Corporate Taxpayer and the relevant TRA Party Representative are unable to agree on an Expert within fifteen (15) calendar days of receipt by the respondent(s) of written notice of a Reconciliation Dispute, then the Expert shall be appointed by the International Chamber of Commerce Centre for Expertise. The Expert shall resolve any matter relating to the TRA Party’s Basis Schedule or an amendment thereto or the Early Termination Schedule or an amendment thereto within thirty (30) calendar days and shall resolve any matter relating to a Tax Benefit Schedule or an amendment thereto within fifteen (15) calendar days or as soon thereafter as is reasonably practicable, in each case after the matter has been submitted to the Expert for resolution. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, if the matter is not resolved before any payment that is the subject of a disagreement would be due (in the absence of such disagreement) or any Tax Return reflecting the subject of a disagreement is due, the undisputed amount shall be paid on the date prescribed by this Agreement and such Tax Return may be filed as prepared by the Corporate Taxpayer, subject to adjustment or amendment upon resolution. The costs and expenses relating to the engagement of such Expert or amending any Tax Return shall be borne by the Corporate Taxpayer except as provided in the next sentence. The Corporate Taxpayer and the relevant TRA Party Representative shall bear their own costs and expenses of such proceeding, unless (i) the Expert adopts the relevant TRA Party Representative’s position, in which case the Corporate Taxpayer shall reimburse the relevant TRA Party Representative for any reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses in such proceeding, or (ii) the Expert adopts the Corporate Taxpayer’s position, in which case the relevant TRA Party Representative shall reimburse the Corporate Taxpayer for any reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses in such proceeding. Any dispute as to whether a dispute is a Reconciliation Dispute within the meaning of this Section 7.9 shall be decided by the Expert. The Expert shall finally determine any Reconciliation Dispute and the determinations of the Expert pursuant to this Section 7.9 shall be binding on the Corporate Taxpayer and each of the TRA Parties and may be entered and enforced in any court having jurisdiction.
SECTION 7.10 Withholding. The Corporate Taxpayer shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from any payment payable pursuant to this Agreement such amounts as the Corporate Taxpayer is required to deduct and withhold with respect to the making of such payment under the Code or any provision of state, local or foreign Tax law; provided that, prior to deducting or withholding any such amounts, the Corporate Taxpayer shall notify the applicable TRA Party Representative and shall consult in good faith with such TRA Party Representative regarding the
basis for such deduction or withholding. To the extent that amounts are so withheld and paid over to the appropriate Taxing Authority by the Corporate Taxpayer, such withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the Person in respect of whom such withholding was made. To the extent that any payment pursuant to this Agreement is not reduced by such deductions or withholdings, such recipient shall indemnify the applicable withholding agent for any amounts imposed by any Taxing Authority together with any costs and expenses related thereto, but not including penalties and interest attributable to the applicable withholding agent’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. Each TRA Party shall promptly provide the Corporate Taxpayer, OpCo or other applicable withholding agent with any applicable Tax forms and certifications (including IRS Form W-9 or the applicable version of IRS Form W-8) reasonably requested, in connection with determining whether any such deductions and withholdings are required under the Code or any provision of state, local or foreign Tax law.
SECTION 7.11 Admission of the Corporate Taxpayer into a Consolidated Group; Transfers of Corporate Assets.
(a) If the Corporate Taxpayer is or becomes a member of an affiliated, consolidated, combined or unitary group of corporations that files a consolidated, combined or unitary income Tax Return pursuant to Sections 1501 et seq. of the Code or any corresponding provisions of state, local or foreign law, then: (i) the provisions of this Agreement shall be applied with respect to the group as a whole; and (ii) Tax Benefit Payments, Early Termination Payments and other applicable items hereunder shall be computed with reference to the consolidated, combined or unitary taxable income, gain, loss, deduction and attributes of the group as a whole.
(b) If the Corporate Taxpayer (or any member of a group described in Section 7.11(a)) transfers or is deemed to transfer any Unit or any Reference Asset to a transferee that is treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income Tax purposes (other than a member of a group described in Section 7.11(a)) in a transaction in which the transferee’s basis in the property acquired is determined in whole or in part by reference to such transferor’s basis in such property, then the Corporate Taxpayer shall cause such transferee to assume the obligation to make payments hereunder with respect to the applicable Tax Attributes associated with any Reference Asset or interest therein acquired (directly or indirectly) in such transfer (taking into account any gain recognized in the transaction) in a manner consistent with the terms of this Agreement as the transferee (or one of its Affiliates) actually realizes Tax benefits from the Tax Attributes.
(c) If OpCo or any applicable Subsidiary transfers (or is deemed to transfer for U.S. federal income Tax purposes) any Reference Asset to a transferee that is treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income Tax purposes (other than a member of a group described in Section 7.11(a)) in a transaction in which the transferee’s basis in the property acquired is determined in whole or in part by reference to such transferor’s basis in such property, OpCo or the applicable Subsidiary shall be treated as having disposed of the Reference Asset in a wholly taxable transaction. The consideration deemed to be received by OpCo or the applicable Subsidiary in the transaction contemplated in the prior sentence shall be equal to the fair market value of the deemed transferred asset, plus (i) the amount of debt to which such asset is subject,
in the case of a transfer of an encumbered asset or (ii) the amount of debt allocated to such asset, in the case of a transfer of a partnership interest.
(d) If any member of a group described in Section 7.11(a) that owns any Unit deconsolidates from the group (or the Corporate Taxpayer deconsolidates from the group), then the Corporate Taxpayer shall cause such member (or the parent of the consolidated group in a case where the Corporate Taxpayer deconsolidates from the group) to assume the obligation to make payments hereunder with respect to the applicable Tax Attributes associated with any Reference Asset it owns (directly or indirectly) in a manner consistent with the terms of this Agreement as the member (or one of its Affiliates) actually realizes Tax benefits. If a transferee or a member of a group described in Section 7.11(a) assumes an obligation to make payments hereunder pursuant to this Section 7.11(d), then the initial obligor is relieved of the obligation assumed.
(e) If the Corporate Taxpayer (or any member of a group described in Section 7.11(a)) transfers (or is deemed to transfer for U.S. federal income Tax purposes) any Unit in a transaction that is wholly or partially taxable, then for purposes of calculating payments under this Agreement, OpCo shall be treated as having disposed of the portion of any Reference Asset (determined based on a pro rata share of an undivided interest in each Reference Asset) that is indirectly transferred by the Corporate Taxpayer or other entity described above (i.e., taking into account the number of Units transferred) in a wholly or partially taxable transaction, as applicable, in which all income, gain or loss is allocated to the Corporate Taxpayer. The consideration deemed to be received by OpCo shall be equal to the fair market value of the deemed transferred asset, plus (i) the amount of debt to which such asset is subject, in the case of a transfer of an encumbered asset or (ii) the amount of debt allocated to such asset, in the case of a transfer of a partnership interest.
SECTION 7.12 Confidentiality.
(a) Each TRA Party and each of their assignees acknowledge and agree that the information of the Corporate Taxpayer is confidential and, except in the course of performing any duties as necessary for the Corporate Taxpayer and its Affiliates, as required by law or legal process or to enforce the terms of this Agreement, such person shall keep and retain in the strictest confidence and not disclose to any Person any confidential matters, acquired pursuant to this Agreement, of the Corporate Taxpayer and its Affiliates and successors, concerning OpCo, its members and its Affiliates and successors, learned by the TRA Party heretofore or hereafter. This Section 7.12 shall not apply to (i) any information that has been made publicly available by the Corporate Taxpayer or any of its Affiliates, becomes public knowledge (except as a result of an act of the TRA Party in violation of this Agreement) or is generally known to the business community and (ii) the disclosure of information to the extent necessary for the TRA Party to prepare and file its Tax Returns, to respond to any inquiries regarding the same from any Taxing Authority or to prosecute or defend any action, proceeding or audit by any Taxing Authority with respect to such Tax Returns. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, each TRA Party and each of their assignees (and each employee, representative or other agent of the TRA Party or its assignees, as applicable) may disclose to any and all Persons, without limitation of any kind, the Tax treatment and Tax structure of the Corporate Taxpayer, OpCo and their Affiliates,
and any of their transactions, and all materials of any kind (including opinions or other Tax analyses) that are provided to the TRA Party relating to such Tax treatment and Tax structure.
(b) If a TRA Party or an assignee commits a breach, or threatens to commit a breach, of any of the provisions of this Section 7.12, the Corporate Taxpayer shall have the right and remedy to have the provisions of this Section 7.12 specifically enforced by injunctive relief or otherwise by any court of competent jurisdiction without the need to post any bond or other security, it being acknowledged and agreed that any such breach or threatened breach shall cause irreparable injury to the Corporate Taxpayer or any of its Subsidiaries or the TRA Parties and the accounts and funds managed by the Corporate Taxpayer and that money damages alone shall not provide an adequate remedy to such Persons. Such rights and remedies shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other rights and remedies available at law or in equity.
SECTION 7.13 Partnership Agreement. This Agreement shall be treated as part of the LLC Agreement as described in Section 761(c) of the Code and Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(h) and 1.761-1(c) of the Treasury Regulations.
SECTION 7.14 Change in Law. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if, in connection with an actual or proposed change in law, a TRA Party reasonably believes that the existence of this Agreement could cause income (other than income arising from receipt of a payment under this Agreement) recognized by the TRA Party upon any Exchange by such TRA Party to be treated as ordinary income rather than capital gain (or otherwise taxed at ordinary income rates) for U.S. federal income Tax purposes or would have other material adverse Tax consequences to such TRA Party, then at the election of such TRA Party and to the extent specified by such TRA Party, this Agreement (i) shall cease to have further effect with respect to such TRA Party, (ii) shall not apply to an Exchange by such TRA Party occurring after a date specified by such TRA Party, or (iii) shall otherwise be amended in a manner determined by such TRA Party, provided that such amendment shall not result in an increase in payments under this Agreement at any time as compared to the amounts and times of payments that would have been due in the absence of such amendment.
SECTION 7.15 Electronic Signature. The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” “delivery,” and words of like import in or relating to this Agreement or any document to be signed in connection with this Agreement shall be deemed to include electronic signatures (including pdf or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, e.g., www.docusign.com), deliveries or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature, physical delivery thereof or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, and the parties hereto consent to conduct the transactions contemplated hereunder by electronic means.
[The remainder of this page is intentionally blank]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporate Taxpayer and each TRA Party have duly executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
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Corporate Taxpayer
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DUTCH BROS, INC.
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By:
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Name:
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Title:
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OpCo
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DUTCH MAFIA, LLC
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By:
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Name:
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[Signature Page to the Exchanges Tax Receivable Agreement]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
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TSG Parties
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DUTCH HOLDINGS, LLC
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By:
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Name:
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TSG7 A AIV VI, L.P.
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By:
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Name:
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[Signature Page to the Exchanges Tax Receivable Agreement]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
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Founder Parties
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DMI HOLDCO, INC.
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By:
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Name:
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DMI INDIVIDUAL AGGREGATOR, LLC
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By:
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Name:
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DMI Trust Aggregator, LLC
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By:
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Name:
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[Signature Page to the Exchanges Tax Receivable Agreement]
Exhibit A
Dutch Holdings, LLC and TSG7 A AIV VI, L.P.
[●]
[●]
[●]
Attention: [●]
Email: [●]
[●]
DMI HoldCo, Inc., DMI Individual Aggregator, LLC, and DMI Trust Aggregator, LLC
[●]
[●]
[●]
Email: [●]
Exhibit B
Form of Joinder
This JOINDER (this “Joinder”) to the Tax Receivable Agreement (as defined below), is by and among Dutch Bros Inc., a Delaware corporation (including any successor corporation the “Corporate Taxpayer”), ______________________ (“Transferor”) and _______________________ (“Permitted Transferee”).
WHEREAS, on ______________________, Permitted Transferee shall acquire ______________________ percent of the Transferor’s right to receive payments that may become due and payable under the Tax Receivable Agreement (as defined below) (the “Acquired Interests”) from Transferor (the “Acquisition”); and
WHEREAS, Transferor, in connection with the Acquisition, has required Permitted Transferee to execute and deliver this Joinder pursuant to Section 7.6(a) of the Tax Receivable Agreement (Exchanges), dated as of [ ], between the Corporate Taxpayer, OpCo and the TRA Parties (as defined therein) (the “Tax Receivable Agreement”).
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the respective covenants and agreements set forth herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows:
Section 1.1 Definitions. To the extent capitalized words used in this Joinder are not defined in this Joinder, such words shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Tax Receivable Agreement.
Section 1.2 Acquisition. For good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged by the Transferor and the Permitted Transferee, the Transferor hereby transfers and assigns absolutely to the Permitted Transferee all of the Acquired Interests.
Section 1.3 Joinder. Permitted Transferee hereby acknowledges and agrees (i) that it has received and read the Tax Receivable Agreement, (ii) that the Permitted Transferee is acquiring the Acquired Interests in accordance with and subject to the terms and conditions of the Tax Receivable Agreement and (iii) to become a “TRA Party” (as defined in the Tax Receivable Agreement) for all purposes of the Tax Receivable Agreement.
Section 1.4 Notice. Any notice, request, consent, claim, demand, approval, waiver or other communication hereunder to Permitted Transferee shall be delivered or sent to Permitted Transferee at the address set forth on the signature page hereto in accordance with Section 7.1 of the Tax Receivable Agreement.
Section 1.5 Governing Law. This Joinder shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of Delaware.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Joinder has been duly executed and delivered by Permitted Transferee as of the date first above written.
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DUTCH BROS INC.
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[TRANSFEROR]
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By:
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Name:
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[PERMITTED TRANSFEREE]
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By:
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Name:
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Address for notices:
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DUTCH BROS INC.
2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
Adopted by the Board of Directors: August 10, 2021
Approved by the Stockholders: [ ], 2021
1.General.
(a)Plan Purpose. The Company, by means of the Plan, seeks to secure and retain the services of Employees, Directors and Consultants, to provide incentives for such persons to exert maximum efforts for the success of the Company and any Affiliate and to provide a means by which such persons may be given an opportunity to benefit from increases in value of the Common Stock through the granting of Awards.
(b)Available Awards. The Plan provides for the grant of the following Awards: (i) Incentive Stock Options; (ii) Nonstatutory Stock Options; (iii) SARs; (iv) Restricted Stock Awards; (v) RSU Awards; (vi) Performance Awards; and (vii) Other Awards.
(c)Adoption Date; Effective Date. The Plan will come into existence on the Adoption Date, but no Award may be granted prior to the Effective Date.
2.Shares Subject to the Plan.
(a)Share Reserve. Subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 2(c) and any adjustments as necessary to implement any Capitalization Adjustments, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to Awards will not exceed [•] shares. In addition, subject to any adjustments as necessary to implement any Capitalization Adjustments, such aggregate number of shares of Common Stock will automatically increase on January 1 of each year for a period of ten years commencing on January 1, 2022 and ending on (and including) January 1, 2031, in an amount equal to one percent (1%) of the total number of shares of Combined Common Stock outstanding on December 31 of the preceding year; provided, however, that the Board may act prior to January 1st of a given year to provide that the increase for such year will be a lesser number of shares of Common Stock.
(b)Aggregate Incentive Stock Option Limit. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 2(a) and subject to any adjustments as necessary to implement any Capitalization Adjustments, the aggregate maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of Incentive Stock Options is [•] shares.
(c)Share Reserve Operation.
(i)Limit Applies to Common Stock Issued Pursuant to Awards. For clarity, the Share Reserve is a limit on the number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to Awards and does not limit the granting of Awards, except that the Company will keep available at all times the number of shares of Common Stock reasonably required to satisfy its obligations to issue shares pursuant to such Awards. Shares may be issued in connection with a merger or acquisition as permitted by, as applicable, Nasdaq Listing Rule
5635(c), NYSE Listed Company Manual Section 303A.08, NYSE American Company Guide Section 711 or other applicable rule, and such issuance will not reduce the number of shares available for issuance under the Plan.
(ii)Actions that Do Not Constitute Issuance of Common Stock and Do Not Reduce Share Reserve. The following actions do not result in an issuance of shares under the Plan and accordingly do not reduce the number of shares subject to the Share Reserve and available for issuance under the Plan: (1) the expiration or termination of any portion of an Award without the shares covered by such portion of the Award having been issued; (2) the settlement of any portion of an Award in cash (i.e., the Participant receives cash rather than Common Stock); (3) the withholding of shares that would otherwise be issued by the Company to satisfy the exercise, strike or purchase price of an Award; or (4) the withholding of shares that would otherwise be issued by the Company to satisfy a tax withholding obligation in connection with an Award.
(iii)Reversion of Previously Issued Shares of Common Stock to Share Reserve. The following shares of Common Stock previously issued pursuant to an Award and accordingly initially deducted from the Share Reserve will be added back to the Share Reserve and again become available for issuance under the Plan: (1) any shares that are forfeited back to or repurchased by the Company because of a failure to meet a contingency or condition required for the vesting of such shares; (2) any shares that are reacquired by the Company to satisfy the exercise, strike or purchase price of an Award; and (3) any shares that are reacquired by the Company to satisfy a tax withholding obligation in connection with an Award.
3.Eligibility and Limitations.
(a)Eligible Award Recipients. Subject to the terms of the Plan, Employees, Directors and Consultants are eligible to receive Awards.
(b)Specific Award Limitations.
(i)Limitations on Incentive Stock Option Recipients. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to Employees of the Company or a “parent corporation” or “subsidiary corporation” thereof (as such terms are defined in Sections 424(e) and (f) of the Code).
(ii)Incentive Stock Option $100,000 Limitation. To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined at the time of grant) of Common Stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by any Optionholder during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company and any Affiliates) exceeds $100,000 (or such other limit established in the Code) or otherwise does not comply with the rules governing Incentive Stock Options, the Options or portions thereof that exceed such limit (according to the order in which they were granted) or otherwise do not comply with such rules will be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options, notwithstanding any contrary provision of the applicable Option Agreement(s).
(iii)Limitations on Incentive Stock Options Granted to Ten Percent Stockholders. A Ten Percent Stockholder may not be granted an Incentive Stock Option unless (1) the exercise price of such Option is at least 110% of the Fair Market Value on the date of grant of such Option and (2) the Option is not exercisable after the expiration of five years from the date of grant of such Option.
(iv)Limitations on Nonstatutory Stock Options and SARs. Nonstatutory Stock Options and SARs may not be granted to Employees, Directors and Consultants unless the stock underlying such Awards is treated as “service recipient stock” under Section 409A or unless such Awards otherwise comply with the requirements of Section 409A.
(c)Aggregate Incentive Stock Option Limit. The aggregate maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of Incentive Stock Options is the number of shares specified in Section 2(b).
(d)Non-Employee Director Compensation Limit. The aggregate value of all compensation granted or paid, as applicable, to any individual for service as a Non-Employee Director with respect to any calendar year, including Awards granted and cash fees paid by the Company to such Non-Employee Director, will not exceed (1) $750,000 in total value or (2) in the event such Non-Employee Director is first appointed or elected to the Board during such calendar year, $1,000,000 in total value, in each case, calculating the value of any equity awards based on the grant date fair value of such equity awards for financial reporting purposes. The limitations in this Section 3(d) shall apply commencing with the first calendar year that begins following the Effective Date.
4.Options and Stock Appreciation Rights.
Each Option and SAR will have such terms and conditions as determined by the Board. Each Option will be designated in writing as an Incentive Stock Option or Nonstatutory Stock Option at the time of grant; provided, however, that if an Option is not so designated or if an Option designated as an Incentive Stock Option fails to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option, then such Option will be a Nonstatutory Stock Option, and the shares purchased upon exercise of each type of Option will be separately accounted for. Each SAR will be denominated in shares of Common Stock equivalents. The terms and conditions of separate Options and SARs need not be identical; provided, however, that each Option Agreement and SAR Agreement will conform (through incorporation of provisions hereof by reference in the Award Agreement or otherwise) to the substance of each of the following provisions:
(a)Term. Subject to Section 3(b) regarding Ten Percent Stockholders, no Option or SAR will be exercisable after the expiration of ten years from the date of grant of such Award or such shorter period specified in the Award Agreement.
(b)Exercise or Strike Price. Subject to Section 3(b) regarding Ten Percent Stockholders, the exercise or strike price of each Option or SAR will not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value on the date of grant of such Award. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Option or SAR may be granted with an exercise or strike price lower than 100% of the Fair
Market Value on the date of grant of such Award if such Award is granted pursuant to an assumption of or substitution for another option or stock appreciation right pursuant to a Corporate Transaction and in a manner consistent with the provisions of Sections 409A and, if applicable, 424(a) of the Code.
(c)Exercise Procedure and Payment of Exercise Price for Options. In order to exercise an Option, the Participant must provide notice of exercise to the Plan Administrator in accordance with the procedures specified in the Option Agreement or otherwise provided by the Company. The Board has the authority to grant Options that do not permit all of the following methods of payment (or otherwise restrict the ability to use certain methods) and to grant Options that require the consent of the Company to utilize a particular method of payment. The exercise price of an Option may be paid, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law and as determined by the Board, by one or more of the following methods of payment to the extent set forth in the Option Agreement:
(i)by cash or check, bank draft or money order payable to the Company;
(ii)pursuant to a “cashless exercise” program developed under Regulation T as promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board that, prior to the issuance of the Common Stock subject to the Option, results in either the receipt of cash (or check) by the Company or the receipt of irrevocable instructions to pay the exercise price to the Company from the sales proceeds;
(iii)by delivery to the Company (either by actual delivery or attestation) of shares of Common Stock that are already owned by the Participant free and clear of any liens, claims, encumbrances or security interests, with a Fair Market Value on the date of exercise that does not exceed the exercise price, provided that (1) at the time of exercise the Common Stock is publicly traded, (2) any remaining balance of the exercise price not satisfied by such delivery is paid by the Participant in cash or other permitted form of payment, (3) such delivery would not violate any Applicable Law or agreement restricting the redemption of the Common Stock, (4) any certificated shares are endorsed or accompanied by an executed assignment separate from certificate, and (5) such shares have been held by the Participant for any minimum period necessary to avoid adverse accounting treatment as a result of such delivery;
(iv)if the Option is a Nonstatutory Stock Option, by a “net exercise” arrangement pursuant to which the Company will reduce the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise by the largest whole number of shares with a Fair Market Value on the date of exercise that does not exceed the exercise price, provided that (1) such shares used to pay the exercise price will not be exercisable thereafter and (2) any remaining balance of the exercise price not satisfied by such net exercise is paid by the Participant in cash or other permitted form of payment; or
(v)in any other form of consideration that may be acceptable to the Board and permissible under Applicable Law.
(d)Exercise Procedure and Payment of Appreciation Distribution for SARs. In order to exercise any SAR, the Participant must provide notice of exercise to the Plan Administrator in accordance with the SAR Agreement. The appreciation distribution payable to a Participant upon the exercise of a SAR will not be greater than an amount equal to the excess of (i) the aggregate Fair Market Value on the date of exercise of a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the number of Common Stock equivalents that are vested and being exercised under such SAR, over (ii) the strike price of such SAR. Such appreciation distribution may be paid to the Participant in the form of Common Stock or cash (or any combination of Common Stock and cash) or in any other form of payment, as determined by the Board and specified in the SAR Agreement.
(e)Transferability. Options and SARs may not be transferred to third party financial institutions for value. The Board may impose such additional limitations on the transferability of an Option or SAR as it determines. In the absence of any such determination by the Board, the following restrictions on the transferability of Options and SARs will apply, provided that except as explicitly provided herein, neither an Option nor a SAR may be transferred for consideration and provided, further, that if an Option is an Incentive Stock Option, such Option may be deemed to be a Nonstatutory Stock Option as a result of such transfer:
(i)Restrictions on Transfer. An Option or SAR will not be transferable, except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and will be exercisable during the lifetime of the Participant only by the Participant; provided, however, that the Board may permit transfer of an Option or SAR in a manner that is not prohibited by applicable tax and securities laws upon the Participant’s request, including to a trust if the Participant is considered to be the sole beneficial owner of such trust (as determined under Section 671 of the Code and applicable state law) while such Option or SAR is held in such trust, provided that the Participant and the trustee enter into a transfer and other agreements required by the Company.
(ii)Domestic Relations Orders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, subject to the execution of transfer documentation in a format acceptable to the Company and subject to the approval of the Board or a duly authorized Officer, an Option or SAR may be transferred pursuant to a domestic relations order.
(f)Vesting. The Board may impose such restrictions on or conditions to the vesting and/or exercisability of an Option or SAR as determined by the Board. Except as otherwise provided in the Award Agreement or other written agreement between a Participant and the Company or an Affiliate, vesting of Options and SARs will cease upon termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service.
(g)Termination of Continuous Service for Cause. Except as explicitly otherwise provided in the Award Agreement or other written agreement between a Participant and the Company or an Affiliate, if a Participant’s Continuous Service is terminated for Cause, the Participant’s Options and SARs will terminate and be forfeited immediately upon such termination of Continuous Service, and the Participant will be prohibited from exercising any portion (including any vested portion) of such Awards on and after the date of such termination
of Continuous Service and the Participant will have no further right, title or interest in such forfeited Award, the shares of Common Stock subject to the forfeited Award, or any consideration in respect of the forfeited Award.
(h)Post-Termination Exercise Period Following Termination of Continuous Service for Reasons Other than Cause. Subject to Section 4(i), if a Participant’s Continuous Service terminates for any reason other than for Cause, the Participant may exercise his or her Option or SAR to the extent vested, but only within the following period of time or, if applicable, such other period of time provided in the Award Agreement or other written agreement between a Participant and the Company or an Affiliate; provided, however, that in no event may such Award be exercised after the expiration of its maximum term (as set forth in Section 4(a)):
(i)three months following the date of such termination if such termination is a termination without Cause (other than any termination due to the Participant’s Disability or death);
(ii)12 months following the date of such termination if such termination is due to the Participant’s Disability;
(iii)18 months following the date of such termination if such termination is due to the Participant’s death; or
(iv)18 months following the date of the Participant’s death if such death occurs following the date of such termination but during the period such Award is otherwise exercisable (as provided in (i) or (ii) above).
Following the date of such termination, to the extent the Participant does not exercise such Award within the applicable Post-Termination Exercise Period (or, if earlier, prior to the expiration of the maximum term of such Award), such unexercised portion of the Award will terminate, and the Participant will have no further right, title or interest in the terminated Award, the shares of Common Stock subject to the terminated Award, or any consideration in respect of the terminated Award.
(i)Restrictions on Exercise; Extension of Exercisability. A Participant may not exercise an Option or SAR at any time that the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon such exercise would violate Applicable Law. Except as otherwise provided in the Award Agreement or other written agreement between a Participant and the Company or an Affiliate, if a Participant’s Continuous Service terminates for any reason other than for Cause and, at any time during the last thirty days of the applicable Post-Termination Exercise Period: (i) the exercise of the Participant’s Option or SAR would be prohibited solely because the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon such exercise would violate Applicable Law, or (ii) the immediate sale of any shares of Common Stock issued upon such exercise would violate the Company’s Trading Policy, then the applicable Post-Termination Exercise Period will be extended to the last day of the calendar month that commences following the date the Award would otherwise expire, with an additional extension of the exercise period to the last day of the next calendar month to apply if any of the foregoing restrictions apply at any time during such extended exercise period,
generally without limitation as to the maximum permitted number of extensions); provided, however, that in no event may such Award be exercised after the expiration of its maximum term (as set forth in Section 4(a)).
(j)Non-Exempt Employees. No Option or SAR, whether or not vested, granted to an Employee who is a non-exempt employee for purposes of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, will be first exercisable for any shares of Common Stock until at least six months following the date of grant of such Award. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in accordance with the provisions of the Worker Economic Opportunity Act, any vested portion of such Award may be exercised earlier than six months following the date of grant of such Award in the event of (i) such Participant’s death or Disability, (ii) a Corporate Transaction in which such Award is not assumed, continued or substituted, (iii) a Change in Control, or (iv) such Participant’s retirement (as such term may be defined in the Award Agreement or another applicable agreement or, in the absence of any such definition, in accordance with the Company’s then current employment policies and guidelines). This Section 4(j) is intended to operate so that any income derived by a non-exempt employee in connection with the exercise or vesting of an Option or SAR will be exempt from his or her regular rate of pay.
(k)Whole Shares. Options and SARs may be exercised only with respect to whole shares of Common Stock or their equivalents.
5.Awards Other Than Options and Stock Appreciation Rights.
(a)Restricted Stock Awards and RSU Awards. Each Restricted Stock Award and RSU Award will have such terms and conditions as determined by the Board; provided, however, that each Restricted Stock Award Agreement and RSU Award Agreement will conform (through incorporation of the provisions hereof by reference in the Award Agreement or otherwise) to the substance of each of the following provisions:
(i)Form of Award.
(1)Restricted Stock Awards: To the extent consistent with the Company’s Bylaws, at the Board’s election, shares of Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Award may be (A) held in book entry form subject to the Company’s instructions until such shares become vested or any other restrictions lapse, or (B) evidenced by a certificate, which certificate will be held in such form and manner as determined by the Board. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, a Participant will have voting and other rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to any shares subject to a Restricted Stock Award.
(2)RSU Awards: An RSU Award represents a Participant’s right to be issued on a future date the number of shares of Common Stock that is equal to the number of restricted stock units subject to the RSU Award. As a holder of an RSU Award, a Participant is an unsecured creditor of the Company with respect to the Company's unfunded obligation, if any, to issue shares of Common Stock in settlement of such Award and nothing contained in the Plan or any RSU Agreement, and no action taken pursuant to its provisions, will create or be construed to create a trust of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between a Participant and the
Company or an Affiliate or any other person. A Participant will not have voting or any other rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to any RSU Award (unless and until shares are actually issued in settlement of a vested RSU Award).
(ii)Consideration.
(1)Restricted Stock Awards: A Restricted Stock Award may be granted in consideration for (A) cash or check, bank draft or money order payable to the Company, (B) services to the Company or an Affiliate, or (C) any other form of consideration as the Board may determine and permissible under Applicable Law.
(2)RSU Awards: Unless otherwise determined by the Board at the time of grant, an RSU Award will be granted in consideration for the Participant’s services to the Company or an Affiliate, such that the Participant will not be required to make any payment to the Company (other than such services) with respect to the grant or vesting of the RSU Award, or the issuance of any shares of Common Stock pursuant to the RSU Award. If, at the time of grant, the Board determines that any consideration must be paid by the Participant (in a form other than the Participant’s services to the Company or an Affiliate) upon the issuance of any shares of Common Stock in settlement of the RSU Award, such consideration may be paid in any form of consideration as the Board may determine and permissible under Applicable Law.
(iii)Vesting. The Board may impose such restrictions on or conditions to the vesting of a Restricted Stock Award or RSU Award as determined by the Board. Except as otherwise provided in the Award Agreement or other written agreement between a Participant and the Company or an Affiliate, vesting of Restricted Stock Awards and RSU Awards will cease upon termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service.
(iv)Termination of Continuous Service. Except as otherwise provided in the Award Agreement or other written agreement between a Participant and the Company or an Affiliate, if a Participant’s Continuous Service terminates for any reason, (1) the Company may receive through a forfeiture condition or a repurchase right any or all of the shares of Common Stock held by the Participant under his or her Restricted Stock Award that have not vested as of the date of such termination as set forth in the Restricted Stock Award Agreement and the Participant will have no further right, title or interest in the Restricted Stock Award, the shares of Common Stock subject to the Restricted Stock Award, or any consideration in respect of the Restricted Stock Award and (2) any portion of his or her RSU Award that has not vested will be forfeited upon such termination and the Participant will have no further right, title or interest in the RSU Award, the shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to the RSU Award, or any consideration in respect of the RSU Award.
(v)Dividends and Dividend Equivalents. Dividends or dividend equivalents may be paid or credited, as applicable, with respect to any shares of Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Award or RSU Award, as determined by the Board and specified in the Award Agreement.
(vi)Settlement of RSU Awards. An RSU Award may be settled by the issuance of shares of Common Stock or cash (or any combination thereof) or in any other form of payment, as determined by the Board and specified in the RSU Award Agreement. At the time of grant, the Board may determine to impose such restrictions or conditions that delay such delivery to a date following the vesting of the RSU Award.
(b)Performance Awards. With respect to any Performance Award, the length of any Performance Period, the Performance Goals to be achieved during the Performance Period, the other terms and conditions of such Award, and the measure of whether and to what degree such Performance Goals have been attained will be determined by the Board.
(c)Other Awards. Other forms of Awards valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, Common Stock, including the appreciation in value thereof, may be granted either alone or in addition to Awards provided for under Section 4 and the preceding provisions of this Section 5. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Board will have sole and complete discretion to determine the persons to whom and the time or times at which such Other Awards will be granted, the number of shares of Common Stock (or the cash equivalent thereof) to be granted pursuant to such Other Awards and all other terms and conditions of such Other Awards.
6.Adjustments upon Changes in Common Stock; Other Corporate Events.
(a)Capitalization Adjustments. In the event of a Capitalization Adjustment, the Board shall appropriately and proportionately adjust: (i) the class(es) and maximum number of shares of Common Stock subject to the Plan and the maximum number of shares by which the Share Reserve may annually increase pursuant to Section 2(a); (ii) the class(es) and maximum number of shares that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of Incentive Stock Options pursuant to Section 2(b); and (iii) the class(es) and number of securities and exercise price, strike price or purchase price of Common Stock subject to outstanding Awards. The Board shall make such adjustments, and its determination shall be final, binding and conclusive. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no fractional shares or rights for fractional shares of Common Stock shall be created in order to implement any Capitalization Adjustment. The Board shall determine an appropriate equivalent benefit, if any, for any fractional shares or rights to fractional shares that might be created by the adjustments referred to in the preceding provisions of this Section.
(b)Dissolution or Liquidation. Except as otherwise provided in the Award Agreement, in the event of a dissolution or liquidation of the Company, all outstanding Awards (other than Awards consisting of vested and outstanding shares of Common Stock not subject to a forfeiture condition or the Company’s right of repurchase) will terminate immediately prior to the completion of such dissolution or liquidation, and the shares of Common Stock subject to the Company’s repurchase rights or subject to a forfeiture condition may be repurchased or reacquired by the Company notwithstanding the fact that the holder of such Award is providing Continuous Service, provided, however, that the Board may determine to cause some or all Awards to become fully vested, exercisable and/or no longer subject to repurchase or forfeiture (to the extent such Awards have not previously expired or terminated) before the dissolution or liquidation is completed but contingent on its completion.
(c)Corporate Transaction. The following provisions will apply to Awards in the event of a Corporate Transaction except as set forth in Section 11 unless otherwise provided in the instrument evidencing the Award or any other written agreement between the Company or any Affiliate and the Participant or unless otherwise expressly provided by the Board at the time of grant of an Award.
(i)Awards May Be Assumed. In the event of a Corporate Transaction, any surviving corporation or acquiring corporation (or the surviving or acquiring corporation’s parent company) may assume or continue any or all Awards outstanding under the Plan or may substitute similar awards for Awards outstanding under the Plan (including but not limited to, awards to acquire the same consideration paid to the stockholders of the Company pursuant to the Corporate Transaction), and any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by the Company in respect of Common Stock issued pursuant to Awards may be assigned by the Company to the successor of the Company (or the successor’s parent company, if any), in connection with such Corporate Transaction. A surviving corporation or acquiring corporation (or its parent) may choose to assume or continue only a portion of an Award or substitute a similar award for only a portion of an Award, or may choose to assume or continue the Awards held by some, but not all Participants. The terms of any assumption, continuation or substitution will be set by the Board.
(ii)Awards Held by Current Participants. In the event of a Corporate Transaction in which the surviving corporation or acquiring corporation (or its parent company) does not assume or continue such outstanding Awards or substitute similar awards for such outstanding Awards, then with respect to Awards that have not been assumed, continued or substituted and that are held by Participants whose Continuous Service has not terminated prior to the effective time of the Corporate Transaction (referred to as the “Current Participants”), the vesting of such Awards (and, with respect to Options and Stock Appreciation Rights, the time when such Awards may be exercised) will be accelerated in full to a date prior to the effective time of such Corporate Transaction (contingent upon the effectiveness of the Corporate Transaction) as the Board determines (or, if the Board does not determine such a date, to the date that is five days prior to the effective time of the Corporate Transaction), and such Awards will terminate if not exercised (if applicable) at or prior to the effective time of the Corporate Transaction, and any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by the Company with respect to such Awards will lapse (contingent upon the effectiveness of the Corporate Transaction). With respect to the vesting of Performance Awards that will accelerate upon the occurrence of a Corporate Transaction pursuant to this subsection (ii) and that have multiple vesting levels depending on the level of performance, unless otherwise provided in the Award Agreement, the vesting of such Performance Awards will accelerate at 100% of the target level upon the occurrence of the Corporate Transaction in which the Awards are not assumed in accordance with Section 6(c)(i). With respect to the vesting of Awards that will accelerate upon the occurrence of a Corporate Transaction pursuant to this subsection (ii) and are settled in the form of a cash payment, such cash payment will be made no later than 30 days following the occurrence of the Corporate Transaction or such later date as required to comply with Section 409A of the Code.
(iii)Awards Held by Persons other than Current Participants. In the event of a Corporate Transaction in which the surviving corporation or acquiring corporation (or its parent company) does not assume or continue such outstanding Awards or substitute similar awards for such outstanding Awards, then with respect to Awards that have not been assumed, continued or substituted and that are held by persons other than Current Participants, such Awards will terminate if not exercised (if applicable) prior to the occurrence of the Corporate Transaction; provided, however, that any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by the Company with respect to such Awards will not terminate and may continue to be exercised notwithstanding the Corporate Transaction.
(iv)Payment for Awards in Lieu of Exercise. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event an Award will terminate if not exercised prior to the effective time of a Corporate Transaction, the Board may provide, in its sole discretion, that the holder of such Award may not exercise such Award but will receive a payment, in such form as may be determined by the Board, equal in value, at the effective time, to the excess, if any, of (1) the value of the property the Participant would have received upon the exercise of the Award (including, at the discretion of the Board, any unvested portion of such Award), over (2) any exercise price payable by such holder in connection with such exercise.
(d)Appointment of Stockholder Representative. As a condition to the receipt of an Award under this Plan, a Participant will be deemed to have agreed that the Award will be subject to the terms of any agreement governing a Corporate Transaction involving the Company, including, without limitation, a provision for the appointment of a stockholder representative that is authorized to act on the Participant’s behalf with respect to any escrow, indemnities and any contingent consideration.
(e)No Restriction on Right to Undertake Transactions. The grant of any Award under the Plan and the issuance of shares pursuant to any Award does not affect or restrict in any way the right or power of the Company or the stockholders of the Company to make or authorize any adjustment, recapitalization, reorganization or other change in the Company’s capital structure or its business, any merger or consolidation of the Company, any issue of stock or of options, rights or options to purchase stock or of bonds, debentures, preferred or prior preference stocks whose rights are superior to or affect the Common Stock or the rights thereof or which are convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock, or the dissolution or liquidation of the Company, or any sale or transfer of all or any part of its assets or business, or any other corporate act or proceeding, whether of a similar character or otherwise.
7.Administration.
(a)Administration by Board. The Board will administer the Plan unless and until the Board delegates administration of the Plan to a Committee or Committees, as provided in subsection (c) below.
(b)Powers of Board. The Board will have the power, subject to, and within the limitations of, the express provisions of the Plan:
(i)To determine from time to time (1) which of the persons eligible under the Plan will be granted Awards; (2) when and how each Award will be granted; (3) what type or combination of types of Award will be granted; (4) the provisions of each Award granted (which need not be identical), including the time or times when a person will be permitted to receive an issuance of Common Stock or other payment pursuant to an Award; (5) the number of shares of Common Stock or cash equivalent with respect to which an Award will be granted to each such person; (6) the Fair Market Value applicable to an Award; and (7) the terms of any Performance Award that is not valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, the Common Stock, including the amount of cash payment or other property that may be earned and the timing of payment.
(ii)To construe and interpret the Plan and Awards granted under it, and to establish, amend and revoke rules and regulations for its administration. The Board, in the exercise of this power, may correct any defect, omission or inconsistency in the Plan or in any Award Agreement, in a manner and to the extent it deems necessary or expedient to make the Plan or Award fully effective.
(iii)To settle all controversies regarding the Plan and Awards granted under it.
(iv)To accelerate the time at which an Award may first be exercised or the time during which an Award or any part thereof will vest, notwithstanding the provisions in the Award Agreement stating the time at which it may first be exercised or the time during which it will vest.
(v)To prohibit the exercise of any Option, SAR or other exercisable Award during a period of up to 30 days prior to the consummation of any pending stock dividend, stock split, combination or exchange of shares, merger, consolidation or other distribution (other than normal cash dividends) of Company assets to stockholders, or any other change affecting the shares of Common Stock or the share price of the Common Stock including any Corporate Transaction, for reasons of administrative convenience.
(vi)To suspend or terminate the Plan at any time. Suspension or termination of the Plan will not Materially Impair rights and obligations under any Award granted while the Plan is in effect except with the written consent of the affected Participant.
(vii)To amend the Plan in any respect the Board deems necessary or advisable; provided, however, that stockholder approval will be required for any amendment to the extent required by Applicable Law. Except as provided above, rights under any Award granted before amendment of the Plan will not be Materially Impaired by any amendment of the Plan unless (1) the Company requests the consent of the affected Participant, and (2) such Participant consents in writing.
(viii)To submit any amendment to the Plan for stockholder approval.
(ix)To approve forms of Award Agreements for use under the Plan and to amend the terms of any one or more Awards, including, but not limited to, amendments to provide terms more favorable to the Participant than previously provided in the Award Agreement, subject to any specified limits in the Plan that are not subject to Board discretion; provided however, that, a Participant’s rights under any Award will not be Materially Impaired by any such amendment unless (1) the Company requests the consent of the affected Participant, and (2) such Participant consents in writing.
(x)Generally, to exercise such powers and to perform such acts as the Board deems necessary or expedient to promote the best interests of the Company and that are not in conflict with the provisions of the Plan or Awards.
(xi)To adopt such procedures and sub-plans as are necessary or appropriate to permit and facilitate participation in the Plan by, or take advantage of specific tax treatment for Awards granted to, Employees, Directors or Consultants who are foreign nationals or employed outside the United States (provided that Board approval will not be necessary for immaterial modifications to the Plan or any Award Agreement to ensure or facilitate compliance with the laws of the relevant foreign jurisdiction).
(xii)To effect, at any time and from time to time, subject to the consent of any Participant whose Award is Materially Impaired by such action, (1) the reduction of the exercise price (or strike price) of any outstanding Option or SAR; (2) the cancellation of any outstanding Option or SAR and the grant in substitution therefor of (A) a new Option, SAR, Restricted Stock Award, RSU Award or Other Award, under the Plan or another equity plan of the Company, covering the same or a different number of shares of Common Stock, (B) cash and/or (C) other valuable consideration (as determined by the Board); or (3) any other action that is treated as a repricing under generally accepted accounting principles.
(c)Delegation to Committee.
(i)General. The Board may delegate some or all of the administration of the Plan to a Committee or Committees. If administration of the Plan is delegated to a Committee, the Committee will have, in connection with the administration of the Plan, the powers theretofore possessed by the Board that have been delegated to the Committee, including the power to delegate to another Committee or a subcommittee of the Committee any of the administrative powers the Committee is authorized to exercise (and references in this Plan to the Board will thereafter be to the Committee or subcommittee), subject, however, to such resolutions, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, as may be adopted from time to time by the Board. Each Committee may retain the authority to concurrently administer the Plan with Committee or subcommittee to which it has delegated its authority hereunder and may, at any time, revest in such Committee some or all of the powers previously delegated. The Board may retain the authority to concurrently administer the Plan with any Committee and may, at any time, revest in the Board some or all of the powers previously delegated.
(ii)Rule 16b-3 Compliance. To the extent an Award is intended to qualify for the exemption from Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act that is available under Rule 16b-3 of
the Exchange Act, the Award will be granted by the Board or a Committee that consists solely of two or more Non-Employee Directors, as determined under Rule 16b-3(b)(3) of the Exchange Act and thereafter any action establishing or modifying the terms of the Award will be approved by the Board or a Committee meeting such requirements to the extent necessary for such exemption to remain available.
(d)Effect of Board’s Decision. All determinations, interpretations and constructions made by the Board or any Committee in good faith will not be subject to review by any person and will be final, binding and conclusive on all persons.
(e)Delegation to an Officer. The Board or any Committee may delegate to one or more Officers the authority to do one or both of the following (i) designate Employees who are not Officers to be recipients of Options and SARs (and, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, other types of Awards) and, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, the terms thereof, and (ii) determine the number of shares of Common Stock to be subject to such Awards granted to such Employees; provided, however, that the resolutions or charter adopted by the Board or any Committee evidencing such delegation will specify the total number of shares of Common Stock that may be subject to the Awards granted by such Officer and that such Officer may not grant an Award to himself or herself. Any such Awards will be granted on the applicable form of Award Agreement most recently approved for use by the Board or the Committee, unless otherwise provided in the resolutions approving the delegation authority. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, neither the Board nor any Committee may delegate to an Officer who is acting solely in the capacity of an Officer (and not also as a Director) the authority to determine the Fair Market Value.
8.Tax Withholding
(a)Withholding Authorization. As a condition to acceptance of any Award under the Plan, a Participant authorizes withholding from payroll and any other amounts payable to such Participant, and otherwise agrees to make adequate provision for (including), any sums required to satisfy any U.S. federal, state, local and/or foreign tax or social insurance contribution withholding obligations of the Company or an Affiliate, if any, which arise in connection with the exercise, vesting or settlement of such Award, as applicable. Accordingly, a Participant may not be able to exercise an Award even though the Award is vested, and the Company shall have no obligation to issue shares of Common Stock subject to an Award, unless and until such obligations are satisfied.
(b)Satisfaction of Withholding Obligation. To the extent permitted by the terms of an Award Agreement, the Company may, in its sole discretion, satisfy any U.S. federal, state, local and/or foreign tax or social insurance withholding obligation relating to an Award by any of the following means or by a combination of such means: (i) causing the Participant to tender a cash payment; (ii) withholding shares of Common Stock from the shares of Common Stock issued or otherwise issuable to the Participant in connection with the Award; (iii) withholding cash from an Award settled in cash; (iv) withholding payment from any amounts otherwise payable to the Participant; (v) by allowing a Participant to effectuate a “cashless exercise”
pursuant to a program developed under Regulation T as promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board; or (vi) by such other method as may be set forth in the Award Agreement.
(c)No Obligation to Notify or Minimize Taxes; No Liability to Claims. Except as required by Applicable Law the Company has no duty or obligation to any Participant to advise such holder as to the time or manner of exercising such Award. Furthermore, the Company has no duty or obligation to warn or otherwise advise such holder of a pending termination or expiration of an Award or a possible period in which the Award may not be exercised. The Company has no duty or obligation to minimize the tax consequences of an Award to the holder of such Award and will not be liable to any holder of an Award for any adverse tax consequences to such holder in connection with an Award. As a condition to accepting an Award under the Plan, each Participant (i) agrees to not make any claim against the Company, or any of its Officers, Directors, Employees or Affiliates related to tax liabilities arising from such Award or other Company compensation and (ii) acknowledges that such Participant was advised to consult with his or her own personal tax, financial and other legal advisors regarding the tax consequences of the Award and has either done so or knowingly and voluntarily declined to do so. Additionally, each Participant acknowledges any Option or SAR granted under the Plan is exempt from Section 409A only if the exercise or strike price is at least equal to the “fair market value” of the Common Stock on the date of grant as determined by the Internal Revenue Service and there is no other impermissible deferral of compensation associated with the Award. Additionally, as a condition to accepting an Option or SAR granted under the Plan, each Participant agrees not make any claim against the Company, or any of its Officers, Directors, Employees or Affiliates in the event that the Internal Revenue Service asserts that such exercise price or strike price is less than the “fair market value” of the Common Stock on the date of grant as subsequently determined by the Internal Revenue Service.
(d)Withholding Indemnification. As a condition to accepting an Award under the Plan, in the event that the amount of the Company’s and/or its Affiliate’s withholding obligation in connection with such Award was greater than the amount actually withheld by the Company and/or its Affiliates, each Participant agrees to indemnify and hold the Company and/or its Affiliates harmless from any failure by the Company and/or its Affiliates to withhold the proper amount.
9.Miscellaneous.
(a)Source of Shares. The stock issuable under the Plan will be shares of authorized but unissued or reacquired Common Stock, including shares repurchased by the Company on the open market or otherwise.
(b)Use of Proceeds from Sales of Common Stock. Proceeds from the sale of shares of Common Stock pursuant to Awards will constitute general funds of the Company.
(c)Corporate Action Constituting Grant of Awards. Corporate action constituting a grant by the Company of an Award to any Participant will be deemed completed as of the date of such corporate action, unless otherwise determined by the Board, regardless of when the instrument, certificate, or letter evidencing the Award is communicated to, or actually
received or accepted by, the Participant. In the event that the corporate records (e.g., Board consents, resolutions or minutes) documenting the corporate action approving the grant contain terms (e.g., exercise price, vesting schedule or number of shares) that are inconsistent with those in the Award Agreement or related grant documents as a result of a clerical error in the Award Agreement or related grant documents, the corporate records will control and the Participant will have no legally binding right to the incorrect term in the Award Agreement or related grant documents.
(d)Stockholder Rights. No Participant will be deemed to be the holder of, or to have any of the rights of a holder with respect to, any shares of Common Stock subject to such Award unless and until (i) such Participant has satisfied all requirements for exercise of the Award pursuant to its terms, if applicable, and (ii) the issuance of the Common Stock subject to such Award is reflected in the records of the Company.
(e)No Employment or Other Service Rights. Nothing in the Plan, any Award Agreement or any other instrument executed thereunder or in connection with any Award granted pursuant thereto will confer upon any Participant any right to continue to serve the Company or an Affiliate in the capacity in effect at the time the Award was granted or affect the right of the Company or an Affiliate to terminate at will and without regard to any future vesting opportunity that a Participant may have with respect to any Award (i) the employment of an Employee with or without notice and with or without cause, (ii) the service of a Consultant pursuant to the terms of such Consultant’s agreement with the Company or an Affiliate, or (iii) the service of a Director pursuant to the Bylaws of the Company or an Affiliate, and any applicable provisions of the corporate law of the state or foreign jurisdiction in which the Company or the Affiliate is incorporated, as the case may be. Further, nothing in the Plan, any Award Agreement or any other instrument executed thereunder or in connection with any Award will constitute any promise or commitment by the Company or an Affiliate regarding the fact or nature of future positions, future work assignments, future compensation or any other term or condition of employment or service or confer any right or benefit under the Award or the Plan unless such right or benefit has specifically accrued under the terms of the Award Agreement and/or Plan.
(f)Change in Time Commitment. In the event a Participant’s regular level of time commitment in the performance of his or her services for the Company and any Affiliates is reduced (for example, and without limitation, if the Participant is an Employee of the Company and the Employee has a change in status from a full-time Employee to a part-time Employee or takes an extended leave of absence) after the date of grant of any Award to the Participant, the Board may determine, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, to (i) make a corresponding reduction in the number of shares or cash amount subject to any portion of such Award that is scheduled to vest or become payable after the date of such change in time commitment, and (ii) in lieu of or in combination with such a reduction, extend the vesting or payment schedule applicable to such Award. In the event of any such reduction, the Participant will have no right with respect to any portion of the Award that is so reduced or extended.
(g)Execution of Additional Documents. As a condition to accepting an Award under the Plan, the Participant agrees to execute any additional documents or instruments necessary or desirable, as determined in the Plan Administrator’s sole discretion, to carry out the purposes or intent of the Award, or facilitate compliance with securities and/or other regulatory requirements, in each case at the Plan Administrator’s request.
(h)Electronic Delivery and Participation. Any reference herein or in an Award Agreement to a “written” agreement or document will include any agreement or document delivered electronically, filed publicly at www.sec.gov (or any successor website thereto) or posted on the Company’s intranet (or other shared electronic medium controlled by the Company to which the Participant has access). By accepting any Award the Participant consents to receive documents by electronic delivery and to participate in the Plan through any on-line electronic system established and maintained by the Plan Administrator or another third party selected by the Plan Administrator. The form of delivery of any Common Stock (e.g., a stock certificate or electronic entry evidencing such shares) shall be determined by the Company.
(i)Clawback/Recovery. All Awards granted under the Plan will be subject to recoupment in accordance with any clawback policy that the Company is required to adopt pursuant to the listing standards of any national securities exchange or association on which the Company’s securities are listed or as is otherwise required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or other Applicable Law and any clawback policy that the Company otherwise adopts, to the extent applicable and permissible under Applicable Law. In addition, the Board may impose such other clawback, recovery or recoupment provisions in an Award Agreement as the Board determines necessary or appropriate, including but not limited to a reacquisition right in respect of previously acquired shares of Common Stock or other cash or property upon the occurrence of Cause. No recovery of compensation under such a clawback policy will be an event giving rise to a Participant’s right to voluntarily terminate employment upon a “resignation for good reason,” or for a “constructive termination” or any similar term under any plan of or agreement with the Company.
(j)Securities Law Compliance. A Participant will not be issued any shares in respect of an Award unless either (i) the shares are registered under the Securities Act; or (ii) the Company has determined that such issuance would be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. Each Award also must comply with other Applicable Law governing the Award, and a Participant will not receive such shares if the Company determines that such receipt would not be in material compliance with Applicable Law.
(k)Transfer or Assignment of Awards; Issued Shares. Except as expressly provided in the Plan or the form of Award Agreement, Awards granted under the Plan may not be transferred or assigned by the Participant. After the vested shares subject to an Award have been issued, or in the case of Restricted Stock and similar awards, after the issued shares have vested, the holder of such shares is free to assign, hypothecate, donate, encumber or otherwise dispose of any interest in such shares provided that any such actions are in compliance with the provisions herein, the terms of the Trading Policy and Applicable Law.
(l)Effect on Other Employee Benefit Plans. The value of any Award granted under the Plan, as determined upon grant, vesting or settlement, shall not be included as compensation, earnings, salaries, or other similar terms used when calculating any Participant’s benefits under any employee benefit plan sponsored by the Company or any Affiliate, except as such plan otherwise expressly provides. The Company expressly reserves its rights to amend, modify, or terminate any of the Company's or any Affiliate's employee benefit plans.
(m)Deferrals. To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, the Board, in its sole discretion, may determine that the delivery of Common Stock or the payment of cash, upon the exercise, vesting or settlement of all or a portion of any Award may be deferred and may also establish programs and procedures for deferral elections to be made by Participants. Deferrals will be made in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A.
(n)Section 409A. Unless otherwise expressly provided for in an Award Agreement, the Plan and Award Agreements will be interpreted to the greatest extent possible in a manner that makes the Plan and the Awards granted hereunder exempt from Section 409A, and, to the extent not so exempt, in compliance with the requirements of Section 409A. If the Board determines that any Award granted hereunder is not exempt from and is therefore subject to Section 409A, the Award Agreement evidencing such Award will incorporate the terms and conditions necessary to avoid the consequences specified in Section 409A(a)(1) of the Code, and to the extent an Award Agreement is silent on terms necessary for compliance, such terms are hereby incorporated by reference into the Award Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Plan (and unless the Award Agreement specifically provides otherwise), if the shares of Common Stock are publicly traded, and if a Participant holding an Award that constitutes “deferred compensation” under Section 409A is a “specified employee” for purposes of Section 409A, no distribution or payment of any amount that is due because of a “separation from service” (as defined in Section 409A without regard to alternative definitions thereunder) will be issued or paid before the date that is six months and one day following the date of such Participant’s “separation from service” or, if earlier, the date of the Participant’s death, unless such distribution or payment can be made in a manner that complies with Section 409A, and any amounts so deferred will be paid in a lump sum on the day after such six month period elapses, with the balance paid thereafter on the original schedule.
(o)Choice of Law. This Plan and any controversy arising out of or relating to this Plan shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflict of law principles that would result in any application of any law other than the law of the State of Delaware.
10.Covenants of the Company.
(a)Compliance with Law. The Company will seek to obtain from each regulatory commission or agency, as may be deemed to be necessary, having jurisdiction over the Plan such authority as may be required to grant Awards and to issue and sell shares of Common Stock upon exercise or vesting of the Awards; provided, however, that this undertaking will not require the Company to register under the Securities Act the Plan, any Award or any Common Stock issued or issuable pursuant to any such Award. If, after reasonable efforts and at a reasonable cost, the
Company is unable to obtain from any such regulatory commission or agency the authority that counsel for the Company deems necessary or advisable for the lawful issuance and sale of Common Stock under the Plan, the Company will be relieved from any liability for failure to issue and sell Common Stock upon exercise or vesting of such Awards unless and until such authority is obtained. A Participant is not eligible for the grant of an Award or the subsequent issuance of Common Stock pursuant to the Award if such grant or issuance would be in violation of any Applicable Law.
11.Additional Rules for Awards Subject to Section 409A.
(a)Application. Unless the provisions of this Section of the Plan are expressly superseded by the provisions in the form of Award Agreement, the provisions of this Section shall apply and shall supersede anything to the contrary set forth in the Award Agreement for a Non-Exempt Award.
(b)Non-Exempt Awards Subject to Non-Exempt Severance Arrangements. To the extent a Non-Exempt Award is subject to Section 409A due to application of a Non-Exempt Severance Arrangement, the following provisions of this subsection (b) apply.
(i)If the Non-Exempt Award vests in the ordinary course during the Participant’s Continuous Service in accordance with the vesting schedule set forth in the Award Agreement, and does not accelerate vesting under the terms of a Non-Exempt Severance Arrangement, in no event will the shares be issued in respect of such Non-Exempt Award any later than the later of: (i) December 31st of the calendar year that includes the applicable vesting date, or (ii) the 60th day that follows the applicable vesting date.
(ii)If vesting of the Non-Exempt Award accelerates under the terms of a Non-Exempt Severance Arrangement in connection with the Participant’s Separation from Service, and such vesting acceleration provisions were in effect as of the date of grant of the Non-Exempt Award and, therefore, are part of the terms of such Non-Exempt Award as of the date of grant, then the shares will be earlier issued in settlement of such Non-Exempt Award upon the Participant’s Separation from Service in accordance with the terms of the Non-Exempt Severance Arrangement, but in no event later than the 60th day that follows the date of the Participant’s Separation from Service. However, if at the time the shares would otherwise be issued the Participant is subject to the distribution limitations contained in Section 409A applicable to “specified employees,” as defined in Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, such shares shall not be issued before the date that is six months following the date of such Participant’s Separation from Service, or, if earlier, the date of the Participant’s death that occurs within such six month period.
(iii)If vesting of a Non-Exempt Award accelerates under the terms of a Non-Exempt Severance Arrangement in connection with a Participant’s Separation from Service, and such vesting acceleration provisions were not in effect as of the date of grant of the Non-Exempt Award and, therefore, are not a part of the terms of such Non-Exempt Award on the date of grant, then such acceleration of vesting of the Non-Exempt Award shall not accelerate the issuance date of the shares, but the shares shall instead be issued on the same schedule as set
forth in the Grant Notice as if they had vested in the ordinary course during the Participant’s Continuous Service, notwithstanding the vesting acceleration of the Non-Exempt Award. Such issuance schedule is intended to satisfy the requirements of payment on a specified date or pursuant to a fixed schedule, as provided under Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-3(a)(4).
(c)Treatment of Non-Exempt Awards Upon a Corporate Transaction for Employees and Consultants. The provisions of this subsection (c) shall apply and shall supersede anything to the contrary set forth in the Plan with respect to the permitted treatment of any Non-Exempt Award in connection with a Corporate Transaction if the Participant was either an Employee or Consultant upon the applicable date of grant of the Non-Exempt Award.
(i)Vested Non-Exempt Awards. The following provisions shall apply to any Vested Non-Exempt Award in connection with a Corporate Transaction:
(1)If the Corporate Transaction is also a Section 409A Change in Control then the Acquiring Entity may not assume, continue or substitute the Vested Non-Exempt Award. Upon the Section 409A Change in Control the settlement of the Vested Non-Exempt Award will automatically be accelerated and the shares will be immediately issued in respect of the Vested Non-Exempt Award. Alternatively, the Company may instead provide that the Participant will receive a cash settlement equal to the Fair Market Value of the shares that would otherwise be issued to the Participant upon the Section 409A Change in Control.
(2)If the Corporate Transaction is not also a Section 409A Change in Control, then the Acquiring Entity must either assume, continue or substitute each Vested Non-Exempt Award. The shares to be issued in respect of the Vested Non-Exempt Award shall be issued to the Participant by the Acquiring Entity on the same schedule that the shares would have been issued to the Participant if the Corporate Transaction had not occurred. In the Acquiring Entity’s discretion, in lieu of an issuance of shares, the Acquiring Entity may instead substitute a cash payment on each applicable issuance date, equal to the Fair Market Value of the shares that would otherwise be issued to the Participant on such issuance dates, with the determination of the Fair Market Value of the shares made on the date of the Corporate Transaction.
(ii)Unvested Non-Exempt Awards. The following provisions shall apply to any Unvested Non-Exempt Award unless otherwise determined by the Board pursuant to subsection (e) of this Section.
(1)In the event of a Corporate Transaction, the Acquiring Entity shall assume, continue or substitute any Unvested Non-Exempt Award. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, any Unvested Non-Exempt Award will remain subject to the same vesting and forfeiture restrictions that were applicable to the Award prior to the Corporate Transaction. The shares to be issued in respect of any Unvested Non-Exempt Award shall be issued to the Participant by the Acquiring Entity on the same schedule that the shares would have been issued to the Participant if the Corporate Transaction had not occurred. In the Acquiring Entity’s discretion, in lieu of an issuance of shares, the Acquiring Entity may instead substitute a cash payment on each applicable issuance date, equal to the Fair Market Value of the shares that
would otherwise be issued to the Participant on such issuance dates, with the determination of Fair Market Value of the shares made on the date of the Corporate Transaction.
(2)If the Acquiring Entity will not assume, substitute or continue any Unvested Non-Exempt Award in connection with a Corporate Transaction, then such Award shall automatically terminate and be forfeited upon the Corporate Transaction with no consideration payable to any Participant in respect of such forfeited Unvested Non-Exempt Award. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent permitted and in compliance with the requirements of Section 409A, the Board may in its discretion determine to elect to accelerate the vesting and settlement of the Unvested Non-Exempt Award upon the Corporate Transaction, or instead substitute a cash payment equal to the Fair Market Value of such shares that would otherwise be issued to the Participant, as further provided in subsection (e)(ii) below. In the absence of such discretionary election by the Board, any Unvested Non-Exempt Award shall be forfeited without payment of any consideration to the affected Participants if the Acquiring Entity will not assume, substitute or continue the Unvested Non-Exempt Awards in connection with the Corporate Transaction.
(3)The foregoing treatment shall apply with respect to all Unvested Non-Exempt Awards upon any Corporate Transaction, and regardless of whether or not such Corporate Transaction is also a Section 409A Change in Control.
(d)Treatment of Non-Exempt Awards Upon a Corporate Transaction for Non-Employee Directors. The following provisions of this subsection (d) shall apply and shall supersede anything to the contrary that may be set forth in the Plan with respect to the permitted treatment of a Non-Exempt Director Award in connection with a Corporate Transaction.
(i)If the Corporate Transaction is also a Section 409A Change in Control then the Acquiring Entity may not assume, continue or substitute the Non-Exempt Director Award. Upon the Section 409A Change in Control the vesting and settlement of any Non-Exempt Director Award will automatically be accelerated and the shares will be immediately issued to the Participant in respect of the Non-Exempt Director Award. Alternatively, the Company may provide that the Participant will instead receive a cash settlement equal to the Fair Market Value of the shares that would otherwise be issued to the Participant upon the Section 409A Change in Control pursuant to the preceding provision.
(ii)If the Corporate Transaction is not also a Section 409A Change in Control, then the Acquiring Entity must either assume, continue or substitute the Non-Exempt Director Award. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, the Non-Exempt Director Award will remain subject to the same vesting and forfeiture restrictions that were applicable to the Award prior to the Corporate Transaction. The shares to be issued in respect of the Non-Exempt Director Award shall be issued to the Participant by the Acquiring Entity on the same schedule that the shares would have been issued to the Participant if the Corporate Transaction had not occurred. In the Acquiring Entity’s discretion, in lieu of an issuance of shares, the Acquiring Entity may instead substitute a cash payment on each applicable issuance date, equal to the Fair Market Value of the shares that would otherwise be issued to the Participant on such issuance
dates, with the determination of Fair Market Value made on the date of the Corporate Transaction.
(e)If the RSU Award is a Non-Exempt Award, then the provisions in this Section 11(e) shall apply and supersede anything to the contrary that may be set forth in the Plan or the Award Agreement with respect to the permitted treatment of such Non-Exempt Award:
(i)Any exercise by the Board of discretion to accelerate the vesting of a Non-Exempt Award shall not result in any acceleration of the scheduled issuance dates for the shares in respect of the Non-Exempt Award unless earlier issuance of the shares upon the applicable vesting dates would be in compliance with the requirements of Section 409A.
(ii)The Company explicitly reserves the right to earlier settle any Non-Exempt Award to the extent permitted and in compliance with the requirements of Section 409A, including pursuant to any of the exemptions available in Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-3(j)(4)(ix).
(iii)To the extent the terms of any Non-Exempt Award provide that it will be settled upon a Change in Control or Corporate Transaction, to the extent it is required for compliance with the requirements of Section 409A, the Change in Control or Corporate Transaction event triggering settlement must also constitute a Section 409A Change in Control. To the extent the terms of a Non-Exempt Award provides that it will be settled upon a termination of employment or termination of Continuous Service, to the extent it is required for compliance with the requirements of Section 409A, the termination event triggering settlement must also constitute a Separation From Service. However, if at the time the shares would otherwise be issued to a Participant in connection with a “separation from service” such Participant is subject to the distribution limitations contained in Section 409A applicable to “specified employees,” as defined in Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, such shares shall not be issued before the date that is six months following the date of the Participant’s Separation From Service, or, if earlier, the date of the Participant’s death that occurs within such six month period.
(iv)The provisions in this subsection (e) for delivery of the shares in respect of the settlement of an RSU Award that is a Non-Exempt Award are intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A so that the delivery of the shares to the Participant in respect of such Non-Exempt Award will not trigger the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities herein will be so interpreted.
12.Severability.
If all or any part of the Plan or any Award Agreement is declared by any court or governmental authority to be unlawful or invalid, such unlawfulness or invalidity shall not invalidate any portion of the Plan or such Award Agreement not declared to be unlawful or invalid. Any Section of the Plan or any Award Agreement (or part of such a Section) so declared to be unlawful or invalid shall, if possible, be construed in a manner which will give effect to the
terms of such Section or part of a Section to the fullest extent possible while remaining lawful and valid.
13.Termination of the Plan.
The Board may suspend or terminate the Plan at any time. No Incentive Stock Options may be granted after the tenth anniversary of the earlier of: (i) the Adoption Date, or (ii) the date the Plan is approved by the Company’s stockholders. No Awards may be granted under the Plan while the Plan is suspended or after it is terminated.
14.Definitions.
As used in the Plan, the following definitions apply to the capitalized terms indicated below:
(a)“Acquiring Entity” means the surviving or acquiring corporation (or its parent company) in connection with a Corporate Transaction.
(b)“Adoption Date” means the date the Plan is first approved by the Board or Compensation Committee.
(c)“Affiliate” means, at the time of determination, any “parent” or “subsidiary” of the Company as such terms are defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act. The Board may determine the time or times at which “parent” or “subsidiary” status is determined within the foregoing definition.
(d)“Applicable Law” means any applicable securities, federal, state, foreign, material local or municipal or other law, statute, constitution, principle of common law, resolution, ordinance, code, edict, decree, rule, listing rule, regulation, judicial decision, ruling or requirement issued, enacted, adopted, promulgated, implemented or otherwise put into effect by or under the authority of any Governmental Body (including under the authority of any applicable self-regulating organization such as the Nasdaq Stock Market, New York Stock Exchange, or the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority).
(e)“Award” means any right to receive Common Stock, cash or other property granted under the Plan (including an Incentive Stock Option, a Nonstatutory Stock Option, a Restricted Stock Award, an RSU Award, a SAR, a Performance Award or any Other Award).
(f)“Award Agreement” means a written or electronic agreement between the Company and a Participant evidencing the terms and conditions of an Award. The Award Agreement generally consists of the Grant Notice and the agreement containing the written summary of the general terms and conditions applicable to the Award and which is provided, including through electronic means, to a Participant along with the Grant Notice.
(g)“Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company (or its designee). Any decision or determination made by the Board shall be a decision or determination that is made in
the sole discretion of the Board (or its designee), and such decision or determination shall be final and binding on all Participants.
(h)“Capitalization Adjustment” means any change that is made in, or other events that occur with respect to, the Common Stock subject to the Plan or subject to any Award after the date the Plan is adopted by the Board without the receipt of consideration by the Company through merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, reincorporation, stock dividend, dividend in property other than cash, large nonrecurring cash dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, liquidating dividend, combination of shares, exchange of shares, change in corporate structure or any similar equity restructuring transaction, as that term is used in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 (or any successor thereto). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the conversion of any convertible securities of the Company will not be treated as a Capitalization Adjustment.
(i)“Cause” has the meaning ascribed to such term in any written agreement between a Participant and the Company defining such term and, in the absence of such agreement, such term means, with respect to a Participant, the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) the Participant’s dishonest statements or acts with respect to the Company or any Affiliate of the Company, or any current or prospective customers, suppliers, vendors or other third parties with which such entity does business; (ii) the Participant’s commission of (A) a felony or (B) any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, deceit, dishonesty or fraud; (iii) the Participant’s failure to perform the Participant’s assigned duties and responsibilities to the reasonable satisfaction of the Company which failure continues, in the reasonable judgment of the Company, after written notice given to the Participant by the Company; (iv) the Participant’s gross negligence, willful misconduct or insubordination with respect to the Company or any Affiliate of the Company; or (v) the Participant’s material violation of any provision of any agreement(s) between the Participant and the Company or any Affiliate of the Company relating to noncompetition, nonsolicitation, nondisclosure and/or assignment of inventions. The determination that a termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service is either for Cause or without Cause will be made by the Board with respect to Participants who are executive officers of the Company and by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer with respect to Participants who are not executive officers of the Company. Any determination by the Company that the Continuous Service of a Participant was terminated with or without Cause for the purposes of outstanding Awards held by such Participant will have no effect upon any determination of the rights or obligations of the Company or such Participant for any other purpose.
(j)“Change in Control” or “Change of Control” means the occurrence, in a single transaction or in a series of related transactions, of any one or more of the following events:
(i)any Exchange Act Person becomes the Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities other than by virtue of a merger, consolidation or similar transaction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change in Control shall not be deemed to occur (A) on account of the acquisition of securities of the Company directly from the Company, (B) on account of the acquisition of securities of the Company by an investor, any affiliate thereof
or any other Exchange Act Person that acquires the Company’s securities in a transaction or series of related transactions the primary purpose of which is to obtain financing for the Company through the issuance of equity securities, or (C) solely because the level of Ownership held by any Exchange Act Person (the “Subject Person”) exceeds the designated percentage threshold of the outstanding voting securities as a result of a repurchase or other acquisition of voting securities by the Company reducing the number of shares outstanding, provided that if a Change in Control would occur (but for the operation of this sentence) as a result of the acquisition of voting securities by the Company, and after such share acquisition, the Subject Person becomes the Owner of any additional voting securities that, assuming the repurchase or other acquisition had not occurred, increases the percentage of the then outstanding voting securities Owned by the Subject Person over the designated percentage threshold, then a Change in Control shall be deemed to occur;
(ii)there is consummated a merger, consolidation or similar transaction involving (directly or indirectly) the Company and, immediately after the consummation of such merger, consolidation or similar transaction, the stockholders of the Company immediately prior thereto do not Own, directly or indirectly, either (A) outstanding voting securities representing more than 50% of the combined outstanding voting power of the Acquiring Entity in such merger, consolidation or similar transaction or (B) more than 50% of the combined outstanding voting power of the parent of the Acquiring Entity in such merger, consolidation or similar transaction, in each case in substantially the same proportions as their Ownership of the outstanding voting securities of the Company immediately prior to such transaction;
(iii)there is consummated a sale, lease, exclusive license or other disposition of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, other than a sale, lease, license or other disposition of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries to an Entity, more than 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of which are Owned by stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their Ownership of the outstanding voting securities of the Company immediately prior to such sale, lease, license or other disposition; or
(iv)individuals who, on the date the Plan is adopted by the Board, are members of the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the members of the Board; provided, however, that if the appointment or election (or nomination for election) of any new Board member was approved or recommended by a majority vote of the members of the Incumbent Board then still in office, such new member shall, for purposes of this Plan, be considered as a member of the Incumbent Board.
Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of this Plan, (A) the term Change in Control shall not include a sale of assets, merger or other transaction effected exclusively for the purpose of changing the domicile of the Company, (B) the definition of Change in Control (or any analogous term) in an individual written agreement between the Company or any Affiliate and the Participant shall supersede the foregoing definition with respect to Awards subject to such agreement; provided, however, that if no definition of Change in Control or any analogous term is set forth in such an individual written agreement, the foregoing definition shall apply, and
(C) with respect to any nonqualified deferred compensation that becomes payable on account of the Change in Control, the transaction or event described in clause (i), (ii), (iii), or (iv) also constitutes a Section 409A Change in Control if required in order for the payment not to violate Section 409A of the Code.
(k)“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, including any applicable regulations and guidance thereunder.
(l)“Combined Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company of all classes.
(m)“Committee” means the Compensation Committee and any other committee of one or more Directors to whom authority has been delegated by the Board or Compensation Committee in accordance with the Plan.
(n)“Common Stock” means the Class A common stock of the Company.
(o)“Company” means Dutch Bros Inc., a Delaware corporation.
(p)“Compensation Committee” means the Compensation Committee of the Board.
(q)“Consultant” means any person, including an advisor, who is (i) engaged by the Company or an Affiliate to render consulting or advisory services and is compensated for such services, or (ii) serving as a member of the board of directors of an Affiliate and is compensated for such services. However, service solely as a Director, or payment of a fee for such service, will not cause a Director to be considered a “Consultant” for purposes of the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a person is treated as a Consultant under this Plan only if a Form S-8 Registration Statement under the Securities Act is available to register either the offer or the sale of the Company’s securities to such person.
(r)“Continuous Service” means that the Participant’s service with the Company or an Affiliate, whether as an Employee, Director or Consultant, is not interrupted or terminated. A change in the capacity in which the Participant renders service to the Company or an Affiliate as an Employee, Director or Consultant or a change in the Entity for which the Participant renders such service, provided that there is no interruption or termination of the Participant’s service with the Company or an Affiliate, will not terminate a Participant’s Continuous Service; provided, however, that if the Entity for which a Participant is rendering services ceases to qualify as an Affiliate, as determined by the Board, such Participant’s Continuous Service will be considered to have terminated on the date such Entity ceases to qualify as an Affiliate. For example, a change in status from an Employee of the Company to a Consultant of an Affiliate or to a Director will not constitute an interruption of Continuous Service. To the extent permitted by law, the Board or the chief executive officer of the Company, in that party’s sole discretion, may determine whether Continuous Service will be considered interrupted in the case of (i) any leave of absence approved by the Board or chief executive officer, including sick leave, military leave or any other personal leave, or (ii) transfers between the Company, an Affiliate, or their successors. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a leave of absence will be treated as Continuous
Service for purposes of vesting in an Award only to such extent as may be provided in the Company’s leave of absence policy, in the written terms of any leave of absence agreement or policy applicable to the Participant, or as otherwise required by law. In addition, to the extent required for exemption from or compliance with Section 409A, the determination of whether there has been a termination of Continuous Service will be made, and such term will be construed, in a manner that is consistent with the definition of “separation from service” as defined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h) (without regard to any alternative definition thereunder).
(s)“Corporate Transaction” means the consummation, in a single transaction or in a series of related transactions, of any one or more of the following events:
(i)a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all, as determined by the Board, of the consolidated assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries;
(ii)a sale or other disposition of at least 50% of the outstanding securities of the Company;
(iii)a merger, consolidation or similar transaction following which the Company is not the surviving corporation; or
(iv)a merger, consolidation or similar transaction following which the Company is the surviving corporation but the shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately preceding the merger, consolidation or similar transaction are converted or exchanged by virtue of the merger, consolidation or similar transaction into other property, whether in the form of securities, cash or otherwise.
Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of this Plan, (A) the term Corporate Transaction shall not include a sale of assets, merger or other transaction effected exclusively for the purpose of changing the domicile of the Company, (B) the definition of Corporate Transaction (or any analogous term) in an individual written agreement between the Company or any Affiliate and the Participant shall supersede the foregoing definition with respect to Awards subject to such agreement; provided, however, that if no definition of Corporate Transaction or any analogous term is set forth in such an individual written agreement, the foregoing definition shall apply, and (C) with respect to any nonqualified deferred compensation that becomes payable on account of the Corporate Transaction, the transaction or event described in clause (i), (ii), (iii), or (iv) also constitutes a Section 409A Change in Control if required in order for the payment not to violate Section 409A of the Code.
(t)“Director” means a member of the Board.
(u)“determine” or “determined” means as determined by the Board or the Committee (or its designee) in its sole discretion.
(v)“Disability” means, with respect to a Participant, such Participant is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or
mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, as provided in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, and will be determined by the Board on the basis of such medical evidence as the Board deems warranted under the circumstances.
(w)“Effective Date” means immediately prior to the IPO Date, provided that this Plan is approved by the Company’s stockholders prior to the IPO Date.
(x)“Employee” means any person employed by the Company or an Affiliate. However, service solely as a Director, or payment of a fee for such services, will not cause a Director to be considered an “Employee” for purposes of the Plan.
(y)“Employer” means the Company or the Affiliate of the Company that employs the Participant.
(z)“Entity” means a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity.
(aa)“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
(bb)“Exchange Act Person” means any natural person, Entity or “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act), except that “Exchange Act Person” will not include (i) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, (ii) any employee benefit plan of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company or any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, (iii) an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to a registered public offering of such securities, (iv) an Entity Owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their Ownership of stock of the Company; or (v) any natural person, Entity or “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act) that, as of the Effective Date, is the Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities.
(cc)“Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, unless otherwise determined by the Board, the value of the Common Stock (as determined on a per share or aggregate basis, as applicable) determined as follows:
(i)If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or traded on any established market, the Fair Market Value will be the closing sales price for such stock as quoted on such exchange or market (or the exchange or market with the greatest volume of trading in the Common Stock) on the date of determination, as reported in a source the Board deems reliable.
(ii)If there is no closing sales price for the Common Stock on the date of determination, then the Fair Market Value will be the closing selling price on the last preceding date for which such quotation exists.
(iii)In the absence of such markets for the Common Stock, or if otherwise determined by the Board, the Fair Market Value will be determined by the Board in good faith and in a manner that complies with Sections 409A and 422 of the Code.
(dd)“Governmental Body” means any: (i) nation, state, commonwealth, province, territory, county, municipality, district or other jurisdiction of any nature; (ii) federal, state, local, municipal, foreign or other government; (iii) governmental or regulatory body, or quasi-governmental body of any nature (including any governmental division, department, administrative agency or bureau, commission, authority, instrumentality, official, ministry, fund, foundation, center, organization, unit, body or Entity and any court or other tribunal, and for the avoidance of doubt, any Tax authority) or other body exercising similar powers or authority; or (iv) self-regulatory organization (including the Nasdaq Stock Market, New York Stock Exchange, and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority).
(ee)“Grant Notice” means the notice provided to a Participant that he or she has been granted an Award under the Plan and which includes the name of the Participant, the type of Award, the date of grant of the Award, number of shares of Common Stock subject to the Award or potential cash payment right, (if any), the vesting schedule for the Award (if any) and other key terms applicable to the Award.
(ff)“Incentive Stock Option” means an option granted pursuant to Section 4 of the Plan that is intended to be, and qualifies as, an “incentive stock option” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.
(gg)“IPO Date” means the date of the underwriting agreement between the Company and the underwriter(s) managing the initial public offering of the Common Stock, pursuant to which the Common Stock is priced for the initial public offering.
(hh)“Materially Impair” means any amendment to the terms of the Award that materially adversely affects the Participant’s rights under the Award. A Participant's rights under an Award will not be deemed to have been Materially Impaired by any such amendment if the Board, in its sole discretion, determines that the amendment, taken as a whole, does not materially impair the Participant's rights. For example, the following types of amendments to the terms of an Award do not Materially Impair the Participant’s rights under the Award: (i) imposition of reasonable restrictions on the minimum number of shares subject to an Option or SAR that may be exercised; (ii) to maintain the qualified status of the Award as an Incentive Stock Option under Section 422 of the Code; (iii) to change the terms of an Incentive Stock Option in a manner that disqualifies, impairs or otherwise affects the qualified status of the Award as an Incentive Stock Option under Section 422 of the Code; (iv) to clarify the manner of exemption from, or to bring the Award into compliance with or qualify it for an exemption from, Section 409A; or (v) to comply with other Applicable Laws.
(ii)“Non-Employee Director” means a Director who either (i) is not a current employee or officer of the Company or an Affiliate, does not receive compensation, either directly or indirectly, from the Company or an Affiliate for services rendered as a consultant or in any capacity other than as a Director (except for an amount as to which disclosure would not be required under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act (“Regulation S-K”)), does not possess an interest in any other transaction for which disclosure would be required under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K, and is not engaged in a business relationship for which disclosure would be required pursuant to Item 404(b) of Regulation S-K; or (ii) is otherwise considered a “non-employee director” for purposes of Rule 16b-3.
(jj)“Non-Exempt Award” means any Award that is subject to, and not exempt from, Section 409A, including as the result of (i) a deferral of the issuance of the shares subject to the Award which is elected by the Participant or imposed by the Company, or (ii) the terms of any Non-Exempt Severance Agreement.
(kk)“Non-Exempt Director Award” means a Non-Exempt Award granted to a Participant who was a Director but not an Employee on the applicable grant date.
(ll)“Non-Exempt Severance Arrangement” means a severance arrangement or other agreement between the Participant and the Company that provides for acceleration of vesting of an Award and issuance of the shares in respect of such Award upon the Participant’s termination of employment or separation from service (as such term is defined in Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(i) of the Code (and without regard to any alternative definition thereunder) (“Separation from Service”) and such severance benefit does not satisfy the requirements for an exemption from application of Section 409A provided under Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(b)(4), 1.409A-1(b)(9) or otherwise.
(mm)“Nonstatutory Stock Option” means any option granted pursuant to Section 4 of the Plan that does not qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.
(nn)“Officer” means a person who is an officer of the Company within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act.
(oo)“Option” means an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option to purchase shares of Common Stock granted pursuant to the Plan.
(pp)“Option Agreement” means a written or electronic agreement between the Company and the Optionholder evidencing the terms and conditions of the Option grant. The Option Agreement includes the Grant Notice for the Option and the agreement containing the written summary of the general terms and conditions applicable to the Option and which is provided, including through electronic means, to a Participant along with the Grant Notice. Each Option Agreement will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.
(qq)“Optionholder” means a person to whom an Option is granted pursuant to the Plan or, if applicable, such other person who holds an outstanding Option.
(rr)“Other Award” means an award valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, Common Stock, including the appreciation in value thereof (e.g., options or stock rights with an exercise price or strike price less than 100% of the Fair Market Value at the time of grant) that is not an Incentive Stock Option, Nonstatutory Stock Option, SAR, Restricted Stock Award, RSU Award or Performance Award.
(ss)“Other Award Agreement” means a written or electronic agreement between the Company and a holder of an Other Award evidencing the terms and conditions of an Other Award grant. Each Other Award Agreement will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.
(tt)“Own,” “Owned,” “Owner,” “Ownership” means that a person or Entity will be deemed to “Own,” to have “Owned,” to be the “Owner” of, or to have acquired “Ownership” of securities if such person or Entity, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, has or shares voting power, which includes the power to vote or to direct the voting, with respect to such securities.
(uu)“Participant” means an Employee, Director or Consultant to whom an Award is granted pursuant to the Plan or, if applicable, such other person who holds an outstanding Award.
(vv)“Performance Award” means an Award that may vest or may be exercised or a cash award that may vest or become earned and paid contingent upon the attainment during a Performance Period of certain Performance Goals and which is granted under the terms and conditions of Section 5(b) pursuant to such terms as are approved by the Board. In addition, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law and set forth in the applicable Award Agreement, the Board may determine that cash or other property may be used in payment of Performance Awards. Performance Awards that are settled in cash or other property are not required to be valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, the Common Stock.
(ww)“Performance Criteria” means one or more criteria that the Board will select for purposes of establishing the Performance Goals for a Performance Period. The Performance Criteria that will be used to establish such Performance Goals may be based on any one of, or combination of, the following as determined by the Board: earnings (including earnings per share and net earnings); earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation; earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization; total stockholder return; return on equity or average stockholder’s equity; return on assets, investment, or capital employed; stock price; margin (including gross margin); income (before or after taxes); operating income; operating income after taxes; pre-tax profit; operating cash flow; sales or revenue targets; increases in revenue or product revenue; expenses and cost reduction goals; improvement in or attainment of working capital levels; economic value added (or an equivalent metric); market share; cash flow; cash flow per share; share price performance; debt reduction; customer satisfaction; stockholders’ equity; capital expenditures; debt levels; operating profit or net operating profit; workforce diversity; growth of net income or operating income; billings; financing; regulatory milestones; stockholder liquidity; corporate governance and compliance; intellectual property; personnel matters; progress of internal research; progress of partnered programs; partner satisfaction; budget management;
partner or collaborator achievements; internal controls, including those related to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002; investor relations, analysts and communication; implementation or completion of projects or processes; employee retention; number of users, including unique users; strategic partnerships or transactions (including in-licensing and out-licensing of intellectual property); establishing relationships with respect to the marketing, distribution and sale of the Company’s products; supply chain achievements; co-development, co-marketing, profit sharing, joint venture or other similar arrangements; individual performance goals; corporate development and planning goals; and other measures of performance selected by the Board or Committee whether or not listed herein.
(xx)“Performance Goals” means, for a Performance Period, the one or more goals established by the Board for the Performance Period based upon the Performance Criteria. Performance Goals may be based on a Company-wide basis, with respect to one or more business units, divisions, Affiliates, or business segments, and in either absolute terms or relative to the performance of one or more comparable companies or the performance of one or more relevant indices. Unless specified otherwise by the Board (i) in the Award Agreement at the time the Award is granted or (ii) in such other document setting forth the Performance Goals at the time the Performance Goals are established, the Board will appropriately make adjustments in the method of calculating the attainment of Performance Goals for a Performance Period as follows: (1) to exclude restructuring and/or other nonrecurring charges; (2) to exclude exchange rate effects; (3) to exclude the effects of changes to generally accepted accounting principles; (4) to exclude the effects of any statutory adjustments to corporate tax rates; (5) to exclude the effects of items that are “unusual” in nature or occur “infrequently” as determined under generally accepted accounting principles; (6) to exclude the dilutive effects of acquisitions or joint ventures; (7) to assume that any business divested by the Company achieved performance objectives at targeted levels during the balance of a Performance Period following such divestiture; (8) to exclude the effect of any change in the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company by reason of any stock dividend or split, stock repurchase, reorganization, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, spin-off, combination or exchange of shares or other similar corporate change, or any distributions to common stockholders other than regular cash dividends; (9) to exclude the effects of stock based compensation and the award of bonuses under the Company’s bonus plans; (10) to exclude costs incurred in connection with potential acquisitions or divestitures that are required to be expensed under generally accepted accounting principles; and (11) to exclude the goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges that are required to be recorded under generally accepted accounting principles. In addition, the Board may establish or provide for other adjustment items in the Award Agreement at the time the Award is granted or in such other document setting forth the Performance Goals at the time the Performance Goals are established. In addition, the Board retains the discretion to reduce or eliminate the compensation or economic benefit due upon attainment of Performance Goals and to define the manner of calculating the Performance Criteria it selects to use for such Performance Period. Partial achievement of the specified criteria may result in the payment or vesting corresponding to the degree of achievement as specified in the Award Agreement or the written terms of a Performance Cash Award.
(yy)“Performance Period” means the period of time selected by the Board over which the attainment of one or more Performance Goals will be measured for the purpose of determining a Participant’s right to vesting or exercise of an Award. Performance Periods may be of varying and overlapping duration, at the sole discretion of the Board.
(zz)“Plan” means this Dutch Bros Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time.
(aaa)“Plan Administrator” means the person, persons, and/or third-party administrator designated by the Company to administer the day to day operations of the Plan and the Company’s other equity incentive programs.
(bbb)“Post-Termination Exercise Period” means the period following termination of a Participant’s Continuous Service within which an Option or SAR is exercisable, as specified in Section 4(h).
(ccc)“Restricted Stock Award” or “RSA” means an Award of shares of Common Stock which is granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of Section 5(a).
(ddd)“Restricted Stock Award Agreement” means a written or electronic agreement between the Company and a holder of a Restricted Stock Award evidencing the terms and conditions of a Restricted Stock Award grant. The Restricted Stock Award Agreement includes the Grant Notice for the Restricted Stock Award and the agreement containing the written summary of the general terms and conditions applicable to the Restricted Stock Award and which is provided, including by electronic means, to a Participant along with the Grant Notice. Each Restricted Stock Award Agreement will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.
(eee)“RSU Award” or “RSU” means an Award of restricted stock units representing the right to receive an issuance of shares of Common Stock which is granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of Section 5(a).
(fff)“RSU Award Agreement” means a written or electronic agreement between the Company and a holder of an RSU Award evidencing the terms and conditions of an RSU Award grant. The RSU Award Agreement includes the Grant Notice for the RSU Award and the agreement containing the written summary of the general terms and conditions applicable to the RSU Award and which is provided, including by electronic means, to a Participant along with the Grant Notice. Each RSU Award Agreement will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.
(ggg)“Rule 16b-3” means Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act or any successor to Rule 16b-3, as in effect from time to time.
(hhh)“Rule 405” means Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act.
(iii)“Section 409A” means Section 409A of the Code and the regulations and other guidance thereunder.
(jjj)“Section 409A Change in Control” means a change in the ownership or effective control of the Company, or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets, as provided in Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(v) of the Code and Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-3(i)(5) (without regard to any alternative definition thereunder).
(kkk)“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
(lll)“Share Reserve” means the number of shares available for issuance under the Plan as set forth in Section 2(a).
(mmm)“Stock Appreciation Right” or “SAR” means a right to receive the appreciation on Common Stock that is granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of Section 4.
(nnn)“SAR Agreement” means a written or electronic agreement between the Company and a holder of a SAR evidencing the terms and conditions of a SAR grant. The SAR Agreement includes the Grant Notice for the SAR and the agreement containing the written summary of the general terms and conditions applicable to the SAR and which is provided, including by electronic means, to a Participant along with the Grant Notice. Each SAR Agreement will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.
(ooo)“Subsidiary” means, with respect to the Company, (i) any corporation of which more than 50% of the outstanding capital stock having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors of such corporation (irrespective of whether, at the time, stock of any other class or classes of such corporation will have or might have voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency) is at the time, directly or indirectly, Owned by the Company, and (ii) any partnership, limited liability company or other entity in which the Company has a direct or indirect interest (whether in the form of voting or participation in profits or capital contribution) of more than 50%.
(ppp)“Ten Percent Stockholder” means a person who Owns (or is deemed to Own pursuant to Section 424(d) of the Code) stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Affiliate.
(qqq)“Trading Policy” means the Company’s policy permitting certain individuals to sell Company shares only during certain "window" periods and/or otherwise restricts the ability of certain individuals to transfer or encumber Company shares, as in effect from time to time.
(rrr)“Unvested Non-Exempt Award” means the portion of any Non-Exempt Award that had not vested in accordance with its terms upon or prior to the date of any Corporate Transaction.
(sss)“Vested Non-Exempt Award” means the portion of any Non-Exempt Award that had vested in accordance with its terms upon or prior to the date of a Corporate Transaction.
DUTCH BROS INC.
STOCK OPTION GRANT NOTICE
(2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN)
Dutch Bros Inc. (the “Company”), pursuant to the Company’s 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), has granted to you (“Optionholder”) an option to purchase the number of shares of the Common Stock set forth below (the “Option”). Your Option is subject to all of the terms and conditions as set forth herein and in the Plan, and the Stock Option Agreement and the Notice of Exercise, all of which are attached hereto and incorporated herein in their entirety. Capitalized terms not explicitly defined herein but defined in the Plan or the Stock Option Agreement shall have the meanings set forth in the Plan or the Stock Option Agreement, as applicable.
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Optionholder:
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Date of Grant:
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Vesting Commencement Date:
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Number of Shares of Common Stock Subject to Option:
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Exercise Price (Per Share):
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Total Exercise Price:
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Expiration Date:
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Type of Grant: [Incentive Stock Option] OR [Nonstatutory Stock Option]
Exercise and
Vesting Schedule: Subject to the Optionholder’s Continuous Service through each applicable vesting date, the Option will vest as follows:
[_____________________________________________________________]
Optionholder Acknowledgements: By your signature below or by electronic acceptance or authentication in a form authorized by the Company, you understand and agree that:
•The Option is governed by this Stock Option Grant Notice (this “Grant Notice”), and the provisions of the Plan and the Stock Option Agreement and the Notice of Exercise, all of which are made a part of this document. Unless otherwise provided in the Plan, this Grant Notice and the Stock Option Agreement (together, the “Option Agreement”) may not be modified, amended or revised except in a writing signed by you and a duly authorized officer of the Company.
•[If the Option is an Incentive Stock Option, it (plus other outstanding Incentive Stock Options granted to you) cannot be first exercisable for more than $100,000 in value (measured by exercise price) in any calendar year. Any excess over $100,000 is a Nonstatutory Stock Option.]
•You consent to receive this Grant Notice, the Stock Option Agreement, the Plan, the Prospectus and any other Plan-related documents by electronic delivery and to participate in the Plan through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or another third party designated by the Company.
•You have read and are familiar with the provisions of the Plan, the Stock Option Agreement, the Notice of Exercise and the Prospectus. In the event of any conflict between the provisions in this Grant Notice, the Option Agreement, the Notice of Exercise, or the Prospectus and the terms of the Plan, the terms of the Plan shall control.
•The Option Agreement sets forth the entire understanding between you and the Company regarding the acquisition of Common Stock and supersedes all prior oral and written agreements, promises and/or representations on that subject with the exception of other equity awards previously granted to you and any written employment agreement, offer letter, severance agreement, written severance plan or policy, or other written agreement between the Company and you in each case that specifies the terms that should govern this Option.
•Counterparts may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including pdf or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, Uniform Electronic Transactions Act or other applicable law) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered will be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.
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Dutch Bros Inc.
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Optionholder:
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By:
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Signature
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Signature
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Title:
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Attachments: Stock Option Agreement, 2021 Equity Incentive Plan, Notice of Exercise
Attachment I
Dutch Bros Inc.
Stock Option Agreement
(2021 Equity Incentive Plan)
As reflected by your Stock Option Grant Notice (“Grant Notice”), Dutch Bros Inc. (the “Company”) has granted you an option under the Company’s 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) to purchase a number of shares of Common Stock at the exercise price indicated in your Grant Notice (the “Option”). Capitalized terms not explicitly defined in this Agreement but defined in the Grant Notice or the Plan shall have the meanings set forth in the Grant Notice or Plan, as applicable. The terms of your Option as specified in the Grant Notice and this Stock Option Agreement constitute your Option Agreement.
The general terms and conditions applicable to your Option are as follows:
1.Governing Plan Document. Your Option is subject to all the provisions of the Plan, including but not limited to the provisions in:
(a)Section 6 regarding the impact of a Capitalization Adjustment, dissolution, liquidation, or Corporate Transaction on your Option;
(b)Section 9(e) regarding the Company’s retained rights to terminate your Continuous Service notwithstanding the grant of the Option; and
(c)Section 8 regarding the tax consequences of your Option.
Your Option is further subject to all interpretations, amendments, rules and regulations, which may from time to time be promulgated and adopted pursuant to the Plan. In the event of any conflict between the Option Agreement and the provisions of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall control.
2.Exercise.
(a)You may generally exercise the vested portion of your Option for whole shares of Common Stock at any time during its term by delivery of payment of the exercise price and applicable withholding taxes and other required documentation to the Plan Administrator in accordance with the exercise procedures established by the Plan Administrator, which may include an electronic submission. Please review Sections 4(i), 4(j) and 7(b)(v) of the Plan, which may restrict or prohibit your ability to exercise your Option during certain periods.
(b)To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, you may pay your Option exercise price as follows:
(i)cash, check, bank draft or money order;
(ii)subject to Company and/or Committee consent at the time of exercise, pursuant to a “cashless exercise” program as further described in Section 4(c)(ii) of the Plan if at the time of exercise the Common Stock is publicly traded;
(iii)subject to Company and/or Committee consent at the time of exercise, by delivery of previously owned shares of Common Stock as further described in Section 4(c)(iii) of the Plan; or
(iv)subject to Company and/or Committee consent at the time of exercise, if the Option is a Nonstatutory Stock Option, by a “net exercise” arrangement as further described in Section 4(c)(iv) of the Plan.
(c)By accepting your Option, you agree that you will not sell, dispose of, transfer, make any short sale of, grant any option for the purchase of, or enter into any hedging or similar transaction with the same economic effect as a sale with respect to any shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company held by you, for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days following the effective date of a registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act or such longer period as the underwriters or the Company will request to facilitate compliance with FINRA Rule 2241 or any successor or similar rules or regulation (the “Lock-Up Period”); provided, however, that nothing contained in this section will prevent the exercise of a repurchase option, if any, in favor of the Company during the Lock-Up Period. You further agree to execute and deliver such other agreements as may be reasonably requested by the Company or the underwriters that are consistent with the foregoing or that are necessary to give further effect thereto. In order to enforce the foregoing covenant, the Company may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to your shares of Common Stock until the end of such period. You also agree that any transferee of any shares of Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company held by you will be bound by this Section 2(c). The underwriters of the Company’s stock are intended third party beneficiaries of this Section 2(c) and will have the right, power and authority to enforce the provisions hereof as though they were a party hereto.
3.Term. You may not exercise your Option before the commencement of its term or after its term expires. The term of your Option commences on the Date of Grant and expires upon the earliest of the following:
(a)immediately upon the termination of your Continuous Service for Cause;
(b)three months after the termination of your Continuous Service for any reason other than Cause, Disability or death;
(c)12 months after the termination of your Continuous Service due to your Disability;
(d)18 months after your death if you die during your Continuous Service;
(e)immediately upon a Corporate Transaction if the Board has determined that the Option will terminate in connection with a Corporate Transaction,
(f)the Expiration Date indicated in your Grant Notice; or
(g)the day before the 10th anniversary of the Date of Grant.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if you die during the period provided in Section 3(b) or 3(c) above, the term of your Option shall not expire until the earlier of (i) 18 months after your death, (ii) upon any termination of the Option in connection with a Corporate Transaction, (iii) the Expiration Date indicated in your Grant Notice, or (iv) the day before the tenth anniversary of the Date of Grant. Additionally, the Post-Termination Exercise Period of your Option may be extended as provided in Section 4(i) of the Plan.
To obtain the federal income tax advantages associated with an Incentive Stock Option, the Code requires that at all times beginning on the date of grant of your Option and ending on the day three months before the date of your Option’s exercise, you must be an employee of the Company or an Affiliate, except in the event of your death or Disability. If the Company provides for the extended exercisability of your Option under certain circumstances for your benefit, your Option will not necessarily be treated as an Incentive Stock Option if you exercise your Option more than three months after the date your employment terminates.
4.Withholding Obligations. As further provided in Section 8 of the Plan: (a) you may not exercise your Option unless the applicable tax withholding obligations are satisfied, and (b) at the time you exercise your Option, in whole or in part, or at any time thereafter as requested by the Company, you hereby authorize withholding from payroll and any other amounts payable to you, and otherwise agree to make adequate provision for (including by means of a “cashless exercise” pursuant to a program developed under Regulation T as promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board to the extent permitted by the Company), any sums required to satisfy the federal, state, local and foreign tax withholding obligations, if any, which arise in connection with the exercise of your Option in accordance with the withholding procedures established by the Company. Accordingly, you may not be able to exercise your Option even though the Option is vested, and the Company shall have no obligation to issue shares of Common Stock subject to your Option, unless and until such obligations are satisfied. In the event that the amount of the Company’s withholding obligation in connection with your Option was greater than the amount actually withheld by the Company, you agree to indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any failure by the Company to withhold the proper amount.
5.Incentive Stock Option Disposition Requirement. If your Option is an Incentive Stock Option, you must notify the Company in writing within 15 days after the date of any disposition of any of the shares of the Common Stock issued upon exercise of your Option that occurs within two years after the date of your Option grant or within one year after such shares of Common Stock are transferred upon exercise of your Option.
6.Transferability. Except as otherwise provided in Section 4(e) of the Plan, your Option is not transferable, except by will or by the applicable laws of descent and distribution, and is exercisable during your life only by you.
7.Corporate Transaction. Your Option is subject to the terms of any agreement governing a Corporate Transaction involving the Company, including, without limitation, a provision for the appointment of a stockholder representative that is authorized to act on your behalf with respect to any escrow, indemnities and any contingent consideration.
8.No Liability for Taxes. As a condition to accepting the Option, you hereby (a) agree to not make any claim against the Company, or any of its Officers, Directors, Employees or Affiliates related to tax liabilities arising from the Option or other Company compensation and (b) acknowledge that you were advised to consult with your own personal tax, financial and other legal advisors regarding the tax consequences of the Option and have either done so or knowingly and voluntarily declined to do so. Additionally, you acknowledge that the Option is exempt from Section 409A only if the exercise price is at least equal to the “fair market value” of the Common Stock on the date of grant as determined by the Internal Revenue Service and there is no other impermissible deferral of compensation associated with the Option. Additionally, as a condition to accepting the Option, you agree not make any claim against the Company, or any of its Officers, Directors, Employees or Affiliates in the event that the Internal Revenue Service asserts that such exercise is less than the “fair market value” of the Common Stock on the date of grant as subsequently determined by the Internal Revenue Service.
9.Severability. If any part of this Option Agreement or the Plan is declared by any court or governmental authority to be unlawful or invalid, such unlawfulness or invalidity will not invalidate any portion of this Option Agreement or the Plan not declared to be unlawful or invalid. Any Section of this Option Agreement (or part of such a Section) so declared to be unlawful or invalid will, if possible, be construed in a manner which will give effect to the terms of such Section or part of a Section to the fullest extent possible while remaining lawful and valid
10.Other Documents. You hereby acknowledge receipt of or the right to receive a document providing the information required by Rule 428(b)(1) promulgated under the Securities Act, which includes the Prospectus. In addition, you acknowledge receipt of the Company’s Trading Policy.
11.Questions. If you have questions regarding these or any other terms and conditions applicable to your Option, including a summary of the applicable federal income tax consequences please see the Prospectus.
* * * *
Attachment II
2021 Equity Incentive Plan
Attachment III
Dutch Bros Inc.
NOTICE OF EXERCISE
(2021 Equity Incentive Plan)
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Dutch Bros Inc.
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110 SW 4th Street
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Grant Pass, Oregon 97526
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Date of Exercise: _______________
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This constitutes notice to Dutch Bros Inc. (the “Company”) that I elect to purchase the below number of shares of Common Stock of the Company (the “Shares”) by exercising my Option for the price set forth below. Capitalized terms not explicitly defined in this Notice of Exercise but defined in the Stock Option Grant Notice, Stock Option Agreement or 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) shall have the meanings set forth in the Stock Option Grant Notice, Stock Option Agreement or Plan, as applicable. Use of certain payment methods is subject to Company and/or Committee consent and certain additional requirements set forth in the Stock Option Agreement and the Plan.
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Type of option (check one):
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Incentive
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Nonstatutory
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Date of Grant:
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Number of Shares as to which Option is exercised:
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Certificates to be issued in name of:
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Total exercise price:
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$
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Cash, check, bank draft or money order delivered herewith:
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$
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Value of ________ Shares delivered herewith:
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$
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Regulation T Program (cashless exercise)
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$
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Value of _______ Shares pursuant to net exercise:
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$
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By this exercise, I agree (i) to provide such additional documents as you may require pursuant to the terms of the Plan, (ii) to satisfy the tax withholding obligations, if any, relating to the exercise of this Option as set forth in the Stock Option Agreement, and (iii) if this exercise relates to an incentive stock option, to notify you in writing within 15 days after the date of any disposition of any of the Shares issued upon exercise of this Option that occurs within two years after the Date of Grant or within one year after such Shares are issued upon exercise of this Option.
I further agree that, if required by the Company (or a representative of the underwriters) in connection with the first underwritten registration of the offering of any securities of the Company under the Securities Act, I will not sell, dispose of, transfer, make any short sale of, grant any option for the purchase of, or enter into any hedging or similar transaction with the same economic effect as a sale with respect to any shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days following the effective date of a registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act (or such longer period as the underwriters or the Company shall request to facilitate compliance with FINRA Rule 2241 or any successor or similar rule or regulation) (the “Lock-Up Period”). I further agree to execute and deliver such other agreements as may be reasonably requested by the Company or the underwriters that are consistent with the foregoing or that are necessary to give further effect thereto. In order to enforce the foregoing covenant, the Company may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to securities subject to the foregoing restrictions until the end of such period.
DUTCH BROS INC.
RSU AWARD GRANT NOTICE
(2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN)
Dutch Bros Inc. (the “Company”) has awarded to you (the “Participant”) the number of restricted stock units specified and on the terms set forth below in consideration of your services (the “RSU Award”). Your RSU Award is subject to all of the terms and conditions as set forth herein and in the Dutch Bros Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and the Award Agreement (the “Agreement”), which are attached hereto and incorporated herein in their entirety. Capitalized terms not explicitly defined herein but defined in the Plan or the Agreement shall have the meanings set forth in the Plan or the Agreement.
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Participant:
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Date of Grant:
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Vesting Commencement Date:
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Number of Restricted Stock Units:
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, vesting shall terminate upon the Participant’s termination of Continuous Service.
Issuance Schedule: One share of Common Stock will be issued at the time set forth in Section 5 of the Agreement for each restricted stock unit which vests.
Participant Acknowledgments: By your signature below or by electronic acceptance or authentication in a form authorized by the Company, you understand and agree that:
•The RSU Award is governed by this RSU Award Grant Notice (the “Grant Notice”), and the provisions of the Plan and the Agreement, all of which are made a part of this document. Unless otherwise provided in the Plan, this Grant Notice and the Agreement (together, the “RSU Award Agreement”) may not be modified, amended or revised except in a writing signed by you and a duly authorized officer of the Company.
•You have read and are familiar with the provisions of the Plan, the RSU Award Agreement and the Prospectus. In the event of any conflict between the provisions in the RSU Award Agreement, or the Prospectus and the terms of the Plan, the terms of the Plan shall control.
•The RSU Award Agreement sets forth the entire understanding between you and the Company regarding the acquisition of Common Stock and supersedes all prior oral and written agreements, promises and/or representations on that subject with the exception of: (i) other equity awards previously granted to you, and (ii) any written employment agreement, offer letter, severance agreement, written severance plan or policy, or other written agreement between the Company and you in each case that specifies the terms that should govern this RSU Award.
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DUTCH BROS INC.
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PARTICIPANT:
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By:
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Signature
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Signature
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Title:
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Date:
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Date:
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ATTACHMENTS: Award Agreement, 2021 Equity Incentive Plan
ATTACHMENT I
DUTCH BROS INC.
AWARD AGREEMENT
(2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN)
As reflected by your RSU Award Grant Notice (“Grant Notice”), Dutch Bros Inc. (the “Company”) has granted you a RSU Award under the Dutch Bros Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) for the number of restricted stock units as indicated in your Grant Notice (the “RSU Award”). The terms of your RSU Award as specified in this Award Agreement for your RSU Award (this “Agreement”) and the Grant Notice constitute your “RSU Award Agreement”. Defined terms not explicitly defined in this Agreement but defined in the Grant Notice or the Plan shall have the same definitions as in the Grant Notice or Plan, as applicable.
The general terms applicable to your RSU Award are as follows:
1.GOVERNING PLAN DOCUMENT. Your RSU Award is subject to all the provisions of the Plan, including but not limited to the provisions in:
(a)Section 6 of the Plan regarding the impact of a Capitalization Adjustment, dissolution, liquidation, or Corporate Transaction on your RSU Award;
(b)Section 9(e) of the Plan regarding the Company’s retained rights to terminate your Continuous Service notwithstanding the grant of the RSU Award; and
(c)Section 8 of the Plan regarding the tax consequences of your RSU Award.
Your RSU Award is further subject to all interpretations, amendments, rules and regulations, which may from time to time be promulgated and adopted pursuant to the Plan. In the event of any conflict between the RSU Award Agreement and the provisions of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall control.
2.GRANT OF THE RSU AWARD. This RSU Award represents your right to be issued on a future date the number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock that is equal to the number of restricted stock units indicated in the Grant Notice as modified to reflect any Capitalization Adjustment and subject to your satisfaction of the vesting conditions set forth therein (the “Restricted Stock Units”). Any additional Restricted Stock Units that become subject to the RSU Award pursuant to Capitalization Adjustments as set forth in the Plan and the provisions of Section 3 below, if any, shall be subject, in a manner determined by the Board, to the same forfeiture restrictions, restrictions on transferability, and time and manner of delivery as applicable to the other Restricted Stock Units covered by your RSU Award.
3.DIVIDENDS. You shall receive no benefit or adjustment to this RSU Award with respect to any cash dividend, stock dividend or other distribution that does not result from a
Capitalization Adjustment; provided, however, that this sentence will not apply with respect to any shares of Common Stock that are delivered to you in connection with your RSU Award after such shares have been delivered to you.
4.WITHHOLDING OBLIGATIONS. As further provided in Section 8 of the Plan, you hereby authorize withholding from payroll and any other amounts payable to you, and otherwise agree to make adequate provision for, any sums required to satisfy the federal, state, local and foreign tax withholding obligations, if any, which arise in connection with your RSU Award (the “Withholding Obligation”) in accordance with the withholding procedures established by the Company. Unless the Withholding Obligation is satisfied, the Company shall have no obligation to deliver to you any Common Stock in respect of the RSU Award. In the event the Withholding Obligation of the Company arises prior to the delivery to you of Common Stock or it is determined after the delivery of Common Stock to you that the amount of the Withholding Obligation was greater than the amount withheld by the Company, you agree to indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any failure by the Company to withhold the proper amount.
5.DATE OF ISSUANCE.
(a)The issuance of shares in respect of the Restricted Stock Units is intended to comply with Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) and will be construed and administered in such a manner. Subject to the satisfaction of the Withholding Obligation, if any, in the event one or more Restricted Stock Units vests, the Company shall issue to you one (1) share of Common Stock for each Restricted Stock Unit that vests on the applicable vesting date(s) (subject to any adjustment under Section 3 above, and subject to any different provisions in the Grant Notice). Each issuance date determined by this paragraph is referred to as an “Original Issuance Date.”
(b)If the Original Issuance Date falls on a date that is not a business day, delivery shall instead occur on the next following business day. In addition, if:
(i)the Original Issuance Date does not occur (1) during an “open window period” applicable to you, as determined by the Company in accordance with the Company’s then-effective policy on trading in Company securities, or (2) on a date when you are otherwise permitted to sell shares of Common Stock on an established stock exchange or stock market (including but not limited to under a previously established written trading plan that meets the requirements of Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act and was entered into in compliance with the Company’s policies (a “10b5-1 Arrangement)), and
(ii)either (1) a Withholding Obligation does not apply, or (2) the Company decides, prior to the Original Issuance Date, (A) not to satisfy the Withholding Obligation by withholding shares of Common Stock from the shares otherwise due, on the Original Issuance Date, to you under this Award, and (B) not to permit you to enter into a “same day sale” commitment with a broker-dealer (including but not limited to a commitment under a 10b5-1 Arrangement) and (C) not to permit you to pay your Withholding Obligation in cash,
then the shares that would otherwise be issued to you on the Original Issuance Date will not be delivered on such Original Issuance Date and will instead be delivered on the first business day when you are not prohibited from selling shares of the Company’s Common Stock in the open public market, but in no event later than December 31 of the calendar year in which the Original Issuance Date occurs (that is, the last day of your taxable year in which the Original Issuance Date occurs), or, if and only if permitted in a manner that complies with Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(b)(4), no later than the date that is the 15th day of the third calendar month of the applicable year following the year in which the shares of Common Stock under this Award are no longer subject to a “substantial risk of forfeiture” within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(d).
(c)To the extent the RSU Award is a Non-Exempt RSU Award, the provisions of Section 11 of the Plan shall apply.
6.LOCK-UP-PERIOD. By accepting your RSU Award, you agree that you will not sell, dispose of, transfer, make any short sale of, grant any option for the purchase of, or enter into any hedging or similar transaction with the same economic effect as a sale with respect to any shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company held by you, for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days following the effective date of a registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act or such longer period as the underwriters or the Company will request to facilitate compliance with FINRA Rule 2241 or any successor or similar rules or regulation (the “Lock-Up Period”); provided, however, that nothing contained in this section will prevent the exercise of a repurchase option, if any, in favor of the Company during the Lock-Up Period. You further agree to execute and deliver such other agreements as may be reasonably requested by the Company or the underwriters that are consistent with the foregoing or that are necessary to give further effect thereto. In order to enforce the foregoing covenant, the Company may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to your shares of Common Stock until the end of such period. You also agree that any transferee of any shares of Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company held by you will be bound by this Section 6. The underwriters of the Company’s stock are intended third party beneficiaries of this Section 6 and will have the right, power and authority to enforce the provisions hereof as though they were a party hereto.
7.TRANSFERABILITY. Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, your RSU Award is not transferable, except by will or by the applicable laws of descent and distribution.
8.CORPORATE TRANSACTION. Your RSU Award is subject to the terms of any agreement governing a Corporate Transaction involving the Company, including, without limitation, a provision for the appointment of a stockholder representative that is authorized to act on your behalf with respect to any escrow, indemnities and any contingent consideration.
9.NO LIABILITIES FOR TAXES. As a condition to accepting the RSU Award, you hereby (a) agree to not make any claim against the Company, or any of its Officers, Directors, Employees or Affiliates related to tax liabilities arising from the RSU Award or other Company compensation and (b) acknowledge that you were advised to consult with your own
personal tax, financial and other legal advisors regarding the tax consequences of the RSU Award and have either done so or knowingly and voluntarily declined to do so.
10.SEVERABILITY. If any part of this Agreement or the Plan is declared by any court or governmental authority to be unlawful or invalid, such unlawfulness or invalidity will not invalidate any portion of this Agreement or the Plan not declared to be unlawful or invalid. Any Section of this Agreement (or part of such a Section) so declared to be unlawful or invalid will, if possible, be construed in a manner which will give effect to the terms of such Section or part of a Section to the fullest extent possible while remaining lawful and valid.
11.OTHER DOCUMENTS. You hereby acknowledge receipt of or the right to receive a document providing the information required by Rule 428(b)(1) promulgated under the Securities Act, which includes the Prospectus. In addition, you acknowledge receipt of the Company’s Trading Policy.
12.QUESTIONS. If you have questions regarding these or any other terms and conditions applicable to your RSU Award, including a summary of the applicable federal income tax consequences please see the Prospectus.
ATTACHMENT II
2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
DUTCH BROS INC.
RESTRICTED STOCK GRANT NOTICE
(2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN)
Dutch Bros Inc. (the “Company”), pursuant to its 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), hereby awards to Participant the number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock set forth below (“Award”). This Award is subject to all of the terms and conditions as set forth herein and in the Restricted Stock Agreement, the Plan, the form of Assignment Separate from Certificate and the form of Joint Escrow Instructions, all of which are attached hereto and incorporated herein in their entirety. Capitalized terms not explicitly defined herein but defined in the Plan or the Restricted Stock Agreement shall have the meanings set forth in the Plan or the Restricted Stock Agreement, as applicable.
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Participant:
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Date of Grant:
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Vesting Commenencement Date:
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Number of Shares Subject to Award:
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, vesting shall terminate upon the Participant’s termination of Continuous Service.
Participant Acknowledgements: By your signature below or by electronic acceptance or authentication in a form authorized by the Company, you understand and agree that:
•The Award is governed by the provisions of the Plan and this Restricted Stock Grant Notice and the Restricted Stock Agreement and other attachments to this Restricted Stock Grant Notice, all of which are made a part of this document (together, the “Award Agreement”). Unless otherwise provided in the Plan, this Award Agreement may not be modified, amended or revised except in a writing signed by you and a duly authorized officer of the Company.
•You consent to receive this Award Agreement, the Prospectus and any other Plan-related documents by electronic delivery and to participate in the Plan through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or another third party designated by the Company.
•You have read and are familiar with the provisions of the Plan, the Award Agreement and the Prospectus. In the event of any conflict between the provisions in this Award Agreement or the Prospectus and the terms of the Plan, the terms of the Plan shall control.
•The Plan and this Award Agreement sets forth the entire understanding between you and the Company regarding the acquisition of Common Stock and supersedes all prior oral
and written agreements, promises and/or representations on that subject with the exception of other equity awards previously granted to you and any written employment agreement, offer letter, severance agreement, written severance plan or policy, or other written agreement between the Company and you in each case that specifies the terms that should govern this Award.
•Counterparts may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including pdf or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, Uniform Electronic Transactions Act or other applicable law) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered will be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.
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DUTCH BROS INC.
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PARTICIPANT:
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By:
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Signature
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Signature
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Title:
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Date:
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Date:
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ATTACHMENTS: Restricted Stock Agreement, 2021 Equity Incentive Plan, form of Assignment Separate from Certificate and form of Joint Escrow Instructions
ATTACHMENT I
RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT
DUTCH BROS INC.
RESTRICED STOCK AGREEMENT
(2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN)
Pursuant to the Restricted Stock Grant Notice (“Grant Notice”) and this Restricted Stock Agreement (collectively, the “Award”) and in consideration of your past services, Dutch Bros Inc. (the “Company”) has granted you a Restricted Stock Award under its 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) for the number of shares of Common Stock subject to the Award as indicated in the Grant Notice. Capitalized terms not explicitly defined in this Restricted Stock Agreement but defined in the Grant Notice or the Plan shall have the meanings set forth in the Grant Notice or Plan, as applicable. The terms of your Restricted Stock Award as specified in the Grant Notice and this Restricted Stock Agreement, including attachments thereto, constitute your Award Agreement.
The general terms and conditions applicable to your Award are as follows:
1.GOVERNING PLAN DOCUMENT. Your Award is subject to all the provisions of the Plan, including but not limited to the provisions in:
(a)Section 6 regarding the impact of a Capitalization Adjustment, dissolution, liquidation, or Corporate Transaction on your Award;
(b)Section 9(e) regarding the Company’s retained rights to terminate your Continuous Service notwithstanding the grant of the Award; and
(c)Section 8 regarding the tax consequences of your Award.
Your Award is further subject to all interpretations, amendments, rules and regulations, which may from time to time be promulgated and adopted pursuant to the Plan. In the event of any conflict between the Award Agreement and the provisions of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall control.
2.VESTING. Subject to the limitations contained herein, your Award will vest as provided in the Grant Notice, provided that vesting will cease upon the termination of your Continuous Service.
3.DIVIDENDS. You may become entitled to receive payments equal to any cash dividends and other distributions paid with respect to a corresponding number of shares of Common Stock covered by your Award. Any such dividends or distributions shall be subject to the same forfeiture restrictions (including the Reacquisition Right defined in Section 5 below) and restrictions on transferability as apply to the shares covered by your Award with respect to which the dividends or other distributions relate and accordingly, shall be paid at the same time that the corresponding shares are released from the Reacquisition Right or other restriction in respect of your vested Award. To the extent any such dividends or distributions are paid in shares of Common Stock, then you will automatically be granted a corresponding number of additional shares of Common Stock subject to the Award (the “Dividend Shares”), and further provided
that such Dividend Shares shall be subject to the same forfeiture restrictions and restrictions on transferability, and same timing requirements for release of such restrictions/vesting, as apply to the shares subject to the Award with respect to which the Dividend Shares relate.
4.SECURITIES LAW COMPLIANCE. You may not be issued any shares under your Award unless the shares are either (i) then registered under the Securities Act or (ii) the Company has determined that such issuance would be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. Your Award must also comply with other applicable laws and regulations governing the Award, and you will not receive such shares if the Company determines that such receipt would not be in material compliance with such laws and regulations.
5.RIGHT OF REACQUISTION.
(a) To the extent provided in the Company’s bylaws, as amended from time to time, the Company shall have the right to reacquire all or any part of the shares received pursuant to your Award (a “Reacquisition Right”).
(b) To the extent a Reacquisition Right is not provided in the Company’s bylaws, as amended from time to time, the Company shall have a Reacquisition Right as to the shares you received pursuant to your Award that have not as yet vested in accordance with the Vesting Schedule on the Grant Notice (“Unvested Shares”) on the following terms and conditions:
(i) The Company, shall simultaneously with termination of your Continuous Service automatically reacquire for no consideration all of the Unvested Shares, unless the Company agrees to waive its Reacquisition Right as to some or all of the Unvested Shares. Any such waiver shall be exercised by the Company by written notice to you or your representative (with a copy to the Escrow Holder as defined below) within ninety (90) days after the termination of your Continuous Service, and the Escrow Holder may then release to you the number of Unvested Shares not being reacquired by the Company. If the Company does not waive its Reacquisition Right as to all of the Unvested Shares, then upon such termination of your Continuous Service, the Escrow Holder shall transfer to the Company the number of shares the Company is reacquiring.
(ii) The Company shall have the right to reacquire the Unvested Shares upon termination of your Continuous Service for no monetary consideration (that is, for $0.00).
(iii) The shares issued under your Award shall be held in escrow pursuant to the terms of the Joint Escrow Instructions attached to the Grant Notice as Attachment IV. You agree to execute two (2) Assignment Separate From Certificate forms (with date and number of shares blank) substantially in the form attached to the Grant Notice as Attachment III and deliver the same, along with the certificate or certificates evidencing the shares, for use by the escrow agent pursuant to the terms of the Joint Escrow Instructions.
(iv) Subject to the provisions of your Award, you shall, during the term of your Award, exercise all rights and privileges of a stockholder of the Company with respect to the shares deposited in escrow. You shall be deemed to be the holder of the shares for purposes
of receiving any dividends which may be paid with respect to such shares and for purposes of exercising any voting rights relating to such shares; provided that any dividends payable with respect to shares that have not yet vested and been released from the Company’s Reacquisition Right shall immediately be subject to the Reacquisition Right with the same force and effect as the shares subject to this Reacquisition Right immediately before such event.
(v) If, from time to time, there is any stock dividend, stock split or other change in the character or amount of any of the outstanding stock of the corporation, the stock of which is subject to the provisions of your Award, then in such event any and all new, substituted or additional securities to which you are entitled by reason of your ownership of the shares acquired under your Award shall, to the extent they relate to Unvested Shares, be immediately subject to the Reacquisition Right with the same force and effect as the Unvested Shares subject to this Reacquisition Right immediately before such event.
(vi) In addition to any other limitation on transfer created by applicable securities laws, you shall not sell, assign, hypothecate, donate, encumber, or otherwise dispose of any interest in the Common Stock while such shares of Common Stock are subject to the Reacquisition Right or continue to be held in the Joint Escrow.
6.RESTRICTIVE LEGENDS. The shares issued under your Award shall be endorsed with appropriate legends determined by the Company.
7.AWARD NOT A SERVICE CONTRACT. Your Award is not an employment or service contract, and nothing in your Award shall be deemed to create in any way whatsoever any obligation on your part to continue in the employ of the Company or an Affiliate, or on the part of the Company or an Affiliate to continue your employment. In addition, nothing in your Award shall obligate the Company or an Affiliate, their respective stockholders, boards of directors, Officers or Employees to continue any relationship that you might have as a Director or Consultant for the Company or an Affiliate.
8.WITHHOLDING OBLIGATIONS.
(a) At the time your Award is made, or at any time thereafter as requested by the Company and as further provided in Section 8 of the Plan, you hereby authorize withholding from payroll and any other amounts payable to you, and otherwise agree to make adequate provision for any sums required to satisfy the federal, state, local and foreign tax withholding obligations of the Company or an Affiliate, if any, which arise in connection with your Award (the “Withholding Obligation”) in accordance with the withholding procedures established by the Company.
(b) Unless the Withholding Obligation is satisfied, the Company shall have no obligation to issue a certificate for such shares or release such shares from any escrow provided for herein. In the event the Withholding Obligation of the Company arises prior to the issuance of a certificate or release of shares from any escrow provided for herein, or it is determined after the issuance of a certificate to you or after the release of shares from any escrow to you that the amount of the Withholding Obligation was greater than the amount withheld by the Company,
you agree to indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any failure by the Company to withhold the proper amount.
9.TAX CONSEQUENCES.
(a) You agree to review with your own tax advisors the federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of this investment and the transactions contemplated by this Award. You will rely solely on such advisors and not on any statements or representations of the Company or any of its agents. You understand that you (and not the Company) will be responsible for your own tax liability that may arise as a result of this investment or the transactions contemplated by this Award. You understand that under Code Section 83, the excess of the fair market value of the shares subject to the Award on the date any forfeiture restrictions applicable to such shares lapse over any amount paid for such shares will be reportable as ordinary income on the lapse date. For this purpose, the term “forfeiture restrictions” includes the right of the Company to reacquire the Unvested Shares pursuant to the Reacquisition Right. You may elect under Code Section 83(b) to be taxed at the time the shares subject to the Award are issued, rather than when and as such shares cease to be subject to such forfeiture restrictions. THE FORM FOR MAKING THIS ELECTION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE COMPANY UPON YOUR REQUEST. YOU UNDERSTAND THAT FAILURE TO MAKE THIS FILING WITHIN THE APPLICABLE THIRTY (30)-DAY PERIOD WILL RESULT IN THE RECOGNITION OF ORDINARY INCOME AS THE FORFEITURE RESTRICTIONS LAPSE.
(b) FILING RESPONSIBILITY. YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT IT IS YOUR SOLE RESPONSIBILITY, AND NOT THE COMPANY’S, TO FILE A TIMELY ELECTION UNDER CODE SECTION 83(b), EVEN IF YOU REQUEST THE COMPANY OR ITS REPRESENTATIVES TO MAKE THIS FILING ON YOUR BEHALF.
(c) As a condition to accepting the Award, you hereby (a) agree to not make any claim against the Company, or any of its Officers, Directors, Employees or Affiliates related to tax liabilities arising from the Award or other Company compensation and (b) acknowledge that you were advised to consult with your own personal tax, financial and other legal advisors regarding the tax consequences of the Award and have either done so or knowingly and voluntarily declined to do so.
10.LOCK-UP PERIOD. By accepting the Award, you agree that you will not sell, dispose of, transfer, make any short sale of, grant any option for the purchase of, or enter into any hedging or similar transaction with the same economic effect as a sale with respect to any shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company held by you, for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days following the effective date of a registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act or such longer period as the underwriters or the Company will request to facilitate compliance with FINRA Rule 2241 or any successor or similar rules or regulation (the “Lock-Up Period”); provided, however, that nothing contained in this section will prevent the exercise of a repurchase option, if any, in favor of the Company during the Lock-Up Period. You further agree to execute and deliver such other agreements as may be reasonably requested by the Company or the underwriters that are consistent with the
foregoing or that are necessary to give further effect thereto. In order to enforce the foregoing covenant, the Company may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to your shares of Common Stock until the end of such period. You also agree that any transferee of any shares of Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company held by you will be bound by this Section 10. The underwriters of the Company’s stock are intended third party beneficiaries of this Section 10 and will have the right, power and authority to enforce the provisions hereof as though they were a party hereto.
11.NOTICES. Any notices provided for in your Award or the Plan shall be given in writing and shall be deemed effectively given upon the earlier of (i) the date of personal delivery, including delivery by express courier, or delivery via electronic means, or (ii) the date that is five (5) days after deposit in the United States Post Office (whether or not actually received by the addressee), by registered or certified mail with postage and fees prepaid, addressed to the Company at its primary executive offices, attention: Stock Plan Administrator, and addressed to you at your address as on file with the Company at the time notice is given.
12.TRANSFERABILITY. Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, your Award is not transferable, except by will or by the applicable laws of descent and distribution
13.SEVERABILITY. If any part of this Award Agreement or the Plan is declared by any court or governmental authority to be unlawful or invalid, such unlawfulness or invalidity will not invalidate any portion of this Award Agreement or the Plan not declared to be unlawful or invalid. Any Section of this Award Agreement (or part of such a Section) so declared to be unlawful or invalid will, if possible, be construed in a manner which will give effect to the terms of such Section or part of a Section to the fullest extent possible while remaining lawful and valid.
14.OTHER DOCUMENTS. You hereby acknowledge receipt of or the right to receive a document providing the information required by Rule 428(b)(1) promulgated under the Securities Act, which includes the Prospectus. In addition, you acknowledge receipt of the Company’s Trading Policy.
15.MISCELLANEOUS.
(a) You agree upon request to execute any further documents or instruments necessary or desirable in the sole determination of the Company to carry out the purposes or intent of your Award.
(b) You acknowledge and agree that you have reviewed your Award in its entirety, have had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing and accepting your Award and fully understand all provisions of your Award.
(c) If you have questions regarding these or any other terms and conditions applicable to your Award, including a summary of the applicable federal income tax consequences please see the Prospectus.
ATTACHMENTS II
2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
ATTACHMENT III
FORM OF ASSIGNMENT SEPERATE FROM CERTIFICATE
ASSIGNMENT SEPERATE FROM CERTIFICATE
FOR VALUE RECEIVED and pursuant to that certain Restricted Stock Grant Notice and Restricted Stock Agreement (the “Award”), ______ hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto Dutch Bros Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Assignee”) _________________ (___) shares of the common stock of the Assignee, standing in the undersigned’s name on the books of said corporation represented by Certificate No. _____ herewith and do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint _____________________ as attorney-in-fact to transfer the said stock on the books of the within named Company with full power of substitution in the premises. This Assignment may be used only in accordance with and subject to the terms and conditions of the Award, in connection with the reacquisition of shares of Common Stock of the Company issued to the undersigned pursuant to the Award, and only to the extent that such shares remain subject to the Company’s Reacquisition Right under the Award.
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Dated:
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Signature:
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(Print Name), Recipient
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[INSTRUCTION: Please do not fill in any blanks other than the signature line. The purpose of this Assignment is to enable the Company to exercise its Reacquisition Right set forth in the Award without requiring additional signatures on your part.]
ATTACHMENT IV
FORM OF JOINT ESCROW INSTRUCTIONS
JOINT ESCROW INSTRUCTIONS
[Date]
Secretary
Dutch Bros Inc.
110 SW 4th Street
Grant Pass, Oregon 97526
Dear Sir/Madam:
As Escrow Agent for both Dutch Bros Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the undersigned recipient of stock of the Company (“Recipient”), you are hereby authorized and directed to hold the documents delivered to you pursuant to the terms of that certain Restricted Stock Grant Notice (including all attachments and exhibits thereto) dated _________ (the “Grant Documents”), to which a copy of these Joint Escrow Instructions is attached as Attachment IV, in accordance with the following instructions. Capitalized terms not explicitly defined in these instructions but defined in the Company’s 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (“Plan”) or the Grant Documents shall have the same definitions as provided therein.
1.In the event Recipient ceases to render services to the Company or an affiliate of the Company during the vesting period set forth in the Grant Documents, the Company or its assignee will give to Recipient and you a written notice specifying that the shares of stock shall be transferred to the Company. Recipient and the Company hereby irrevocably authorize and direct you to close the transaction contemplated by such notice in accordance with the terms of said notice.
2.At the closing you are directed (a) to date any stock assignments necessary for the transfer in question, (b) to fill in the number of shares being transferred, and (c) to deliver same, together with the certificate evidencing the shares of stock to be transferred, to the Company.
3.Recipient irrevocably authorizes the Company to deposit with you any certificates evidencing shares of stock to be held by you hereunder and any additions and substitutions to said shares as specified in the Grant Documents. Recipient does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint you as Recipient’s attorney-in-fact and agent for the term of this escrow to execute with respect to such securities and other property all documents of assignment and/or transfer and all stock certificates necessary or appropriate to make all securities negotiable and complete any transaction herein contemplated.
4.This escrow shall terminate upon vesting of the shares or upon the earlier return of the shares to the Company.
5.If at the time of termination of this escrow you should have in your possession any documents, securities, or other property belonging to Recipient, you shall deliver all of same
to any pledgee entitled thereto or, if none, to Recipient and shall be discharged of all further obligations hereunder.
6.Your duties hereunder may be altered, amended, modified or revoked only by a writing signed by all of the parties hereto.
7.You shall be obligated only for the performance of such duties as are specifically set forth herein and may rely and shall be protected in relying or refraining from acting on any instrument reasonably believed by you to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties or their assignees. You shall not be personally liable for any act you may do or omit to do hereunder as Escrow Agent or as attorney-in-fact for Recipient while acting in good faith and any act done or omitted by you pursuant to the advice of your own attorneys shall be conclusive evidence of such good faith.
8.You are hereby expressly authorized to disregard any and all warnings given by any of the parties hereto or by any other person or corporation, excepting only orders or process of courts of law, and are hereby expressly authorized to comply with and obey orders, judgments or decrees of any court. In case you obey or comply with any such order, judgment or decree of any court, you shall not be liable to any of the parties hereto or to any other person, firm or corporation by reason of such compliance, notwithstanding any such order, judgment or decree being subsequently reversed, modified, annulled, set aside, vacated or found to have been entered without jurisdiction.
9.You shall not be liable in any respect on account of the identity, authority or rights of the parties executing or delivering or purporting to execute or deliver the Grant Documents or any documents or papers deposited or called for hereunder.
10.You shall not be liable for the outlawing of any rights under any statute of limitations with respect to these Joint Escrow Instructions or any documents deposited with you.
11.You shall be entitled to employ such legal counsel, including but not limited to Cooley LLP, and other experts as you may deem necessary properly to advise you in connection with your obligations hereunder, may rely upon the advice of such counsel, and may pay such counsel reasonable compensation therefor.
12.Your responsibilities as Escrow Agent hereunder shall terminate if you shall cease to be Secretary of the Company or if you shall resign by written notice to each party. In the event of any such termination, the Company may appoint any officer or assistant officer of the Company as successor Escrow Agent and Recipient hereby confirms the appointment of such successor or successors as his attorney-in-fact and agent to the full extent of your appointment.
13.If you reasonably require other or further instruments in connection with these Joint Escrow Instructions or obligations in respect hereto, the necessary parties hereto shall join in furnishing such instruments.
14.It is understood and agreed that should any dispute arise with respect to the delivery and/or ownership or right of possession of the securities, you are authorized and directed to retain in your possession without liability to anyone all or any part of said securities until such dispute shall have been settled either by mutual written agreement of the parties concerned or by a final order, decree or judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction after the time for appeal has expired and no appeal has been perfected, but you shall be under no duty whatsoever to institute or defend any such proceedings.
15.Any notice required or permitted hereunder shall be given in writing and shall be deemed effectively given on the earlier of (i) the date of personal delivery, including delivery by express courier, or delivery via electronic means, or (ii) the date that is five (5) days after deposit in any United States Post Box (whether or not actually received by the addressee), by registered or certified mail with postage and fees prepaid, addressed to each of the other parties hereunto entitled at the following addresses, or at such other addresses as a party may designate by ten (10) days’ advance written notice to each of the other parties hereto:
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COMPANY:
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Dutch Bros Inc.
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110 SW 4th Street
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Grant Pass, Oregon 97526
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Attn: General Counsel
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RECIPIENT:
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ESCROW AGENT:
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Dutch Bros Inc.
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110 SW 4th Street
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Grant Pass, Oregon 97526
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Attn: Secretary
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16.By signing these Joint Escrow Instructions you become a party hereto only for the purpose of said Joint Escrow Instructions; you do not become a party to the Grant Documents.
17.This instrument shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, and their respective successors and permitted assigns. It is understood and agreed that references to “you” or “your” herein refer to the original Escrow Agent and to any and all successor Escrow Agents. It is understood and agreed that the Company may at any time or from
time to time assign its rights under the Grant Documents and these Joint Escrow Instructions in whole or in part.
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Very truly yours,
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DUTCH BROS INC.
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By:
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RECIPIENT
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ESCROW AGENT:
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Dutch Bros Inc.
List of Subsidiaries
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Subsidiary
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Jurisdiction
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Dutch Mafia, LLC
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Delaware
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DB Management Co.
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Delaware
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Dutch Bros., LLC
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Oregon
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DB Franchising USA, LLC
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Oregon
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Boersma Bros. LLC
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Oregon
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Dutchwear, LLC
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Oregon
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BB Holdings AR, LLC
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Oregon
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BB Holdings AZ, LLC
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Oregon
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BB Holdings CA, LLC
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Oregon
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BB Holdings Colorado, LLC
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Oregon
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BB Holdings ID, LLC
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Oregon
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BB Holdings KS, LLC
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Oregon
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BB Holdings KY, LLC
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Oregon
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BB Holdings MO, LLC
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Oregon
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BB Holdings OK Group, LLC
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Oregon
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BB Holdings OR, LLC
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Oregon
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BB Holdings NM, LLC
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Oregon
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BB Holdings NV, LLC
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Oregon
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BB Holdings TN, LLC
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Oregon
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BB Holdings TX, LLC
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Oregon
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BB Holdings UT, LLC
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Oregon
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BB Holdings WA, LLC
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Oregon
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Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Board of Directors
Dutch Bros Inc.:
We consent to the use of our report dated June 10, 2021, with respect to the balance sheet of Dutch Bros Inc., included herein and to the reference to our firm under the heading “Experts” in the prospectus.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Portland, Oregon
September 7, 2021
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Board of Managers
Dutch Mafia, LLC:
We consent to the use of our report dated June 10, 2021, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Dutch Mafia, LLC and subsidiaries, included herein and to the reference to our firm under the heading “Experts” in the prospectus.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Portland, Oregon
September 7, 2021