Driven Brands Holdings Inc 10-K for FY2024
Driven Brands Holdings Inc. (DRVN)
10-K
2025-02-26
For: 2024-12-28
View Original
Added on
April 11, 2026
About this 10-K
Driven Brands Holdings Inc filed this 10-K on February 26, 2025, covering the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024 (FY2024).
Headline figures
Fiscal year ended December 28, 2024, as reported in this filing, compared with the same period a year earlier where the filing states it.
- Revenue
- $2.34B
- up 1.5% from $2.3B a year earlier
- Net loss
- $292.5M
- compared with a net loss of $744.96M a year earlier
- Diluted EPS
- -$1.82
- compared with -$4.53 a year earlier
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
For the fiscal year ended December 28 , 2024
OR
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
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Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (704) 377-8855
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Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
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 definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Non-accelerated filer ☐ | ||
Accelerated filer ☐ | ||
Small reporting company | ||
Emerging growth company | ||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
The aggregate market value of the outstanding common stock, other than shares held by persons who may be deemed affiliates, was approximately $747.8 million as of June 29, 2024, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter.
As of February 24, 2025, there were 163,836,640 shares of Common Stock of the registrant outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Form 10-K, are incorporated by reference in Part III, Items 10-14 of this Form 10-K.
Driven Brands Holdings Inc.
Table of Contents
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Forward-Looking Statements
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and, in each case, their negative or other various or comparable terminology. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this document, including statements regarding our strategy, future operations, future financial position, future revenue, projected costs, prospects, plans, objectives of management, and expected market growth are forward-looking statements. In particular, forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements relating to: (i) the completion of the sale of our U.S. Car Wash business, including the purchaser’s ability to obtain the required financing to complete the transaction; (ii) our ability to realize the value of the note received as partial payment in the sale of our U.S. Car Wash business; (iii) potential post-closing obligations and liabilities relating to the sale of our U.S. Car Was business; (iv) our strategy, outlook, and growth prospects; (v) our operational and financial targets and dividend policy; (vi) general economic trends and trends in the industry and markets; (vii) the risks and costs associated with the integration of, and or ability to integrate, our stores and business units successfully; (viii) the proper application of generally accepted accounting principles, which are highly complex and involve many subjective assumptions, estimates, and judgments; and (ix) the competitive environment in which we operate. Forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts but instead represent our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, the economy, and other future conditions, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. While there is no assurance that any list of risks and uncertainties or risk factors is complete, important factors that could cause our results to vary from expectations include, but are not limited to:
•our ability to compete with other businesses in the automotive aftermarket industries, including other international, national, regional, and local repair and maintenance shops, paint and collision repair shops, oil change shops, glass repair and replacement shops, car washes, automobile dealerships, and suppliers of automotive parts;
•advances and changes in automotive technology, including, but not limited to, changes in the materials used for the construction of structural components and body panels, changes in the types of paints and coatings used for automobiles or materials used for tires, changes in engines and drivetrains to hybrid and electric technology, increased prevalence of sensors and back-up cameras, and increased prevalence of self-driving vehicles and shared mobility;
•our ability to adapt to increased competitive pressures;
•changes in consumer preferences, perceptions, and spending patterns;
•changes in general economic conditions and the geographic concentration of our locations, which may affect our business;
•changes in the cost of, availability of, and shipping costs of automobile supplies, parts, paints, coatings, glass, chemicals, and motor oil;
•changes in the availability or cost of labor, including health care-related or other costs;
•our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel;
•changes in interest rates, commodity prices, energy costs, and foreign exchange rates, which impact expenses;
•changes in inflation rates, which impact our expenses and the ability of our customers to pay for automotive repairs;
•the ability of our key suppliers, including international suppliers, to continue to deliver timely high-quality products to us at quantities and prices needed for our businesses;
•disruptions in the supply of specific products or to the business operations of key or recommended suppliers;
•the willingness of our vendors and service providers to supply goods and services pursuant to customary credit arrangements;
•our ability to maintain direct repair program relationships with insurance partners;
•the operational and financial success of franchised, independently-operated, and company-operated locations;
•the willingness of franchisees to participate in and comply with our business model and policies;
•our ability to successfully enter new markets and complete construction, including renovations, conversions, and build-outs of existing and additional locations;
•risks associated with implementing our growth strategy, including our ability to open additional domestic and international franchised, independently-operated, and company-operated locations and to continue to identify, acquire,
and refranchise automotive aftermarket businesses, and the willingness of franchisees to continue to invest in and open new franchises;
•the potential adverse impact of strategic acquisitions;
•additional leverage incurred in connection with acquisitions or other capital expenditure initiatives;
•the effect of the media’s reports and social media on our reputation;
•the effectiveness of our marketing and advertising programs;
•weather and the seasonality of our operations;
•increased insurance and self-insurance costs;
•our ability to comply with existing and future health, employment, data privacy, environmental, and other government regulations;
•geopolitical, trade, tariff, and regulatory uncertainties;
•our ability to adequately protect our intellectual property;
•the adverse effect of litigation;
•a significant failure, interruption, or security breach of our computer systems or information technology;
•increases in national, federal, state, local, and provincial taxes, as well as changes in tax guidance and regulations and the impact on our effective tax rate;
•catastrophic events, including war, terrorism, and other international conflicts, embargoes, public health issues, or natural disasters;
•the effect of restrictive covenants in the documents governing our debt facilities; and
•other risk factors included under “Risk Factors” in Item 1A in this Annual Report.
These forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or review publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.
Part I
Driven Brands Holdings Inc. is a Delaware corporation. As used herein, “Driven Brands,” the “Company,” “us”, “we,” “our,” and similar terms include Driven Brands Holdings Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context dictates otherwise.
Item 1. Business
Overview
Driven Brands is the largest automotive services company in North America with a growing and highly-franchised base of approximately 5,200 locations across 49 U.S. states and 13 other countries. Our scaled, diversified platform provides high-quality services to an extensive range of retail and commercial customers. Our breadth of services covers a wide variety of automotive needs, including paint, collision, glass, and repair services, as well as a variety of high-frequency services, such as oil changes and car washes. Our portfolio of brands continues to generate consistent recurring revenue with strong operating margins. Our network generated approximately $2.3 billion in net revenue from approximately $6.5 billion in system-wide sales in 2024.
The Company operates and reports financial information on a 52-or 53-week year with the fiscal year ending on the last Saturday in December. Our 2024 and 2023 fiscal years ending December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively, each consisted of 52 weeks and our 2022 fiscal year ending December 31, 2022 consisted of 53 weeks.
We are the largest provider of diversified automotive services in North America and have a portfolio of well-known brands, including Take 5 Oil Change® (“Take 5 Oil”), Meineke Car Care Center® (“Meineke”), MAACO® (“Maaco”), CARSTAR®, IMO®, Take 5 Car Wash®, AutoGlassNow® (“AGN”), Fix Auto (“Fix Auto”), and 1-800-Radiator & A/C® (“1-800 Radiator”), among others. Building from a 50 year history in the category with some of the most recognizable brands in the industry, our diversified platform caters to almost any automotive service occasion.
Our Business
Our suite of automotive services includes the following segments:
Maintenance
Our Maintenance segment is primarily comprised of the Take 5 Oil and Meineke brands. Our Maintenance brands service a combination of retail and commercial customers, such as fleet operators, through 1,960 total locations as of December 28, 2024. Our maintenance services include oil changes and other regularly scheduled or as-needed automotive services, including vehicle component repair and replacement.
Founded in 1984, Take 5 Oil specializes in providing efficient drive-thru-style oil changes. Take 5 Oil’s 463 franchised and 718 company-operated locations, as of December 28, 2024, primarily offer oil changes to retail and commercial customers. We believe Take 5 Oil offers a best-in-class operating model through its convenient drive-thru stay-in-your-car format, simple and focused menu, industry-leading speed of service, and low-pressure sales environment, which is designed to generate strong customer satisfaction, high frequency of use, and attractive unit level economics. Furthermore, Take 5 Oil’s compact store layout and unique shallow pit design reduces upfront build out costs, increase efficiency, and provides real estate flexibility. Take 5 Oil’s franchising efforts are experiencing strong momentum and are expected to continue to drive long-term unit growth through its robust and growing pipeline of franchise commitments.
Our other maintenance services offered at 779 locations as of December 28, 2024 are 100% franchised and predominantly operate under the Meineke brand. Founded in 1972, Meineke offers an extensive set of total car care services to retail customers and commercial fleet programs, including maintenance, repair, and replacement of components, such as brakes, heating and cooling systems, exhaust, and tires and is known as an automotive services industry pioneer. We believe Meineke is a strong, well-known brand with high brand awareness and customer satisfaction due to its high-quality service, extensive range of service offerings, and the convenience of a nationwide network of locations.
Paint, Collision & Glass
Our Paint, Collision & Glass segment is primarily composed of the CARSTAR, ABRA, Fix Auto, Maaco, Uniban, and AGN brands and serves retail, commercial, and insurance customers through 1,912 total locations as of December 28, 2024. Our paint services include full body repainting and touch-up, surface preparation and protection, and refinishing and other cosmetic repairs; our collision services include full collision repair and refinishing services; and our glass services include replacement, repair, and calibration services for automotive glass.
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Our paint services are offered through Maaco, which was founded in 1972. Our 380 franchised locations, as of December 28, 2024, offer an extensive suite of services including paint services, surface preparation, protection, and refinishing, reconditioning, and other cosmetic external and internal repairs. Maaco primarily serves retail customers and commercial fleet operators and provides strong retail customer service at a much lower average price point than most collision centers, making it an economical option for minor auto body repair when customers prefer to not file an insurance claim.
Our collision repair services are primarily offered through CARSTAR, ABRA, and Fix Auto, which were founded in 1989, 1984, and 1997, respectively, and together comprise the largest franchised collision repair network in North America. Our 1,052 collision locations, as of December 28, 2024, are 99% franchised and offer full collision repair and refinishing services in addition to other cosmetic repairs.
Our glass repair services are primarily offered through Uniban in Canada and AGN in the U.S. Uniban was founded in 1977 and is known as a leader in the category. In 2022, we expanded our offerings to the U.S. through the acquisition of AGN and additional smaller acquisitions, making us the second-largest glass services business in the U.S. auto glass servicing category. Our 252 franchised and 228 company-operated glass services locations across the U.S. and Canada, as of December 28, 2024, primarily offer replacement, repair, and calibration services for automotive glass to retail customers as well as commercial fleet operators and insurance carriers. We also offer technology-enabled glass claims management services for insurance carriers, which drives incremental business to our glass service locations and our distribution business and are complementary to our paint and collision businesses.
Car Wash
We are the world’s largest conveyor car wash company by location count with 1,102 total locations across North America, Europe, and Australia as of December 28, 2024. Our services primarily consist of express-style exterior car wash services that utilize an automated conveyor belt to pull vehicles along a track where they are machine washed.
Our car wash services in Europe and Australia are primarily offered through the IMO brand, which has a history of over 55-years of providing express-style conveyor car wash services. IMO’s operations appeal to a broad consumer base seeking a low-cost and high-speed car wash at easily-accessible locations. Our 720 international locations, as of December 28, 2024, operate an independent operator model, whereby a third-party is responsible for site-level labor and receives commissions based on a percent of site revenue from car washes.
We have grown to become one of the largest domestic operators of conveyor car wash sites with 382 company-operated locations across the U.S. as of December 28, 2024, predominately under the Take 5 Car Wash brand. We believe that our highly-attractive value proposition, focused on affordability, convenience, and speed of service, resonates with our customers and encourages a high frequency of use. To further strengthen customer loyalty and visit frequency, we also utilize a subscription membership program, which in 2024, accounted for approximately 69% of our domestic car wash revenue, an increase from approximately 60% in the prior year.
Platform Services
Our Platform Services segment is primarily composed of the 1-800 Radiator, Spire Supply, Driven Advantage, and Automotive Training Institute (“ATI”) businesses. This segment provides significant benefits to our brands by driving organic growth opportunities through procurement, distribution, and training services as well as growth opportunities through acquisition target sourcing.
Our distribution services are primarily offered through 1-800 Radiator, which was founded in 2001, and is one of the largest franchised distributors in the automotive parts industry. 1-800 Radiator’s 205 locations, as of December 28, 2024, are almost exclusively franchised and distribute a broad, diverse mix of long-tail automotive parts, including radiators, air conditioning components, and exhaust products to automotive repair shops, auto parts stores, body shops, and other auto repair outlets. 1-800 Radiator’s best-in-class operating model is fueled by proprietary algorithmic sourcing technology that enables franchisees to effectively order inventory, manage pricing, and deliver parts to customers within hours.
In 2017, we launched Spire Supply, an in-house distributor of consumable products such as oil filters and wiper blades, which currently serves all Take 5 Oil locations. In 2023, we launched our Driven Advantage e-commerce platform providing a custom buying experience for our user base. Driven Advantage and Spire Supply provide attractive pricing to franchisees relative to other options as well as incremental EBITDA to Driven Brands. In addition, Driven Advantage and Spire Supply simplify operations for franchisees and company-operated stores by reducing inventory needs and ensuring availability of supplies.
Our financial and operational training services are offered through ATI, a leading provider of training services to independent repair and maintenance, and paint and collision shops. ATI’s core offering is a multi-year training package that is typically paid for through a monthly subscription. We believe ATI’s leading training program further enhances Driven Brands’
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training platform, providing opportunities to improve operational support and increase profitability for both Driven Brands and our franchisees. In addition, ATI’s deep customer database of independent automotive shops provides us with a pipeline for future franchise development and acquisitions.
Growing Our Brands
We seek to deliver strong growth and market share gain through same store sales performance and new store count growth, both organically and through targeted acquisitions. We believe our diversified platform is uniquely capable of offering a compelling and convenient service proposition to our customers by providing a wide breadth of services for all vehicle types and across multiple service categories including paint, collision, glass, repair, oil change, maintenance, and car wash.
Take 5 Oil continues to execute at a high level, and we anticipate continued growth supported by our robust company-operated and franchise location pipeline that we built and continue to build organically and through acquisitions. A key strength of Take 5 Oil’s growth strategy is our ability to expand through both franchised and company-owned locations. Demand from franchisees to open new locations remains high, and many of our existing franchisees have well-developed real estate pipelines in place.
We acquire customers by executing a balanced marketing strategy that combines broad-reach brand campaigns with cost-efficient, data-driven local campaigns and experience repeat business by delivering exceptional customer experience. Our comprehensive strategy positions us well to capitalize on new opportunities and drive long-term growth.
We have a diversified multi-channel business that can grow in various economic environments. Across our platform, we have developed a significant fleet business serving customers across national rental, fleet management, and government sectors, as well as local fleet accounts from small businesses nationwide. Our fleet business is outpacing our overall company growth, driven by both ticket growth and transaction growth, due to new customer acquisitions and expanded business with existing customers.
New Unit Growth
We have a proven track record of unit growth and believe our competitive strengths provide us with a solid financial and operational foundation that positions us to deliver growth. The markets we operate in North America are highly fragmented. The success of our company-operated locations is supported by our deep data analytics capabilities that use proprietary algorithms and insights to enable optimal site identification and selection.
Our franchised and company-operated Take 5 Oil business has grown to 1,181 locations and has provided strong same store sales and margin growth. We have a strong pipeline for franchise locations as well as greenfield and tuck-in company-operated stores and plan to continue to expand our market presence and product offerings leveraging our Driven Advantage and Spire Supply buying power.
Our franchise growth is driven both by new store openings as well as through conversions of independent market participants that do not have the benefits of our scaled platform. Our attractive unit economics, national brand recognition, strong insurance and fleet customer relationships, and beneficial shared services capabilities provide highly compelling economic benefits for our franchisees, resulting in a strong desire to join and stay within our network. As of December 28, 2024, we had agreements to open approximately 1,300 new franchised units, which provides us with visibility into future franchise unit growth.
Same Store Sales Growth
We have demonstrated an ability to drive attractive organic growth with positive same store sales performance over 16 of the past 17 years. Our ability to drive organic growth focuses on:
•Commercial Partnerships: We grow our commercial partnerships and win new customers by being a highly convenient and cost effective “one-stop-shop” service provider that caters to the extensive suite of automotive service needs for commercial customers, such as fleet operators and insurance carriers. These customers want to work with nationally scaled and recognized chains with broad geographic coverage, extensive service offerings, strong operating metrics, and centralized billing services. We are dedicated to expanding partnerships with existing commercial customers as well as attracting new national and local customers.
•Insurance Partnerships: We have continued to develop relationships with key insurance carriers, predominately within our Paint, Collision & Glass businesses. In 2023, we expanded our technology-enabled glass claims management services for insurance carriers to include both Canada and the U.S. This service drives incremental business to our glass service locations and our distribution business and is complementary to our paint and collision businesses. In
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2024, our Paint, Collision & Glass segment generated approximately $2.4 billion in system-wide sales from relationships with insurance carriers.
•Leverage Data Analytics to Optimize Marketing, Product Offerings, and Pricing: We have large, dedicated brand marketing funds supported by contributions from our franchisees, and in 2024 we spent approximately $148 million for marketing across our brands. Insights from our data analytics engine enhance our marketing and promotional strategy to drive growth in unit-level performance. For instance, our proprietary data algorithms help optimize lead generation and conversion through personalized, targeted, and timely marketing promotions that provide customers with the optimal offer at the right time. In addition, our data provides insights that enables us to identify and roll out new product offerings, improve menu design, and optimize pricing structure across our brands. Use cases like these are regularly tested, refined, and deployed across our network to drive store performance.
Procurement Initiatives and Strengthening Platform Services
We seek to leverage the strength of our platform to enhance margins for franchised, independently-operated, and company-operated locations by:
•Leverage Shared Services and Platform Scale: As a result of the investments we have made, we believe our shared services provide substantial operating leverage and can support a much larger business than we are today. Driven Brands has also been increasing margins through technology advancements to enhance in-store operations and deploy best-practice training initiatives across the portfolio.
•Utilize Purchasing Strength from Procurement Programs: Driven Brands currently provides our network with lower costs on supplies and services than it could otherwise achieve independently, thereby augmenting the value proposition to franchisees and other network members as well as improving the earnings of our independently-operated and company-operated locations. In 2023, we launched our Driven Advantage e-commerce platform, which allows network members to take advantage of Driven Brands’ supplier network to improve operating margins through lower prices and incentives. As we continue to grow, we believe we will continue to leverage our size and purchasing power, driving greater value to our overall system.
Company-Operated Store Strategy
Our company-operated store strategy involves executing our simple operating model, which allows us to adapt to changing economic conditions. In recent years, the Company has focused on standardizing practices and operating models across brands at company-operated locations to drive further efficiencies and margin expansion. We continue to expand our company-operated footprint through a combination of greenfield openings as well as acquiring and converting stores. Our company-operated stores benefit from the cross-brand procurement strategy resulting in lower operational costs.
Franchising Strategy
Our franchising strategy is to grow certain of our brands’ footprints in a capital efficient manner. Our franchise model leverages our proven brand playbooks, the market planning and site selection capabilities of our best-in-class development team, and the local market expertise of highly-motivated owners. Our attractive unit economics, national brand recognition, strong commercial fleet and insurance customer relationships, and beneficial shared service capabilities provide highly compelling economic benefits for our franchisees, resulting in a strong desire to join and stay within our network. As of December 28, 2024, we have agreements to open approximately 1,300 new franchised units, which provides us with clear visibility into future franchise unit growth.
We have a strong track record of opening stores with existing and new franchisees, and we follow strict guidelines in selecting and approving franchisees who go through extensive interview processes, background checks, and are subject to financial and net-worth-based requirements.
Franchise Agreements
For each of our franchisees across our brands, we enter into a franchise agreement covering standard terms and conditions. Under our franchise agreements, we generally grant franchisees the right to operate using our marks and operating system for an initial term (generally 5 to 20 years) with the option to renew their agreements. All proposed new store sites require formal approval from us. Generally, franchisees pay Driven Brands a lump sum initial franchise license fee and ongoing franchise royalties, typically based on a percentage of gross sales. Franchisees of some of our brands also make, or may be required to make, contributions towards marketing funds, typically based on a percentage of gross sales or, in some instances, based on a flat amount or weekly marketing budgets in the applicable designated marketing area.
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Our franchise agreements also require franchisees to comply with our standard operating methods that govern the provision of services and use of vendors and may include a requirement to purchase specified products from us, our affiliates and/or designated vendors. Outside of these standards and policies, we do not control the day-to-day operations, such as hiring and training of employees, of the franchisees.
We support our franchisees with brand-specific services (e.g., brand marketing, franchise support, and operations) and comprehensive shared services (e.g., consumer insights, procurement program savings, commercial fleet, training, development, finance, and technology services).
Independent Operator Agreements
Nearly all of our car wash locations outside of the U.S. operate an independent operator model, where a third party is responsible for site-level labor and receives commissions based on a percentage of site revenue from car washes. At our independently-operated sites, we enter into an independent operator agreement covering the commission paid to the independent operator for our car wash services, terms relating to other services offered by the independent operator at the location from which we do not receive any revenue, and other standard terms and conditions including with respect to protection of confidential information, our intellectual property and customer data, standards relating to sub-contracting, indemnification, and termination.
Marketing Strategy
Our marketing strategy highlights the needs-based service offerings and value propositions of each of our brands. We focus our marketing efforts on areas we believe will yield the highest rate of return, including the development of tailored marketing campaigns targeted at specific customers when we believe they could benefit from services provided by our brands.
We use a variety of marketing techniques to build awareness of, and create demand for, our brands and the products and services they offer. Our advertising strategy includes CRM, social and digital media as well as television, print, radio, and sponsorships. We have implemented highly professionalized and data-driven marketing practices and have dedicated brand marketing funds supported by contributions from our franchisees.
Industry Overview and Competition
We compete with a variety of service providers within the highly-fragmented automotive services and parts distribution market. Competitors include international, national, regional, and local repair and maintenance shops, oil change shops, car washes, paint and collision repair shops, glass repair and replacement shops, automobile dealerships, and suppliers of automotive parts, including online retailers, wholesale distributors, hardware stores, and discount and mass market merchandise stores. Given the fragmentation of the industry, our competitors include a limited number of large providers of scale. Typically, our competitors offer services within one of our categories; however, few competitors offer services across multiple categories like Driven Brands. We believe the core competitive factors in our industry are scale, geographic reach, brand awareness, service pricing, speed and quality, and customer satisfaction.
We compete with other franchisors based on the expected return on investment for franchisees and the value propositions that we offer them. We compete to sell franchises to potential franchisees who may choose to purchase franchises from other automotive aftermarket service providers, or who may also consider purchasing franchises in other industries.
Government Regulations and Other Regulatory Matters
Our operations are subject to numerous federal, state, local, and provincial laws and regulations in North America, Europe, and Australia in areas such as consumer protection, occupational licensing, environmental protection, data privacy, labor and employment, tax, permitting, and other laws and regulations. In certain jurisdictions, we must obtain licenses or permits to comply with standards governing employee selection, training, and business conduct.
We, as a franchisor, are subject to various state and provincial laws, and the Federal Trade Commission (the “FTC”) regulates our franchising activities in the U.S. The FTC requires that franchisors make extensive disclosures to prospective franchisees before the execution of a franchise agreement. Fourteen states require registration and, together with at least one other state, require specific disclosure in connection with franchise offers and sales, and at least twenty states and U.S. territories have “franchise relationship laws” that limit the ability of franchisors to terminate franchise agreements or withhold consent to the renewal or transfer of these agreements. In addition, most provinces in Canada regulate the offer and sale of franchises as well as certain aspects of the franchise relationship. While there are no registration requirements under these provincial franchise laws, they do require pre-sale disclosures similar to those that exist in the U.S.
We are not aware of any federal, state, local, provincial, or other laws or regulations that are likely to materially alter or impact our revenues, cash flow, or competitive positions or result in any material capital expenditures. However, we cannot
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predict the effect on our operations, particularly on our relationship with franchisees, of any pending or future legislation or regulations or the future interpretation of any existing laws, including any newly enacted laws, which may impact us or our franchisees.
Employees and Human Capital Resources
As of December 28, 2024, we employed approximately 10,700 full-time employees, including approximately 8,800 employees at company-operated locations. None of these employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement. We consider our relations with our employees to be good. Our human capital resources objectives include, as applicable, identifying, recruiting, retaining, incentivizing, and integrating our existing and prospective employees. The principal purposes of our incentive plans are to attract, retain, and motivate our employees, executive officers, and directors through the granting of stock-based compensation awards and cash-based performance bonus awards. We strive for exceptional performance and results, which is why meritocracy and performance-based compensation are part of our core values. We provide employees with the opportunity to grow and to be rewarded based on results.
Our franchises are independently owned and operated businesses. As such, employees of our franchisees are not employees of Driven Brands. Our independent operators at independently-operated car wash locations are responsible for the site-level labor and, as such, are not employees of Driven Brands.
Intellectual Property
Our trademarks are important to our marketing efforts and conduct of business. We own or have the rights to use certain trademarks, service marks, and trade names that are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office or other foreign trademark registration offices or exist under common law in the U.S. or other jurisdictions in which we operate. Trademarks that are important in identifying and distinguishing our products and services include, but are not limited to ABRA®, CARSTAR®, DrivenBrands®, IMO®, MAACO®, Meineke Car Care Center®, Spire Supply®, Take 5 Oil Change®, Take 5 Car Wash®, AutoGlassNow®, and 1-800-Radiator & A/C®. We license or sublicense, as applicable, the Fix Auto trademark for use in connection with our business in the U.S. We also own domain names, including our primary domain “www.drivenbrands.com.”
Seasonality
Seasonal changes, including inclement weather, impact the demand for our automotive repair and maintenance services, car washes, and products. For example, customers may purchase fewer undercar services during the winter months, when miles driven tend to be lower. In addition, customers may defer or forego car washes or vehicle maintenance such as oil changes at any time during periods of inclement weather.
Additional Information
The Company makes available, free of charge, through its internet website www.drivenbrands.com, its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as soon as reasonably practicable after electronically filing such material with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Materials filed with the SEC are available at www.sec.gov.
Use of Website to Provide Information
From time to time, we have made and expect in the future to use our website as a channel of distribution of material
information regarding the Company. Financial and other material information regarding the Company is routinely posted on our website and accessible at https://investors.drivenbrands.com. To receive notifications regarding new postings to our website, investors are encouraged to enroll on our website to receive automatic email alerts. The contents of our websites are not incorporated into this Annual Report.
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Item 1A. Risk Factors
Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. These risks include those described below and may include additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial. These risks could adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, business reputation, or business prospects. You should carefully consider each of the following risk factors in conjunction with other information provided in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and in our other public disclosures before making an investment decision regarding our securities. If any of these risks occur, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment.
Summary of Risk Factors
Our business is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those risks discussed at-length below. These risks include, among others, the following:
•Competition may harm our business and results of operations.
•Changes in consumer preferences and perceptions, and in economic, market, and other conditions could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
•Our business is affected by the financial results of our franchisees.
•Increases in operating costs, including labor and commodity costs and interest rates have, and may again in the future, adversely affect our results of operations.
•Our business is affected by advances in automotive technology.
•We depend on key suppliers, including international suppliers, to deliver timely high-quality products at quantities and prices required for our businesses.
•We may not be able to execute on our plans to open additional locations and enter new markets.
•Our business may be adversely impacted by our indebtedness, including additional leverage in connection with acquisitions and other capital expenditure initiatives.
•If franchisees and other licensees do not observe the required quality and trademark usage standards, our brands may suffer reputational damage, which could in turn adversely affect our business.
•We are heavily dependent on information systems and technology, and any significant failure, interruption, or security incident could impair our ability to efficiently operate our business or timely or accurately prepare financial reports.
•Our failure or our franchisees and independent operators’ failure to comply with health, employment, and other federal, state, local, and provincial laws, rules, and regulations may lead to losses and harm our brands.
•The documents governing our indebtedness have restrictive terms and our failure to comply with any of these terms could put us in default, which would have an adverse effect on our business and prospects.
•The Securitization Senior Notes Indenture governing the securitized debt facility may restrict the cash flow from the entities subject to the securitization to us and our subsidiaries and, upon the occurrence of certain events, cash flow would be further restricted.
•We are a “controlled company” within the meaning of NASDAQ rules and, as a result, qualify for exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements that we have relied on in the past and may do so in the future.
•Future sales of our common stock in the public market, or the perception in the public market that such sales may occur, could reduce our stock price.
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Risks Relating to Our Business
Competition may harm our business and results of operations.
The automotive aftermarket industry is highly competitive, and we are subject to a wide variety of competitors across the “do it for me” (“DIFM”) and “do-it-yourself” (“DIY”) automotive services industries. Competitors include international, national, regional and local repair and maintenance shops, paint and collision repair shops, glass repair and replacement shops, automobile dealerships, oil change shops, car wash businesses and suppliers of automotive parts, including online retailers, wholesale distributors, hardware stores, and discount and mass market merchandise stores. The large number and variety of market participants creates intense competition with respect to the scale, geographic reach, price, service, quality, brand awareness, customer satisfaction, and adherence to various insurance carrier performance indicators. Some of our competitors have consolidated smaller and independent automotive services brands and shops to achieve additional efficiencies and economies of scale.
Certain of our competitors may have greater brand recognition, as well as greater financial, marketing, operating, and other resources, which may give them certain competitive advantages with respect to some or all of these areas of competition. Some of our competitors have opened and may continue to open new locations near our current locations and have engaged and may continue to engage in substantial price discounting in response to economic weakness and uncertainty, each of which may adversely impact our sales and operating results. In addition, advances in technology such as artificial intelligence (“AI”) and machine learning pose competitive risks. We expect competition to continue to intensify as existing competitors continue to expand operations, product offering mixes, and promote aggressive marketing campaigns and new competitors emerge. These increased competitive pressures could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results.
Changes in consumer preferences and perceptions, and in economic, market, and other conditions could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Demand for our products and services have been affected in the past, and may be affected in the future, by a number of factors, including:
•The number and age of vehicles in operation, as vehicles of a certain age (typically older than three to five years) may no longer be under the original vehicle manufacturers’ warranties and tend to need more maintenance and repair than newer vehicles. A smaller, younger population of vehicles in operation could lessen demand for our services.
•The used car market, and the average value of used cars, impacts how often cars are deemed a total loss by insurance companies. As the price of used cars decreases, the number of cars being deemed a total loss increases, resulting in less demand for repairs and maintenance.
•Rising energy prices, because increases in energy prices may cause customers to defer certain repairs or purchases because they use a higher percentage of their income to pay for gasoline and other energy costs and drive their vehicles less frequently, resulting in less wear and tear and lower demand for repairs and maintenance.
•Advances and changes in automotive technology and parts design, may result in cars needing repairs and maintenance, such as motor oil changes, less frequently, and parts lasting longer, may make customers more likely to use dealership automotive repair services, or may increase the cost to our locations to obtain relevant parts or training for employees.
•Economic downturns, such as declining economic conditions may cause customers to defer vehicle maintenance, repairs, oil changes, car washes, or other services, obtain credit, or repair and maintain their vehicles themselves. During periods of good economic conditions, consumers may decide to purchase new vehicles rather than having their older vehicles serviced. In addition, economic weaknesses and uncertainty may cause changes in consumer preferences, and if such economic conditions persist for an extended period of time, this may result in consumers making long-lasting changes to their spending behaviors in the automotive aftermarket markets.
•Weather, as mild weather conditions may lower the failure rates of automotive parts or result in fewer accidents or slower deterioration of paints and coatings, resulting in the need for fewer automotive repairs and less frequent automotive maintenance services. In addition, inclement weather may cause customers to defer or forego vehicle maintenance, such as oil changes and car washes.
•Consumer resistance to changing service providers because they may be unfamiliar with their vehicle’s mechanical operation and, as a result, may select a service provider they have patronized in the past, or may continue to return to the dealership where they bought their vehicle for repairs. Increasing complexity in the systems used in vehicles exacerbates this risk.
•Restrictions on access to diagnostic tools and repair information imposed by the original vehicle manufacturers or by governmental regulation, which may limit our ability to perform maintenance and repairs.
•Negative publicity associated with any of our services and products, or regarding the automotive aftermarket industries generally, whether or not factually accurate, could cause consumers to lose confidence in, or could harm the reputation of our brands.
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•Changes in travel patterns, which may cause consumers to rely more heavily on mass transportation or to travel less frequently.
•Payments for automobile repairs, which may be dependent on insurance programs, and insurance companies may require repair technicians to hold certain certifications that the personnel at our locations do not hold.
•Changes in governmental regulations in the automotive sector, including pollution prevention laws, which may affect demand for automotive repair and maintenance services and increase our costs in unknown ways.
Other events and factors that could affect our results include:
•changes in consumer preferences, perceptions, and spending patterns;
•demographic trends;
•employment levels and wage rates, and their effects on the disposable income and actual or perceived wealth of potential customers and their consumption habits, which may impact traffic and transaction size;
•variations in the timing and volume of sales at our locations;
•changes in frequency of customer visits;
•changes in driving and traffic patterns;
•type, number, and location of competitors;
•variations in the cost of, availability of and shipping costs of motor oil and automobile supplies, parts, paints, refinish coatings, glass, chemicals, and car wash supplies;
•unexpected slowdowns in business or operational support efforts;
•changes in the availability or cost of labor, including health care-related or other costs;
•the timing of expenditures in anticipation of future sales at our locations;
•an inability to purchase sufficient levels of advertising or increases in the cost of advertising;
•increases in national, federal, state, local, and provincial taxes in the countries in which we operate, including income taxes, indirect taxes, non-resident withholding taxes, and other similar taxes, as well as changes in tax guidance and regulations and the impact on our effective tax rate;
•factors associated with operating in foreign locations, including repatriation risks, foreign currency risks, and changes in tax treatment;
•high levels of economic inflation;
•unreliable or inefficient technology, including point-of-sale and payment systems;
•weather, natural disasters, pandemics, military conflicts and other catastrophic events and terrorist activities;
•changes in the number of renewals of franchise agreements; and
•our ability to maintain direct repair program and other relationships with insurance partners.
Our business is affected by the financial results of our franchisees.
Our business is impacted by the operational and financial success of our franchisees, including the franchisees’ implementation of our strategic plans and their ability to secure adequate financing to execute those plans. If our franchisees are unsuccessful in meeting their productivity and growth goals, our business could be adversely affected. When our franchisees are impacted by weak economic conditions and are unable to secure adequate sources of financing, their financial health worsens, our revenues may decline and we may need to offer extended payment terms or make other concessions. In limited circumstances, we also may be required to make lease payments without being able to collect sublease payments on domestic locations that we lease from landlords and then sublease to the franchisees in the event franchisees fail to pay rent under the subleases. Additionally, refusal on the part of franchisees or any franchisee association to renew or restructure their franchise agreements may result in decreased payments from franchisees. Entering into restructured franchise agreements may result in reduced franchisee payment royalty rates in the future. Furthermore, if our franchisees are not able to obtain the financing necessary to complete planned remodel and construction projects, they may be forced to postpone or cancel such projects.
The employees of franchisees are not our employees. We provide training and support to franchisees, but the quality of franchised store operations may be diminished by factors beyond our control. Consequently, franchisees may not successfully operate stores in a manner consistent with our standards and requirements or may not hire and train qualified managers and other store personnel. If they do not, our image and reputation may suffer, and revenues could decline.
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Our business is affected by advances in automotive technology.
The demand for our automotive repair and maintenance services and products may be adversely affected by continuing developments in automotive technology, including self-driving and electric vehicles and shared mobility. Some cars produced by certain automotive manufacturers last longer and require service and maintenance at less frequent intervals, or they may require more specialized service and maintenance than we offer at our locations. Quality improvement of manufacturers’ original equipment parts has in the past reduced, and may in the future reduce, demand for our services and products, adversely affecting our sales. For example, manufacturers’ use of stainless steel exhaust components has increased the life of those parts, thereby decreasing the demand for exhaust repairs and replacements. Longer and more comprehensive warranty or service programs offered by automobile manufacturers and other third parties also could adversely affect the demand for our products and services. New automobile owners may also choose to have their cars serviced by a dealer during the period that the car is under warranty. In addition, advances in automotive technology, such as accident-avoidance technology, continue to require us to incur additional costs to update diagnostic capabilities and technical training programs or may make providing such training programs more difficult. These advances could increase our costs and reduce our profits and may materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Certain restrictions may prevent us from providing our services and products to customers.
We may not be able to provide our products and services to certain customers because they have contractual relationships with third parties to service their vehicle, we may not be able to acquire the necessary diagnostic tools and repair information because of restrictions imposed by the original vehicle manufacturers or by governmental regulation may cause vehicle owners to rely on dealers to perform maintenance and repairs, or insurance companies may require repair technicians to hold certain certifications that our locations’ personnel do not hold. Such restrictions could adversely impact our revenues, results of operations, business, and financial conditions.
Increases in operating costs, including labor and commodity costs and interest rates have, and may again in the future, adversely affect our results of operations.
Ongoing increases in employee wages, benefits, and insurance and other operating costs such as commodity costs, legal claims, insurance costs, and costs of borrowing have adversely affected our operations and administrative expenses at our locations and may do so again in the future. Factors beyond our control may cause our operating costs to increase, such as weather conditions, natural disasters, disease outbreaks, global demand, product recalls, inflation, civil unrest, tariffs, and government regulations. For example, franchisees and independent operators may, and in certain cases are required to, offer access to health care benefits to certain of their employees and we may offer access to health care benefits to certain of our employees at company-operated locations. Similarly, increases in gasoline prices could result in the imposition of fuel surcharges by distributors used by us and our franchisees, which would increase the cost of operations. Any increase in such costs for our locations could reduce our and our franchisees’ sales and profit margins if we choose not, or are unable, to pass the increased costs to our customers.
In addition, increases in interest rates may impact land acquisition and construction costs as well as the cost and availability of credit and locations available to lease, thereby adversely affecting our and our franchisees’ ability to finance the development of additional locations and maintenance of existing locations. Inflation can also cause increased commodity, labor, and benefits costs which could reduce the profitability of our locations. Increases in labor costs could make it difficult to find new independent operators and may require us to pay higher commissions to existing independent operators. Any of the foregoing increases could adversely affect our and our franchisees’ business and results of operations.
High levels of economic inflation may increase our operating costs, influence demand for our products, and impact the profitability of our business.
The U.S. has been experiencing high levels of price inflation across a wide variety of economic sectors. There can be no assurances as to how high such inflation will go and/or how long such elevated levels of inflation may persist. High levels of inflation may influence employee and staffing costs and costs of goods and services required to be purchased by the Company and its Franchisees. Driven Brands and its Franchisees may not be able to offset the negative impact of inflation with increased prices. In addition, high levels of inflation may influence demand for products purchased by Driven Brands’ customers. Any of the above could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Our locations may experience difficulty hiring and retaining qualified personnel, resulting in higher labor costs.
The operation of our locations requires both entry-level and skilled employees and trained and experienced automotive field personnel are in high demand and short supply at competitive compensation levels in some areas, which has resulted in increased labor costs. From time to time, we, our franchisees, and independent operators may experience difficulty hiring and retaining such qualified personnel. Competition for employees and wage inflation may also result in difficulties in hiring and retaining key qualified personnel. In addition, the formation of unions may increase the operating expenses of our locations. Any such future difficulties could result in a decline in the sales and operating results of our locations, which could in turn materially and adversely affect our revenues, results of operations, business, and financial condition.
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Insurance coverage may not be adequate, and increased self-insurance and other insurance costs could adversely affect our results of operations.
We and our franchisees maintain insurance, and these insurance policies may not be adequate to protect us from liabilities that we incur in our business. Certain extraordinary hazards, for example, may not be covered, and insurance may not be available (or may be available only at prohibitively expensive rates) with respect to many other risks. Moreover, any loss incurred could exceed policy limits, and policy payments made to us and franchisees may not be made on a timely basis. Any such loss or delay in payment could lead to a decline in the sales and operating results of our locations, which could in turn have a material and adverse effect on our revenues, results of operations, business, and financial condition.
In addition, in the future, insurance premiums may increase, and we and our franchisees may not be able to obtain similar levels of insurance on reasonable terms, or at all. Although we seek to manage our claims to prevent increases, such increases can occur unexpectedly and without regard to our efforts to limit them. If such increases occur, our locations may be unable to pass them along to the consumer through product or service price increases, resulting in decreased profitability, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
In the event that liability to third parties arises, to the extent losses experienced by such third parties are either not covered by the franchisee’s or our insurance or exceed the policy limits of the franchisee’s or our insurance, such parties could seek to recover their losses from us, whether or not they are legally or contractually entitled to do so, which could increase litigation costs or result in liability for us. Additionally, a substantial unsatisfied judgment could result in the bankruptcy of one or more of our operating entities, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, business, and financial condition.
Increases in supply costs could adversely affect our results of operations.
The operation of our locations requires large quantities of automotive supplies. Our success depends in part on our ability to anticipate and react to changes in supply costs and availability, and we are susceptible to increases in primary and secondary supply costs as a result of factors beyond our control. These factors include general economic conditions, significant variations in supply and demand, seasonal fluctuations, pandemics, weather conditions, fluctuations in the value of currencies in the markets in which we operate, commodity market speculation, and government regulations.
Higher supply costs or limited supply availability could reduce our profits, which in turn may materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations. This volatility could also cause us and our franchisees or independent operators to consider changes to our product delivery strategy and result in adverse adjustments to pricing of our services.
Tariffs imposed by the U.S. and/or other governments and geopolitical uncertainty could increase our supply costs, which could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Higher tariffs imposed by the U.S. and elsewhere could increase our supply costs and adversely impact our profitability. Moreover, the new tariffs could also make our products more expensive for customers, potentially suppressing customer demand. We may not be able to offset the financial impact of tariffs through price increases to customers. There could be additional tariffs or other regulatory changes in the future. There is also a concern that the trade policies of the U.S. and other nations could result in the adoption of additional tariffs and other trade restrictions by various nations, leading to a global trade war and making our products uncompetitive in certain markets. Any of the foregoing could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Additionally, economic and geopolitical events, such as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and in the Middle East has, and may continue to, lead to further disruption, instability and volatility in global markets and industries that could negatively impact our operations including higher oil or other costs. For example, the U.S. government and other governments in jurisdictions in which we operate have imposed severe sanctions and export controls against Russia and Russian interests and threatened additional sanctions and controls. The impact of current and potential measures, as well as potential responses to them could adversely affect our business, supply chain, partners, or customers.
Decreases in our product sourcing revenue could adversely affect our results of operations.
We provide our 1-800 Radiator franchisees with the ability to purchase certain products required to operate applicable locations. We supply franchisees and our company-operated locations with certain products required to operate applicable locations. We may also supply third parties with certain products. Although 1-800 Radiator franchisees may be required by their franchise agreements to purchase products from the 1-800 Radiator electronic network, they may not be required to do so in the future.
In addition, our Driven Advantage platform allows our company-operated stores and certain partners to purchase many of the products and supplies necessary to operate their locations. Our partners, including certain franchisees, may, but are not required to, purchase products from us, and may in the future decide not to do so. While it is our expectation that we will benefit from product sourcing income and pricing arrangements, there can be no assurance that such income and arrangements will continue to be renewed or replaced. Our failure to maintain our current product sourcing income could have a material
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adverse effect on our sales and profit margins, which in turn could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
We benefit from negotiated discounts with certain large oil and other suppliers based on our scale and ability to meet volume requirements. Our failure to negotiate beneficial terms in the future or failure to meet volume requirements could have a material adverse effect on our sales and profit margins. A portion of our distribution income is based on the growth and expansion of Take 5 Oil locations as well as beneficial pricing negotiated with suppliers and ability to manage unit labor and shipping costs. Decreases in the volume of our purchases by or increases in costs of products, labor, or shipping could have a material adverse effect on our sales and profit margins.
We depend on key suppliers, including international suppliers, to deliver timely high-quality products at quantities and prices required for our businesses.
We recommend key suppliers (including our subsidiaries) to our franchisees, and our success is dependent on, among other things, our continuing ability to offer our services and products at prices similar to historical levels. Our suppliers may be adversely impacted by economic weakness and uncertainty, such as increased commodity prices, increased fuel costs, tight credit markets, and various other factors, including geopolitical uncertainty, transportation interruptions, import and export regulations, sanctions, tariffs, and labor shortages. In such an environment, our suppliers may seek to change the terms on which they do business with us to lessen the impact of any current and future economic or regulatory challenges on their businesses or may cease or suspend operations. If we are forced to renegotiate the terms upon which we conduct business with our suppliers or find alternative suppliers to provide key products or services, it could adversely impact the profit margins at our locations, which in turn could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Economic weakness and uncertainty have previously forced some suppliers to seek financing to stabilize their businesses, and others have been forced to restructure or have ceased operations completely. In addition, some of our key suppliers have significant operations outside of the markets in which we operate, which could expose us to events in the countries of those suppliers’ operations, including government intervention and foreign currency fluctuation. Additionally, the ability of our suppliers to timely deliver products is subject to cyber-related risks. If a key supplier or a large number of other suppliers suspend, decrease, or cease operations, we and our franchisees may have difficulty keeping our respective locations fully supplied. If we and our franchisees were forced to suspend one or more services offered to customers, that could have a significant adverse impact on our sales and profit margins, which in turn could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Supply chain shortages and interruptions could adversely affect our business.
We and our franchisees are dependent upon frequent deliveries of automobile parts, motor oil, and car wash and other supplies that meet our quality specifications. Shortages or interruptions in the supply of automobile products, motor oil, or car wash and other supplies caused by unanticipated demand, problems in production or distribution, acts of terrorism, financial or other difficulties of suppliers, labor actions, inclement weather, natural disasters, such as floods, drought, and hurricanes, outbreak of disease, including pandemics, or other conditions have adversely affected the availability, quality and cost of supplies for such products, and could do so again in the future, which could lower our revenues, increase operating costs, damage brand reputation, and otherwise harm our business and the businesses of our franchisees. Such shortages or interruptions could reduce our sales and profit margins, which, in turn, may materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Our business depends on the willingness of suppliers, distributors, and service providers to supply our locations with goods and services pursuant to customary credit arrangements which may be available in the future on less favorable terms or not at all.
As is common in the automotive services and parts distribution and car wash industries, our locations purchase goods from suppliers, distributors, and service providers pursuant to customary credit arrangements. Changes in our capital structure and our franchisees’ capital structures, or other factors outside our control, may cause our suppliers, distributors and service providers to change their customary credit arrangements. Any event affecting trade credit from suppliers, distributors, and service providers (including any inability of such suppliers, distributors, and service providers to obtain trade credit or factor their receivables on favorable terms or at all) or our and our franchisees’ available liquidity, could reduce the resources available to support our locations, which in turn could affect our and our franchisees’ ability to execute business plans, develop or enhance products or services, take advantage of business opportunities, or respond to competitive pressures.
Our failure to build and maintain relationships with insurance partners could adversely affect our business.
A significant portion of the profits generated by certain of our brands in the Paint, Collision & Glass segment, such as AGN, ABRA, CARSTAR, and Fix Auto are derived from insurance companies. Many insurance companies have systems, agreements, and minimum service levels that they use to allocate services and repairs. If we or enough of our franchisees fail to perform services for an insurance provider in accordance with the insurance providers’ systems or minimum service levels, we may not receive work from the insurance provider. Further, our ability to continue to grow our business, including opening
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additional locations to maintain existing business volume and pricing, is related to our ability to maintain and grow our relationships with insurance providers. The inability to establish or build relationships with insurance providers could have a material adverse effect on the operations and business prospects of one or more of our brands.
Substantially all of the assets of the Company are pledged as security under the terms of our Indebtedness.
Substantially all of our revenue-generating assets, including all franchise agreements, material company-operated locations, material product distribution contracts, and material intellectual property are pledged as security under the terms of our Indebtedness. Under certain circumstances, following an event of default, the pledged assets may be foreclosed upon pursuant to the terms of the Indebtedness.
We may not be able to execute on our plans to open additional locations and enter new markets.
If we are unable to successfully enter new markets, including selecting appropriate sites for our locations, and if we and our franchisees are unable to construct new locations, complete remodels of our existing locations, or convert non-Driven Brands locations, or if we are unable to maintain and/or deepen our penetration in existing markets, our growth strategy may not succeed.
Our growth strategy includes entering into franchise agreements and development agreements with franchisees who will open additional locations in markets where there are either an insufficient number or relatively few or no existing locations. We rely heavily on these franchisees and developers to grow our franchise systems, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully expand or acquire critical market presence for our brands in new geographical markets either in the U.S., Canada, Europe or other international markets. Consumer characteristics and competition in new markets may differ substantially from those in the markets where we currently operate. Additionally, we may be unable to identify qualified franchisees and independent operators or appropriate locations, develop brand recognition, successfully market our products, or attract new customers in such markets. Further, we may refranchise company-operated locations to franchisees in the future. The success of these transactions is dependent upon the availability of sellers and buyers, the availability of financing, and our ability to negotiate transactions on terms deemed acceptable. In addition, the operations of locations that we acquire may not be integrated successfully, and the intended benefits of such transactions may not be realized.
We and our franchisees face many other challenges in opening additional locations, including:
•availability of financing on acceptable terms;
•negotiation of acceptable lease terms;
•securing required applicable governmental permits and approvals;
•impact of natural disasters and other acts of nature and terrorist acts or political instability;
•availability of franchise territories not prohibited by the territorial exclusivity provisions of existing franchisees;
•diversion of management’s attention to the integration of acquired location operations;
•exposure to liabilities arising out of sellers’ prior operations of acquired locations;
•incurrence or assumption of debt to finance acquisitions or improvements and/or the assumption of long-term, non-cancelable leases; and
•general economic and business conditions.
Should we and our franchisees not succeed in opening additional locations or improving existing locations, there may be adverse impacts to our growth strategy and to our ability to generate additional profits, which in turn could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
A component of our business strategy includes the construction of additional locations and the renovation and build-out of existing locations, and a significant portion of the growth in our sales and profit margins will depend on growth in comparable sales for our locations. We face competition from other operators, retail chains, companies, and developers for desirable site locations, which may adversely affect the cost, implementation, and timing of our expansion plans. If we experience delays in the construction or remodeling processes, we may be unable to complete such activities at the planned cost, which could adversely affect our business and results of operations. Additionally, we cannot guarantee that such remodeling will increase the revenues generated by these locations or that any such increases will be sustainable. Likewise, we cannot be sure that the sites we select for additional locations will result in locations which meet sales expectations. Our failure to add a significant number of additional locations or grow comparable sales for our locations could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
In particular, because a significant portion of the development of additional locations is likely to be funded by franchisee investment, our growth strategy is dependent on our existing and prospective franchisees’ ability to access funds to finance such development. We do not generally provide our franchisees with direct financing and therefore their ability to access borrowed funds generally depends on their independent relationships with various financial institutions. In addition,
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labor and material costs expended will vary by geographical location and are subject to general price increases. The timing of these improvements can affect the performance of a location, particularly if the improvements require the relevant location to be closed. If our existing and prospective franchisees are not able to obtain financing at commercially reasonable rates, or at all, they may be unwilling or unable to invest in the development of additional locations. In addition, our growth strategy may take longer to implement and may not be as successful as expected. Both of these factors could reduce our competitiveness and future sales and profit margins, which in turn could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Our acquisitions, dispositions, and strategic investments involve risks.
We have made and may continue to pursue acquisitions and strategic investments as part of our business strategy. For example, there is no assurance that we will find suitable acquisition or investment candidates or be able to complete these transactions on favorable terms, if at all. We may also discover liabilities or deficiencies associated with any companies acquired that were not identified in advance, which may result in unanticipated costs. The effectiveness of our due diligence review and ability to evaluate the results of such due diligence may depend upon the accuracy and completeness of statements and disclosures made or actions taken by the target companies or their representatives. As a result, we may not be able to accurately forecast the financial impact of an acquisition transaction, including tax and accounting charges. In addition, acquisitions involve risks related to difficulties in the assimilation of operations, systems, controls, technologies, personnel, services, and products of the acquired company, the potential loss of key employees, customers, suppliers, and distributors of the acquired companies, the inability to realize the anticipated benefits and synergies within a reasonable time, and the diversion of our management’s attention from other business concerns. Further, we may incur significant costs to integrate and support acquired companies. Any of these factors could adversely affect our business, financial results, and reputation.
In addition, in managing our portfolio of companies, we have made and may in the future pursue dispositions, which involve additional risks and uncertainties. The decision to divest from certain businesses is largely based on our management’s assessment of the business, however, we may not achieve the desired financial or strategic benefit from these transactions. There can be no assurance that we will be able to make such dispositions at satisfactory prices and terms in a timely manner, or at all, and sourcing and negotiating these transactions may divert our management’s attention and resources from continuing businesses. In addition, we may not be able to accurately forecast the financial impact of a disposition, as each transaction may have an unexpected impact to other aspects of our Company, including but not limited to, the loss of network benefits, reduced rebate revenue, disruption to other parts of the businesses, distraction of management, and loss of key employees, suppliers or customers. Dispositions also expose us to ongoing liabilities or obligations related to the business following such disposition, including through financing arrangements, guarantees, indemnities, environmental liabilities, pending or threatened litigation, and transition services. Any of these factors could adversely affect our business and financial results.
Our business may be adversely impacted by our indebtedness, including additional leverage in connection with acquisitions and other capital expenditure initiatives.
We may pursue strategic acquisitions as part of our business strategy. If we are able to identify acquisition candidates, such acquisitions may be financed with a substantial amount of additional indebtedness. Although the use of leverage presents opportunities to increase our profitability, it has the effect of potentially increasing losses as well. If income and appreciation from acquisitions acquired through debt are less than the cost of the debt, the total return will decrease. Accordingly, any event which adversely affects the value of an acquisition will be magnified to the extent we are leveraged and we could experience losses substantially greater than if we did not use leverage.
Increased indebtedness could also make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to any other debt agreements, increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions, and require that a greater portion of our cash flow be used to pay indebtedness, which would reduce the availability of cash available for other purposes, and limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and in the automotive services and parts distribution and car wash industries, which could place us at a disadvantage to competitors that have less debt. In addition, additional indebtedness may require us to agree to financial and other covenants that may limit our ability to make investments, pay dividends or engage in other transactions beneficial to our business, and the leverage may cause potential lenders to be less willing to lend funds or refinance existing indebtedness in the future. Additional leverage and the risks associated with additional leverage could also cause the trading price of our common stock to decrease. Our failure to comply with our covenants under such indebtedness could result in an event of default that, if not cured or waived, could result in an acceleration of repayment of other existing indebtedness.
Leveraged losses could adversely affect our ability to manage and support our locations and our brands, which in turn could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Our business is subject to seasonality.
Seasonal changes may impact the demand for our automotive repair and maintenance services and products. Customers may purchase fewer under car services during the winter months, when miles driven tend to be lower. Conversely, demand for collision repair and services is lower outside of winter months, when collisions are typically less common due to improved driving conditions. Our 1-800 Radiator brand experiences seasonal fluctuations related to the sale of air conditioning
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and heating parts. In addition, customers may defer or forego car washes or vehicle maintenance, such as oil changes, at any time during periods of inclement weather. In our locations that sell or rotate tires, sales decrease during the period from January through April and in September. Profitability of franchisees is also typically lower during months in which revenue composition is more heavily weighted toward tires, which is a lower margin category. In addition, profitability in certain areas of North America and Europe may be lower in the winter months when certain costs, such as utilities and snow plowing, are typically higher. Unusual fluctuations in demand for car wash or automotive repair and maintenance services and products could reduce our sales and profit margins, which in turn may materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Our business may be adversely impacted by the geographic concentration of our locations.
Although the franchise agreements provide franchisees with varying degrees of exclusive areas and territory exclusivity, these territories may be relatively small, and overall, there is a geographic concentration of our locations in certain countries, states, regions, and provinces. As a result, economic conditions in particular areas may have a disproportionate impact on our business. As of December 28, 2024, there were locations in 49 states in the U.S. and 13 other countries. In the U.S., our locations were most concentrated in California, Texas, Florida, Illinois, and Ohio, in Canada our locations were most concentrated in Ontario and Quebec and in Europe our locations were most concentrated in the United Kingdom (“U.K.”) and Germany. Adverse economic conditions in countries, states, regions, or provinces that contain a high concentration of our locations could have a material adverse impact on our sales and profit margins in the future, which in turn could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Our operations are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including adverse economic conditions or a debt crisis, which could adversely affect our business.
We have international operations in Canada, Europe, and Australia. The financial conditions of our international franchisees and independent operators may be adversely impacted by political, economic, or other changes in these markets. In addition, payments we receive from our international franchisees may be affected by recessionary or expansive trends, increasing labor costs, changes in applicable tax laws, changes in inflation rates, changes in exchange rates and the imposition of restrictions on currency conversion or the transfer of funds, application of tariffs to supplies and goods, expropriation of private enterprises, political and economic instability, and other external factors in these markets.
Our financial condition and results of operations are impacted by global markets and economic conditions over which neither we nor our franchisees have control. An economic downturn may result in a reduction in the demand for our services and products, longer payment cycles, slower adoption of new technologies, and/or increased price competition. In addition, certain European countries experienced deterioration of their sovereign debt during the recent global economic crisis and were impacted by slowing growth rates or recessionary conditions, market volatility, and/or political unrest. Although Europe has experienced market stabilization and improvements, there is no assurance that such stabilization or improvements will be sustainable. Any deterioration of economic conditions in Europe, the U.S., or Canada could have a material adverse impact on financial markets and economic conditions in the U.S. and throughout the world.
In addition, we and our current or future franchisees face many risks and uncertainties in opening additional international locations, including differing cultures and consumer preferences, diverse government regulations and tax systems, securing acceptable suppliers, difficulty in collecting payments and longer payment cycles, uncertainty with respect to intellectual property protections, contract enforcement and legal remedies, uncertain or differing interpretations of rights and obligations in connection with international franchise agreements, independent operator agreements, development agreements and agreements related thereto (collectively, the “franchise documents” with respect to franchisees and the “independent operator documents” with respect to independent operators), the selection and availability of suitable locations for our locations, currency regulation and other external factors. Further, changing labor conditions may result in difficulties in staffing and training at international locations, franchised, and independently-operated locations. Any of the foregoing may materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Our success depends on the effectiveness of our marketing and advertising programs.
Brand marketing and advertising significantly affect sales at our locations. Our marketing and advertising programs may not be successful, which may prevent us from attracting new customers and retaining existing customers. Also, because many of the franchisees are contractually obligated to pay advertising fees based on a percentage of their gross revenues and because we will deduct a portion of the gross revenues of the company-operated locations to fund their marketing and advertising fees, our advertising budget depends on sales volumes at these locations. While we and certain of our franchisees have sometimes voluntarily provided additional funds for advertising in the past, we are not legally obligated to make such voluntary contributions or loan money to pay for advertising. If sales decline, we will have fewer funds available for marketing and advertising, which could materially and adversely affect our revenues, business and results of operations.
As part of our marketing efforts, we rely on print, television and radio advertisements, as well as search engine marketing, web advertisements, CRM, social media platforms, and other digital marketing to attract and retain customers. These efforts may not be successful, resulting in expenses incurred without the benefit of higher revenues or increased employee or customer engagement. If our marketing efforts fail to meet the expectation of our stockholders, customers, employees, or other
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stakeholders, it could adversely affect our reputation. Customers are increasingly using internet sites and social media to inform their purchasing decisions and to compare prices, product assortment, and feedback from other customers about quality, responsiveness and customer service before purchasing our services and products. If we are unable to continue to develop successful marketing and advertising strategies, especially for online and social media platforms, or if our competitors develop more effective strategies, we could lose customers and sales could decline. In addition, a variety of risks are associated with the use of social media and digital marketing, including the improper disclosure of proprietary information, negative comments about or negative incidents regarding us, exposure of personally identifiable information, fraud, or out-of-date information. The inappropriate use of social media and digital marketing vehicles by us, our franchisees, customers, employees, or others could increase our costs, lead to litigation or result in negative publicity that could damage our reputation. Many social media platforms immediately publish the content, videos, and/or photographs created or uploaded by their subscribers and participants, often without filters or checks on accuracy of the content posted. Information posted on such platforms at any time may be adverse to our interests and/or may be inaccurate. The dissemination of negative information related to our brands could harm our business, prospects, financial condition, and results of operations, regardless of the information’s accuracy. The harm may be immediate without affording us an opportunity for redress or correction. The occurrence of any such developments could have an adverse effect on our business results and on our profits.
Our failure or our franchisees and independent operators’ failure to comply with health, employment, and other federal, state, local, and provincial laws, rules, and regulations may lead to losses and harm our brands.
We and our franchisees and independent operators are subject to various federal, state, local, provincial, and foreign laws and are subject to a variety of litigation risks, including, but not limited to, customer claims, TCPA Claims, claims alleging violations of consumer protection laws, product liability claims, personal-injury claims, environmental claims, employee allegations of improper termination, harassment and discrimination, wage and hour claims and claims related to violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”), the Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”), and similar foreign, state, local, and provincial laws, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar anti- bribery and corruption laws and regulations, religious freedom, the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”), applicable Canadian employment standards legislation, the Dodd-Frank Act, the Health Care Reform Act, the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards, franchise laws, ERISA and intellectual property claims. The successful development and operation of our locations depends to a significant extent on the selection and acquisition of suitable sites, which are subject to zoning, land use, environmental, traffic and other regulations. Our locations’ operations are also subject to licensing and regulation by state, local, and provincial departments relating to safety standards, regulations, and licensure requirements relating to motor vehicle repairs, federal, state, and provincial labor and immigration law (including applicable equal pay and minimum wage requirements, overtime pay practices, reimbursement for necessary business expense practices, classification of employees, working and safety conditions and work authorization requirements), federal, state, local, and provincial laws prohibiting discrimination and other laws regulating the design and operation of facilities, such as the ADA, the Health Care Reform Act and applicable human rights and accessibility legislation, and subsequent amendments.
The operation of our franchise system is also subject to franchise laws and regulations enacted by a number of states and provinces along with rules promulgated by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. Any future legislation regulating franchise relationships may negatively affect our operations, particularly our relationships with our franchisees. Similarly, in Europe, our independent operator model is subject to rules and regulations that vary by country, state, and region. Any future regulation affecting our independent operator relationships could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations. For example, future regulation could require us to pay additional commissions to independent operators for our independent operators not to be deemed our employees. We may incur substantial additional costs in each jurisdiction in which our independent operators are deemed to be employees as a result of legislative or interpretive changes.
Failure to comply with new or existing franchise or independent operator laws and regulations in any jurisdiction or to obtain required government approvals could result in a ban or temporary suspension on future sales, which could reduce profits, which in turn could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
In addition to the risk of adverse legislation or regulations being enacted in the future, we cannot predict how existing or future laws or regulations will be administered or interpreted. Further, we cannot predict the amount of future expenditures that may be required to comply with any such laws or regulations.
We are subject to the FLSA, applicable foreign employment standards laws and similar state laws, which govern such matters as time keeping and payroll requirements, minimum wage, overtime, employee and worker classifications and other working conditions, along with the ADA, FMLA, and the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, various family leave, sick leave, or other paid time off mandates and a variety of other laws enacted, or rules, regulations and decisions promulgated or rendered, by federal, state, local, and provincial governmental authorities that govern these and other employment matters, including labor scheduling, meal and rest periods, working conditions, and safety standards. We have experienced and expect further increases in payroll expenses as a result of federal, state, and provincial mandated increases in the minimum wage. In addition, our vendors may be affected by higher minimum wage standards, which may increase the price of goods and services they supply to our brands.
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Companies that operate franchise systems may also be subject to claims for allegedly being a joint employer with a franchisee. The standard for joint employment liability has been in a state of flux over the last several years, and there is currently a high degree of uncertainty on how the standard will be applied to the franchise relationship under federal and state laws, rules, and regulations. Additionally, depending upon the outcome and application of certain legal proceedings pending or concluded in federal and state courts in California involving the wage and hour laws of California in another franchise system, franchisors may be subject to claims that their franchisees should be treated as employees and not as independent contractors under the wage and hour laws of California and, potentially, certain other states with similar wage and hour laws.
We expect increases in payroll expenses because of federal, state, and provincial mandated increases in the minimum wage, and although such increases are not expected to be material, there can be no assurance that there will not be material increases in the future. Enactment and enforcement of various federal, state, local, and provincial laws, rules, and regulations on immigration and labor organizations may adversely impact the availability and costs of labor in any of the countries in which we operate. Evolving labor and employment laws, rules, and regulations could also result in increased exposure on our part for labor and employment related liabilities that have historically been borne by franchisees and independent operators.
Increased health care costs could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. These various laws and regulations could lead and have led to enforcement actions, fines, civil or criminal penalties, or the assertion of litigation claims and damages. In addition, improper conduct by our franchisees, independent operators, employees, or agents could damage our reputation and lead to litigation claims, enforcement actions and regulatory actions, and investigations, including, but not limited to, those arising from personal injury, loss or damage to personal property, or business interruption losses, which could result in significant awards or settlements to plaintiffs and civil or criminal penalties, including substantial monetary fines. Such events could lead to an adverse impact on our financial condition, even if the monetary damage is mitigated by insurance coverage.
Noncompliance by us or our franchisees or independent operators with any of the foregoing laws and regulations could lead to various claims and reduced profits as set forth in more detail below under “Risk Factors—Complaints or litigation may adversely affect our business and reputation.”
Our locations are subject to certain environmental laws and regulations.
Certain activities of our locations involve the handling, storage, transportation, import/export, recycling, or disposing of various new and used products and generate solid and hazardous wastes. These business activities are subject to stringent foreign, federal, regional, state, local, and provincial laws, by-laws and regulations governing the storage and disposal of these products and wastes, the release of materials into the environment, or otherwise relating to environmental protection. These laws and regulations may impose numerous obligations upon our locations’ operations, including the acquisition of permits to conduct regulated activities, the imposition of restrictions on where or how to store and how to handle new products and to manage or dispose of used products and wastes, the incurrence of capital expenditures to limit or prevent releases of such material, the imposition of substantial liabilities for pollution resulting from our locations’ operations, and costs associated with workers’ compensation and similar health claims from employees.
In addition, environmental laws and regulations have generally imposed further restrictions on our operations over time, which may result in significant additional costs to our business. Failure to comply with these laws, regulations, and permits may result in the assessment of administrative, civil, and criminal penalties, the imposition of remedial and corrective action obligations, and the issuance of injunctions limiting or preventing operation of our locations. Any adverse environmental impact on our locations, including, without limitation, the imposition of a penalty or injunction, or increased claims from employees, could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Environmental laws also impose liability for damages from and the costs of investigating and cleaning up sites of spills, disposals, or other releases of hazardous materials. Such liability may be imposed, jointly and severally, on the current or former owners or operators of properties or parties that sent wastes to third-party disposal facilities, in each case without regard to fault or whether such persons knew of or caused the release. Although we are not presently aware of any such material liability related to our current or former locations or business operations, such liability could arise in the future and could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Complaints or litigation may adversely affect our business and reputation.
We, our franchisees, and our independent operators may be subject to claims, including class action lawsuits, filed by customers, franchisees, independent operators, employees, stockholders, suppliers, landlords, governmental authorities, and others, including as a result of violations of the laws set forth above under “Risk Factors — Our failure or our franchisees’ and independent operators’ failure to comply with health, employment, and other federal, state, local, and provincial laws, rules, and regulations may lead to losses and harm our brands” and “Risk Factors —Our locations are subject to certain environmental laws and regulations.” Significant claims may be expensive to defend and may divert time and resources away from our operations, causing adverse impacts to our operating results. In addition, adverse publicity related to litigation could negatively impact the reputation of our brands, even if such litigation is not valid, or a substantial judgment against us could negatively impact the reputation of our brands, resulting in further adverse impacts to results of operations.
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In the ordinary course of business, we will be, from time to time, the subject of complaints or litigation from franchisees and independent operators, which could relate to alleged breaches of contract or wrongful termination under the franchise documents and independent operator documents. These claims may also reduce the ability or willingness of franchisees to enter into new franchise agreements with us. In addition, litigation against a franchisee, independent operator, or their affiliates or against a company-operated location by third parties, whether in the ordinary course of business or otherwise, may include claims against us by virtue of our relationship with the franchisee, independent operator or company-operated location. Litigation may lead to a decline in the sales and operating results of our locations and divert our management resources regardless of whether the allegations in such litigation are valid or whether we are liable. See Item 3 and Note 17 included elsewhere within this Form 10-K for additional information on matters in dispute.
Further, we may be subject to employee, franchisee, independent operator, and other claims in the future based on, among other things, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and wage, rest break, and meal break issues, including those relating to overtime compensation. We have been subject to these types of claims in the past, and if one or more of these claims were to be successful or if there is a significant increase in the number of these claims, our business, financial condition, and operating results could be harmed.
Certain governmental authorities and private litigants have asserted claims against franchisors for provisions in their franchise agreements which restrict franchisees from soliciting and/or hiring the employees of other franchisees or the applicable franchisor. Claims against franchisors for such “no-poaching” clauses include allegations that these clauses violate state and federal antitrust and unfair practices laws by restricting the free movement of employees of franchisees or franchisors (including both corporate employees and the employees of company-operated locations), thereby depressing the wages of those employees. All of our brands operating in the U.S. have had no-poaching clauses in their franchise agreements. In 2018, the Attorney General of the State of Washington issued civil investigative demands to a number of franchisors seeking information concerning no-poaching clauses in their franchise agreements. Our brands operating in 2019 in the U.S. decided to delete the no-poaching clauses in their franchise agreements. All of our brands have notified franchisees that they do not intend to enforce the no-poaching clauses in their existing franchise agreements. Our brands operating outside of the U.S. also have decided to delete the no-poaching clauses, if any, contained in their franchise agreements, to the extent they are entering into new franchise agreements. Our brands may be subject to claims arising out of their prior inclusion of no-poaching clauses in their franchise agreements that may have restricted the employment opportunities of employees of our brands. Any adverse results in any cases or proceedings that may be brought against our brands by any governmental authorities or private litigants may materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
We may have product liability exposure that adversely affects our results of operations.
Our locations and franchisees may receive or produce defective products, which may adversely impact the relevant brand’s equity, and financial results. There can be no assurance that the insurance held by us, our vendors, or franchisees will be adequate to cover the associated risks of the sale of defective products, or that, we or our franchisees will be able to continue to procure the same amount of insurance or to secure an increase in its insurance coverage. Accordingly, in cases in which a franchisee experiences increased insurance premiums or must pay claims out of pocket, the franchisee may not have the funds necessary to pay franchisee payments owed to us. In cases in which insurance premiums increase or claims are required to be paid by us, the profitability of our business may decrease. Each of these outcomes could, in turn, materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations. In the event that product liability arises, to the extent such liability is either not covered by our or the franchisees’ insurance or exceeds the policy limits of our or the franchisees’ insurance, the aggrieved parties could seek to recover their losses from us, whether or not we are legally or contractually entitled to do so, which could increase litigation costs or result in liability for us.
We are subject to payment-related risks.
For our sales to our customers, we accept a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, electronic funds transfers, and electronic payment systems. Accordingly, we are, and will continue to be, subject to significant and evolving regulations and compliance requirements, including obligations to implement enhanced authentication processes that could result in increased costs and liability, and reduce the ease of use of certain payment methods. For certain payment methods, including credit and debit cards, as well as electronic payment systems, we pay interchange and other fees, which may increase over time. We rely on independent service providers for payment processing, including credit and debit cards. If these independent service providers become unwilling or unable to provide these services to us or if the cost of using these providers increases, our business could be harmed. We are also subject to payment card association operating rules and agreements, including data security rules and agreements, certification requirements, and rules governing electronic funds transfers, which could change or be reinterpreted to make it difficult or impossible for us to comply. If we fail to comply with these rules or requirements, or if our data security systems are breached or compromised, we may be liable for losses incurred by card issuing banks or customers, subject to fines and higher transaction fees, lose our ability to accept credit or debit card payments from our customers, or process electronic fund transfers or facilitate other types of payments. Any failure to comply with the foregoing rules or requirements could harm our brand, reputation, business, and results of operations.
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Catastrophic events may disrupt our business in a manner that adversely affects our business.
Unforeseen events, including war, terrorism and other international, regional or local instability, or conflicts (including current or future civil unrest and labor issues), embargoes, public health issues, and natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires, or other adverse weather and climate conditions, whether occurring in the U.S. or abroad, could disrupt our operations, disrupt the operations of franchisees, distributors, suppliers, or customers, or result in political or economic instability. These events could reduce demand for our products or make it difficult or impossible to receive products from our distributors or suppliers, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Instability, disruption, or destruction caused by civil insurrection or social unrest may affect the markets in which we operate, our suppliers, customers, sales of products, and customer service.
Our business, and the business of our suppliers, may be adversely affected by instability, disruption, or destruction caused by riots, civil insurrection, social unrest, man made disasters, or criminal activity. In recent years, there have been significant demonstrations and protests in cities throughout the U.S. Though these demonstrations have been generally peaceful, in some instances they were accompanied by damage and loss of merchandise. Similar protests could result in closures of some of our locations, declines in customer traffic, and/or property damage and loss. Further, governmental authorities in affected cities and regions may take action in an effort to protect people and property while permitting lawful and non- violent protest, including curfews and restrictions on business operations, which could potentially be disruptive to our operations or harm consumer confidence. In addition, consumer reaction to any statements we, our franchisees, or independent operators make in response to any protests, or to matters directly or indirectly related to protests, could be perceived in a way that negatively impacts our reputation, value and image. All of the foregoing, may negatively affect our sales, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
We and our franchisees lease or sublease the land and buildings where a number of our locations are situated, which could expose us to possible liabilities and losses.
We and our franchisees lease the land and buildings where a significant number of our locations are located. The terms of the leases and subleases vary in length, with primary terms (i.e., before consideration of option periods) expiring on various dates. In addition, franchisees’ obligations or the company-operated location’s obligations to pay rent are generally non-cancelable, even if the location operated at the leased or subleased location is closed. In the case of subleased locations, in the event the applicable franchisee fails to make required payments, we may not be able to recover those amounts. As leases expire, the franchisees or the company-operated locations may be unable to negotiate renewals on commercially acceptable terms or at all, which could cause the franchisees or the company-operated locations to close locations in desirable locations or otherwise negatively affect profits, which in turn could negatively affect our business and results of operations.
Our current locations may become unattractive, and attractive new locations may not be available for a reasonable price, if at all, which could adversely affect our business.
The success of any of our locations depends in substantial part on its location. There can be no assurance that our current locations will continue to be attractive as demographic patterns and trade areas change. For example, neighborhood or economic conditions where our locations are located could decline in the future, thus resulting in potentially reduced sales. In addition, rising real estate prices in some areas may restrict our ability or our franchisees’ ability to purchase or lease new desirable locations. If desirable locations cannot be obtained at reasonable prices, our ability to execute our growth strategies could be adversely affected, and we may be affected by declines in sales as a result of the deterioration of certain locations, each of which could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Our financial performance could be materially adversely affected if we fail to retain, or effectively respond to a loss of, key executives.
The success of our business depends on the contributions of key executives and senior management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer. The departure of key executives or senior management could have a material adverse effect on our business and long- term strategic plan. We have a succession plan that includes short-term and long-term planning elements intended to allow us to successfully continue operations should any of our key executives or senior management become unavailable to serve in their respective roles. However, there is a risk that we may not be able to implement the succession plan successfully or in a timely manner or that the succession plan will not result in the same financial performance we currently achieve under the guidance of our existing executive team. Any lack of management continuity could adversely affect our ability to successfully manage our business and execute our growth strategy, cause a loss of institutional knowledge, increase demands on other employees, result in operational and administrative inefficiencies and added costs, and may make recruiting for future management positions more difficult.
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Risks Related to Intellectual Property and Technology
We depend on our intellectual property to protect our brands, we may fail to establish trademark rights in the countries we operate and litigation to enforce or defend our intellectual property rights may be costly.
Our intellectual property is material to the conduct of our business. Our success depends on our and our franchisees’ continued ability to use our intellectual property and on the adequate protection and enforcement of such intellectual property. We rely on a combination of trademarks, service marks, copyrights trade secrets, and similar intellectual property rights to protect our brands. The success of our business strategy depends, in part, on our continued ability to use our existing trademarks and service marks to increase brand awareness and further develop our branded services and products in both existing and new markets.
We have registered certain trademarks and have other trademark applications pending in the U.S. and certain foreign jurisdictions. Registrations for “Fix Auto” are owned and maintained by a third-party licensor. We have not registered all of the trademarks that we use in all of the countries in which we do business or may do business in the future, and some trademarks may never be registered in all of these countries. Some countries’ laws do not protect unregistered trademarks at all, or make them more difficult to enforce, and third parties (other than Mondofix in the case of “Fix Auto”) may have filed for marks in countries where we have not registered the brands as trademarks. Rights in trademarks are generally national in character and are obtained on a country-by-country basis by the first person to obtain protection through use or registration in that country in connection with specified products and services. Some countries’ laws do not protect unregistered trademarks at all, or make them more difficult to enforce, and third parties may have filed for trademarks that are the same or similar to our brands in countries where we have not registered our brands as trademarks. Accordingly, we may not be able to adequately protect our brands everywhere in the world and use of our brands may result in liability for trademark infringement, trademark dilution, or unfair competition. In addition, the laws of some countries do not protect intellectual property to the same extent as the laws of the U.S. and Canada. All of the steps we have taken to protect our intellectual property in the U.S., Canada and in the foreign countries in which we operate may not be adequate.
There can be no assurance that the steps we have taken and may take in the future to protect and maintain our rights in our intellectual property will be adequate, or that third parties will not infringe, misappropriate, or violate our intellectual property. If any of our efforts to protect our intellectual property is not adequate, or if any third party infringes, misappropriates or violates our intellectual property, the value of our brands may be harmed. As a result, if we are unable to successfully protect, maintain, or enforce our rights in our intellectual property, there could be a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. Such a material adverse effect could result from, among other things, consumer confusion, dilution of the distinctiveness of our brands, or increased competition from unauthorized users of our brands, each of which may result in decreased revenues and a corresponding decline in profits. In addition, to the extent that we do, from time to time, institute litigation to enforce our intellectual property rights, such litigation could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and could negatively affect profits, regardless of whether we are able to successfully enforce such rights.
If franchisees and other licensees do not observe the required quality and trademark usage standards, our brands may suffer reputational damage, which could in turn adversely affect our business.
We license certain intellectual property to franchisees, advertisers, and other third parties. The franchise agreements and other license agreements require that each franchisee or other licensee use our trademarks in accordance with established or approved quality control guidelines and, in addition to supply agreements, subject the franchisees, other licensees, and suppliers that provide products to our brands, as applicable, to specified product quality standards and other requirements in order to protect the reputation of our brands and to optimize the performance of our locations. We contractually require that our franchisees and licensees maintain the quality of our brand, however, there can be no assurance that the permitted licensees, including franchisees, advertisers, and other third parties, will follow such standards and guidelines, and accordingly their acts or omissions may negatively impact the value of our intellectual property or the reputation of our brands. Noncompliance by these entities with the terms and conditions of the applicable governing franchise or other agreement that pertains to servicing and repairs, health and safety standards, quality control, product consistency, timeliness or proper marketing, or other business practices, may adversely impact the goodwill of our brands. Although we monitor and restrict franchisee activities through our franchise agreements, franchisees, or third parties may refer to or make statements about our brands that do not make proper use of trademarks or required designations, that improperly alter trademarks or branding, or that are critical of our brands or place our brands in a context that may tarnish their reputation. There can be no assurance that the franchisees or other licensees will not take actions that could have a material adverse effect on our intellectual property.
We may become subject to third-party infringement claims or challenges to intellectual property validity.
We may in the future become the subject of claims asserted by third parties for infringement, misappropriation, or other violation of their intellectual property rights in areas where we or our franchisees operate or where we intend to conduct operations, including in foreign jurisdictions. Such claims, whether or not they have merit, could be time-consuming, cause delays in introducing new products or services, harm our image, our brands, our competitive position, or our ability to expand our operations into other jurisdictions and lead to significant costs related to defense or settlement. As a result, any such claim
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could harm our business and cause a decline in our results of operations and financial condition, which in turn may materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
If such claims were decided against us, then we could be required to pay damages, cease offering infringing products or services on short notice, develop or adopt non-infringing products or services, rebrand our products, services or even our businesses, and we could be required to make costly modifications to advertising and promotional materials or acquire a license to the intellectual property that is the subject of the asserted claim, which license may not be available on acceptable terms or at all. The attendant expenses that we bear could require the expenditure of additional capital, and there would be expenses associated with the defense of any infringement, misappropriation, or other third- party claims, and there could be attendant negative publicity, even if ultimately decided in our favor. In addition, third parties may assert that our intellectual property is invalid or unenforceable. If our rights in any of our intellectual property were invalidated or deemed unenforceable, then third parties could be permitted to engage in competing uses of such intellectual property which, in turn, could lead to a decline in location revenues and sales, and thereby negatively affect our business and results of operations.
We do not own certain software that is used in operating our business and our proprietary platforms and tools incorporate open-source software.
We utilize both commercially available third-party software and proprietary software to run point-of-sale, diagnostics, pricing, inventory, and various other key functions. While such software can be replaced, the delay, additional costs, and possible business interruptions associated with obtaining, renewing or extending software licenses or integrating a large number of substitute software programs contemporaneously could adversely impact the operation of our locations, thereby reducing profits and materially and adversely impacting our business and results of operations.
In addition, we use open-source software in connection with our proprietary software and expect to continue to use open-source software in the future. Some open-source licenses require licensors to provide source code to licensees upon request or prohibit licensors from charging a fee to licensees. While we try to insulate our proprietary code from the effects of such open-source license provisions, we cannot guarantee we will be successful. Accordingly, we may face claims from others claiming ownership of or seeking to enforce the license terms applicable to such open-source software, including by demanding release of the open source software, derivative works, or our proprietary source code that was developed or distributed with such software. These claims could also result in litigation, require us to purchase a costly license or require us to devote additional research and development resources to change our software, any of which would have a negative effect on our business and results of operations. In addition, if the license terms for the open source code change, we may be forced to re-engineer our software or incur additional costs. We cannot assure you that we have not incorporated open source software into our proprietary software in a manner that may subject our proprietary software to an open source license that requires disclosure, to customers or the public, of the source code to such proprietary software. Any such disclosure would have a negative effect on our business and the value of our proprietary software.
We are heavily dependent on information systems and technology, and any significant failure, interruption, or security incident could impair our ability to efficiently operate our business or timely or accurately prepare financial reports.
We are dependent upon our information systems, including software and platforms provided by third parties, certain of our own proprietary software, and other information technology to properly conduct our business, including, but not limited to, point-of-sale processing in our locations, management of our supply chain, collection of cash, payment of obligations, and various other processes and procedures. See “Risk Factors — We do not own certain software that is used in operating our business and our proprietary platforms and tools incorporate open-source software” herein. Our ability to efficiently manage our business depends significantly on the reliability and capacity of these information technology systems. The failure of these systems to operate effectively, an interruption, problems with maintenance, upgrading or transitioning to replacement systems, fraudulent manipulation of sales reporting from our locations, or a breach in security of any of these systems could result in loss of sales and franchise royalty payments, cause delays in customer service, result in the loss of data, create exposure to litigation, reduce efficiency, cause delays in operations, or otherwise harm our business. Significant capital investments might be required to remediate any problems. Any security breach involving any of our point-of- sale or other systems could result in a loss of consumer confidence and potential costs associated with fraud or breaches of data security laws. Also, despite our considerable efforts to secure our computer systems and information technology, security breaches, such as unauthorized access and computer viruses, may occur, resulting in system disruptions, shutdowns or unauthorized disclosure of confidential information. A security breach of our computer systems or information technology could require us to notify customers, employees, or other groups, result in adverse publicity, loss of sales and profits, and could result in penalties or other costs that could adversely affect the operation of our business and results of operations.
We implement new systems, including our implementation of a new enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system in 2024, as a part of our ongoing technology and process improvements. The ERP system is designed to provide a standardized method of accounting for the enterprise and enhance our ability to implement strategic initiatives. Any complications resulting from its recent implementation could result in unexpected costs, diversion of our management’s attention and resources, or interruptions to our business operations. Complications with the ERP system’s implementation could also cause challenges with maintaining and achieving effective internal controls, and adversely affect our ability to timely and accurately report financial information, including the filing of our quarterly or annual reports with the SEC. In the time following implementation of the
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ERP system, we may experience disruption of our financial functions, potential loss or corruption of data, and technical challenges with migration from legacy systems. If we experience unforeseen problems with the ERP system, we may need to implement additional systems or transition to other systems that would require further expenditures to function effectively as a public company, such problems could adversely affect business operations and result in financial loss and reputational harm. If we are unable to continue implementing new systems and improving our process and technological capabilities to support our operations, we may not be able to take advantage of market opportunities, manage our costs and transactional data effectively, satisfy customer requirements, execute our business plan or respond to competitive pressures.
The occurrence of cyber incidents, or a deficiency in cybersecurity, could negatively impact our business by causing a disruption to our operations, a compromise, corruption, or loss of data, and/or damage to our employee and business relationships, all of which could lead to loss and harm our business.
As our reliance on technology has increased, so have the cybersecurity risks posed to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of our information technology networks and systems, both internal and those managed by third-party service providers. We rely on these networks and systems to process, transmit, and store electronic information that is important to the operation of our business and the services we offer, as well as to manage and support our core business operations. Despite our security measures, the company has experienced cybersecurity incidents in the past and may continue to be subject to such threats in the future. Although we and our service providers continually implement processes, procedures, and controls designed to reduce and mitigate the risk of a cyber incident, such preventative measures may not be sufficient in all circumstances to prevent, mitigate, or timely detect all potential risks. A successful cyber threat or other cyber incident experienced by us, our service providers, or a company we have acquired could cause an interruption of our operations, damage our relationship with franchisees and independent operators, result in the exposure of private or confidential data, potentially resulting in litigation, and adversely impact our reputation and financial results. Additionally, if a company that we have recently acquired or a third-party service provider on which we rely experiences a cybersecurity incident, we may not learn of such incident in a timely manner, or at all, which may inhibit our ability to mitigate its impacts, and can exacerbate the risks described in this risk factor.
Because our locations accept electronic forms of payment from our customers, our business requires the collection and retention of customer data, including credit and debit card numbers and other personally-identifiable information (“PII”) in various information systems that we and our franchisees maintain in conjunction with third parties with whom we contract to provide credit card processing services. We also maintain important internal company data, such as PII about our employees, franchisees, and independent operators and information relating to our operations. Due to the evolving sophistication of technology and techniques employed by third parties and threat actors, such as through the use of AI and other technologies we are increasingly vulnerable to a compromise of our customer transaction, PII or other sensitive data. A cybersecurity incident resulting in the unauthorized use, disclosure or loss of customer and other sensitive data could put individuals at risk of identity theft and financial or other harm and result in additional costs to us to investigate an incident, implement measures to remediate the impacts of such incident, and in liability to parties who are financially harmed. While we have implemented cybersecurity measures aimed at protecting such data, our information technology systems or those used by our third-party service providers may still be vulnerable to such a breach, and our security measures may not prevent or timely detect physical security or cybersecurity breaches. Such an occurrence may cause financial loss to our business or harm to our reputation.
Our use of PII is regulated by foreign, federal, state, and provincial laws, as well as by certain third-party agreements. As privacy and information security laws and regulations change, we may incur additional costs to ensure that we remain in compliance with those laws and regulations. If our security and information systems are compromised or if our employees or franchisees fail to comply with these laws, regulations, or contract terms, and this information is obtained by unauthorized persons or used inappropriately, it could adversely affect our reputation and could disrupt our operations and result in costly litigation, judgments, or penalties resulting from violation of federal, state, and provincial laws and payment card industry regulations. A cyber incident could also require us to notify law enforcement agencies, customers, employees, or other groups, result in fines or require us to incur expenditures in connection with remediation, require us to pay increased fees to third parties, result in adverse publicity, loss of sales and profits, or require us to incur other costs, any of which could adversely affect the operation of our business and results of our operations.
Although we maintain insurance coverage for various cybersecurity and business continuity risks, there can be no guarantee that all costs or losses incurred will be fully insured.
Changing regulations relating to privacy, information security and data protection could increase our costs, affect or limit how we collect and use personal information, and harm our brands in a manner that adversely affects our business.
The U.S., Canada, and other jurisdictions in which we operate have adopted, and continue to revise, privacy, information security and data protection laws and regulations (“Privacy and Data Protection Laws”) that could have a significant impact on our current and planned privacy, data protection and information security related practices, including our collection, use, sharing, retention, and safeguarding of consumer and/or employee information, and some of our current or planned business activities.
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In the U.S., for example, this includes increased privacy related enforcement activity at both the federal level and the state level, including the implementation of the amended version of the California Consumer Protection Act (the “CCPA”) and its implementing regulations, which are currently in effect. Other states have followed California’s lead, passing their own comprehensive Privacy and Data Protection Laws, although California remains the strictest of these in most respects. As each state develops their own privacy law, it becomes increasingly challenging to conform to this patchwork of requirements and restrictions. As of December 2024, nineteen U.S. states will have passed separate privacy laws, the majority of which are or will be effective in the next year. With no Federal standard likely to be voted on in the coming legislative year, we are required to observe and satisfy each of the differing requirements.
The Privacy and Data Protection Laws include, the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act and similar laws in several Canadian provinces, the General Data Protection Regulation (the “GDPR”) in the European Union, the U.K.-GDPR, and the U.K. Data Protection Act of 2018 (the “UK Laws”) in the U.K. We, our affiliated entities, and our service providers may need to take measures to ensure compliance with new, evolving and existing requirements contained in the GDPR, the CCPA, the U.K. Laws and other Privacy and Data Protection Laws and to address customer concerns related to their rights under any such Privacy and Data Protection Laws.
We also may need to continue to make adjustments to our compliance efforts as more clarification and guidance on the requirements of the GDPR, the CCPA, the U.K. Laws and other Privacy and Data Protection Laws becomes available. Our ongoing efforts to ensure our and our affiliated entities’ compliance with the CCPA, GDPR, and U.K. Laws and other existing or future Privacy and Data Protection Laws affecting customer or employee data to which we are subject could result in additional costs and operational disruptions. Our and our affiliated entities and or services providers’ failure to comply with such laws could result in potentially significant regulatory investigations or government actions, litigation, operational disruptions, penalties or remediation, and other costs, as well as adverse publicity, loss of sales and profits, and an increase in fees payable to third parties. These implications could adversely affect our revenues, results of operations, business and financial condition.
Risks Relating to the Franchisees
A majority of our locations are owned and operated by franchisees and, as a result, we are highly dependent upon our franchisees.
While the franchise agreements are designed to maintain brand consistency, the high percentage of our locations owned by franchisees may expose us to risks not otherwise encountered if we had owned and controlled the locations. In particular, we are exposed to the risk of defaults or late payments by franchisees of franchisee payments. Other risks include limitations on enforcement of franchise obligations due to bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings; unwillingness of franchisees to support marketing programs and strategic initiatives; inability to participate in business strategy changes due to financial constraints; inability to meet rent obligations on subleases; failure to operate the locations in accordance with required standards; failure to report sales information accurately; efforts by one or more large franchisees or an organized franchise association to cause poor franchise relations; and failure to comply with quality and safety requirements that result in potential losses even when we are not legally liable for a franchisee’s actions or failure to act. Although we believe that our current relationships with franchisees are generally good, there can be no assurance that we will maintain strong franchise relationships. Our dependence on franchisees could adversely affect our business and financial condition, our reputation, and our brands.
Franchisee changes in control may adversely impact franchisee operations.
The franchise documents prohibit “changes in control” of a franchisee without the consent of its “franchisor.” In the event we provide such consent, there is no assurance that a successor franchisee would be able to perform the former franchisee’s obligations under such franchise documents or successfully operate its franchise. In the event of the death or disability of a franchisee or the principal of a franchisee entity, the personal representative of the franchisee or principal of a franchisee entity may not find an acceptable transferee. In the event that an acceptable successor franchisee is not located, the franchisee would be in default under its franchise documents or otherwise not be able to comply with its obligations under the franchise documents and, among other things, the franchisee’s right to operate its franchise could be terminated. If a successor franchisee is not found, or a successor franchisee that is approved is not as successful in operating the location as the former franchisee or franchisee principal, the sales of the location would be impacted and could adversely impact our business and results of operations.
Franchise documents are subject to termination and non-renewal.
The franchise documents are subject to termination by the franchisor under the franchise documents in the event of a default generally after expiration of applicable cure periods. Under certain circumstances, including unauthorized transfer or assignment of the franchise, breach of the confidentiality provisions, or health and safety violations, a franchise document may be terminated by the franchisor under the franchise document upon notice without an opportunity to cure. Generally, the default provisions under the franchise documents are drafted broadly and include, among other things, any failure to meet operating standards and actions that may threaten our intellectual property.
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In addition, certain of the franchise documents have terms that will expire over the next 12 months. In such cases, the franchisees may renew the franchise document and receive a “successor” franchise document for an additional term. Such option, however, is contingent on the franchisee’s execution of the then-current form of franchise document (which may include increased franchise royalty rates, advertising fees, and other costs or requirements), the satisfaction of certain conditions (including modernization of the location and related operations) and the payment of a renewal fee. If a franchisee is unable or unwilling to satisfy any of the foregoing conditions, such franchisee’s expiring franchise document and the related franchisee payments will terminate upon expiration of the term of the franchise document unless we decide to restructure the franchise documents to induce such franchisee to renew the franchise document. Certain of the franchise documents also have month-to-month terms (or are subject to termination by the franchisee upon notice) and are therefore subject to termination at the end of any given month (or the period following notice of termination).
Terminations or restructurings of franchise documents could reduce franchise payments or require us to incur expenses to solicit and qualify new franchises, which in turn may materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
We may not be able to retain franchisees or maintain the quality of existing franchisees.
Each franchised location is heavily reliant on its franchisee. However, we cannot guarantee the retention of any, including the top-performing franchisees in the future, or that we will maintain the ability to attract, retain, and motivate sufficient numbers of franchisees of the same caliber, and the failure to do so could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations. In the event a franchisee leaves our franchise and a successor franchisee is not found, or a successor franchisee that is approved is not as successful in operating the location as the former franchisee or franchisee principal, the sales of the location may be impacted.
The quality of existing franchisee operations may be diminished by factors beyond our control, including franchisees’ failure or inability to hire or retain qualified managers, mechanics, and other personnel or franchisees experiencing financial difficulty, including those franchisees that become over leveraged. Training of managers, mechanics, and other personnel may be inadequate, especially due to advances and changes in automotive technology. These and other such negative factors could reduce the franchisees’ revenues, could impact payments under the franchise documents, and could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Our location development plans under development agreements may not be implemented effectively by franchisees.
We rely heavily on franchisees to develop our locations. Development involves substantial risks, including the following:
•the availability of suitable locations and terms for potential development sites;
•the ability of franchisees to fulfill their commitments to build new locations in the numbers and the time frames specified in their development agreements;
•the availability of financing, at acceptable rates and terms, to both franchisees and third-party landlords, for locations development;
•delays in obtaining construction permits and in completion of construction;
•developed properties not achieving desired revenue or cash flow levels once opened;
•competition for suitable development sites;
•changes in governmental rules, regulations, and interpretations (including interpretations of the requirements of the ADA); and
•general economic and business conditions.
There is no assurance that franchisees’ development and construction of locations will be completed, or that any such development will be completed in a timely manner. There is no assurance that present or future development plans will perform in accordance with expectations.
The opening and success of our locations depend on various factors, including the demand for our locations and the selection of appropriate franchisee candidates, the availability of suitable sites, the negotiation of acceptable lease or purchase terms for new locations, costs of construction, permit issuance and regulatory compliance, the ability to meet construction schedules, the availability of financing, and other capabilities of franchisees. There is no assurance that franchisees planning the opening of locations will have the ability or sufficient access to financial resources necessary to open and operate the locations required by their agreements. It cannot be assured that franchisees will successfully participate in our strategic initiatives or operate locations in a manner consistent with our concepts and standards.
If our franchisees do not comply with their franchise agreements and policies or participate in the implementation of our business model, our business could be harmed.
Our franchisees are an integral part of our business. Franchisees will be subject to specified product quality standards and other requirements pursuant to the related franchise agreements to protect our brands and to optimize their performance.
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However, franchisees may provide substandard services or receive through the supply chain or produce defective products, which may adversely impact the goodwill of our brands. Franchisees may also breach the standards set forth in their respective franchise documents. We may be unable to successfully implement our business model, company policies, or brand development strategies if our franchisees do not actively participate in such implementation. The failure of our franchisees to focus on the fundamentals of each business’ operations, such as quality and service (even if such failures do not rise to the level of breaching the franchise documents), could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations. It may be more difficult to monitor our international franchisees’ implementation of our brand strategies due to our lack of personnel in the markets served by such franchisees.
Risks Related to our Indebtedness
Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our financial condition.
We have a significant amount of indebtedness. We have seven series of securitization term notes, approximately $2.2 billion of which were outstanding as of December 28, 2024, and two series of variable funding notes, which had no outstanding balance as of December 28, 2024, pursuant to the Securitization Senior Notes Indenture. We also have a $354 million term loan facility outstanding and a $300 million revolving credit facility, which had an outstanding balance of $190 million as of December 28, 2024.
Our obligations under the Securitized Term Notes are secured by substantially all of our and our subsidiaries’ North American revenue-generating assets other than the assets in our Car Wash segment and U.S. glass business. All obligations under the Term Loan Facility and Revolving Credit Facility are unconditionally guaranteed by Driven Brands Parent LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, which wholly-owns Driven Holdings, LLC (the “Borrower”) and each of the Borrower’s existing and future direct and indirect, wholly-owned material domestic subsidiaries, subject to certain customary exclusions and exceptions. The obligations are secured by a perfected first priority security interest in, and mortgages on, substantially all of the Borrower’s assets and those of Driven Brands Parent LLC and each guarantor, including a pledge of the capital stock of all entities directly held by the Borrower or the guarantors (which pledge will be limited to 65% of the voting capital stock of first tier foreign subsidiaries in certain circumstances), in each case subject to customary exclusions and exceptions.
Subject to the limits contained in the documents governing our indebtedness, we may be able to incur substantial additional debt from time to time to finance capital expenditures, investments, acquisitions, or for other purposes. If we do incur substantial additional debt, the risks related to our high level of debt could intensify. Specifically, our high level of indebtedness could have important consequences, including:
•limiting our ability to obtain additional financing to fund capital expenditures, investments, acquisitions, or other general corporate requirements;
•requiring a substantial portion of our cash flow to be dedicated to payments to service our indebtedness instead of other purposes, thereby reducing the amount of cash flow available for capital expenditures, investments, acquisitions, and other general corporate purposes;
•increasing our vulnerability to and the potential impact of adverse changes in general economic, industry, and competitive conditions;
•limiting our flexibility in planning for and reacting to changes in the industry in which we compete;
•placing us at a disadvantage compared to other, less leveraged competitors or competitors with comparable debt at more favorable interest rates; and
•increasing our costs of borrowing.
In addition, the financial and other covenants we agreed to in our debt agreements may limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness, make investments, and engage in other transactions, and the leverage may cause potential lenders to be less willing to loan funds to us in the future.
If our business does not generate sufficient cash flow from operations, in the amounts projected or at all, or if future borrowings are not available to us under our securitized notes, term loan facility, or revolving credit facility or otherwise in amounts sufficient to fund our other liquidity needs, our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected. If we cannot generate sufficient cash flow from operations to make scheduled principal amortization and interest payments on our debt obligations in the future, we may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness on or before maturity, sell assets, delay capital expenditures, or seek additional equity investments. If we are unable to refinance any of our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all or to affect any other action relating to our indebtedness on satisfactory terms or at all, our business may be harmed.
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The documents governing our indebtedness have restrictive terms and our failure to comply with any of these terms could put us in default, which would have an adverse effect on our business and prospects.
Unless and until we repay all outstanding borrowings under our securitized debt facility and credit agreement, we will remain subject to the restrictive terms of these borrowings. The documents governing our indebtedness contain a number of covenants, with the most significant financial covenant being a debt service coverage calculation and a springing financial maintenance covenant. These covenants limit the ability of certain of our subsidiaries to, among other things:
•sell assets;
•engage in mergers, acquisitions, and other business combinations;
•declare dividends or redeem or repurchase capital stock;
•incur, assume, or permit to exist additional indebtedness or guarantees;
•make loans and investments;
•incur liens; and
•enter into transactions with affiliates.
In certain circumstances, the documents governing our indebtedness also require us to maintain specified financial ratios. Our ability to meet these financial ratios can be affected by events beyond our control, and we may not satisfy such a test. A breach of these covenants could result in a rapid amortization event, as described in the next paragraph, or default under the applicable debt facility. If amounts owed are accelerated because of a default and we are unable to pay such amounts, the investors may have the right to assume control of substantially all of the assets securing the applicable debt facility.
If we are unable to refinance or repay amounts under our debt agreements prior to the expiration of the applicable term or upon rapid amortization occurring as a result of a default, our cash flow would be directed to the repayment of our debt and, other than management fees sufficient to cover minimal selling, general and administrative expenses, would not be available for operating our business.
No assurance can be given that any refinancing or additional financing will be possible when needed or that we will be able to negotiate acceptable terms. In addition, our access to capital is affected by prevailing conditions in the financial and capital markets and other factors beyond our control. There can be no assurance that market conditions will be favorable at the times that we require new or additional financing.
The Securitization Senior Notes Indenture governing the securitized debt facility may restrict the cash flow from the entities subject to the securitization to us and our subsidiaries and, upon the occurrence of certain events, cash flow would be further restricted.
The Securitization Senior Notes Indenture governing the securitized debt facility requires that cash from the entities subject to the securitization be allocated in accordance with a specified priority of payments. In the ordinary course, this means that funds available to us are paid at the end of the priority of payments, after expenses and debt service for the securitized debt. In addition, in the event that a rapid amortization event occurs under the indenture governing the securitized debt (including, without limitation, upon an event of default under the indenture, failure to maintain specified financial ratios or the failure to repay the securitized debt at the end of the applicable term), the funds available to us would be reduced or eliminated, which would in turn reduce our ability to operate or grow our business.
Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock
Our stock price may fluctuate significantly.
The market price of our common stock could vary significantly as a result of a number of factors, some of which are beyond our control. In the event of a drop in the market price of our common stock, you could lose a substantial part or all of your investment in our common stock. The following factors could affect our stock price:
•our operating and financial performance and prospects;
•quarterly variations in the rate of growth (if any) of our financial indicators, such as net income per share, net income, and revenues;
•the public reaction to our press releases, our other public announcements, and our filings with the SEC;
•strategic actions by our competitors;
•changes in operating performance and the stock market valuations of other companies;
•overall conditions in our industry and the markets in which we operate;
•announcements related to litigation;
•our failure to meet revenue or earnings estimates made by research analysts or other investors;
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•changes in revenue or earnings estimates, or changes in recommendations or withdrawal of research coverage, by equity research analysts;
•speculation in the press or investment community;
•issuance of new or updated research or reports by securities analysts;
•sales of our common stock by us or our stockholders, or the perception that such sales may occur;
•changes in accounting principles, policies, guidance, interpretations, or standards;
•additions or departures of key management personnel;
•actions by our stockholders, including our Principal Stockholders;
•general market conditions;
•domestic and international economic, legal, and regulatory factors unrelated to our performance;
•announcement by us or our competitors of significant acquisitions, divestitures, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, or capital commitments;
•security breaches impacting us or other similar companies;
•material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting; and
•the realization of any risks described under this “Risk Factors” section, or other risks that may materialize in the future.
The stock markets in general have experienced extreme volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of our common stock. Securities class action litigation has often been instituted against companies following periods of volatility in the overall market and in the market price of a company’s securities. Such litigation, if instituted against us, could result in very substantial costs, divert our management’s attention and resources, and harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Our ability to raise capital in the future may be limited.
Our business and operations may consume resources faster than we anticipate. In the future, we may need to raise additional funds through the issuance of new equity securities, debt, or a combination of both. Additional financing may not be available on favorable terms or at all. If adequate funds are not available on acceptable terms, we may be unable to fund our capital requirements. If we issue new debt securities, the debt holders would have rights senior to holders of our common stock to make claims on our assets and the terms of any debt could restrict our operations, including our ability to pay dividends on our common stock. If we issue additional equity securities or securities convertible into equity securities, existing stockholders will experience dilution and the new equity securities could have rights senior to those of our common stock. Because our decision to issue securities in any future offering will depend on market conditions and other factors beyond our control, we cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing, or nature of our future offerings and their impact on the market price of our common stock.
We are a holding company and rely on dividends, distributions, and other payments, advances, and transfers of funds from our subsidiaries to meet our obligations.
We are a holding company that does not conduct any business operations of our own. As a result, we are largely dependent upon cash dividends and distributions and other transfers, including for payments in respect of our indebtedness, from our subsidiaries to meet our obligations. The ability of our subsidiaries to pay cash dividends and/or make loans or advances to us will be dependent upon their respective abilities to achieve sufficient cash flows after satisfying their respective cash requirements, including the securitized financing facility and other debt agreements, to enable the payment of such dividends or the making of such loans or advances. The agreements governing the indebtedness of our subsidiaries impose restrictions on our subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends or other distributions to us. See the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources” section in this Annual Report. Each of our subsidiaries is a distinct legal entity, and under certain circumstances legal and contractual restrictions may limit our ability to obtain cash from them and we may be limited in our ability to cause any future joint ventures to distribute their earnings to us. The deterioration of the earnings from, or other available assets of, our subsidiaries for any reason could also limit or impair their ability to pay dividends or other distributions to us.
We are required to make payments under a Tax Receivable Agreement for certain tax benefits, which amounts are expected to be material.
On January 16, 2021, we entered into a tax receivable agreement (the “Tax Receivable Agreement”), pursuant to which certain current or prior stockholders, including our Principal Stockholders, and our senior management team, have the right to receive payment by us of 85% of the amount of cash savings, if any, in U.S. and Canadian federal, state, local, and provincial income tax that we and our subsidiaries actually realize as a result of the realization of certain tax benefits associated with tax attributes existing as of the effective date of the Company’s initial public offering. These tax benefits, which we refer to as the Pre-IPO and IPO-Related Tax Benefits, include: (i) all depreciation and amortization deductions, and any offset to taxable income and gain or increase to taxable loss, resulting from the tax basis that we have in our and our subsidiaries’
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intangible assets, (ii) the utilization of certain of our and our subsidiaries’ U.S. federal and Canadian federal and provincial net operating losses, capital losses, non-capital losses, disallowed interest expense carryforwards and tax credits, if any, attributable to periods prior to the effective date of the Company’s initial public offering, (iii) deductions in respect of debt issuance costs associated with certain of our and our subsidiaries’ financing arrangements, and (iv) deductions with respect to our and our subsidiaries’ initial public offering-related expenses.
These payment obligations are our obligations and not obligations of any of our subsidiaries. The actual utilization of the Pre-IPO and IPO- Related Tax Benefits as well as the timing of any payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement will vary depending upon a number of factors, including the amount, character and timing of our and our subsidiaries’ taxable income in the future.
For purposes of the Tax Receivable Agreement, cash savings in income tax will be computed by reference to the reduction in the liability for income taxes resulting from the Pre-IPO and IPO-Related Tax Benefits. The term of the Tax Receivable Agreement commenced upon consummation of our initial public offering and will continue until all relevant Pre-IPO and IPO-Related Tax Benefits have been utilized, accelerated, or expired.
Our counterparties under the Tax Receivable Agreement will not reimburse us for any payments previously made if such Pre-IPO and IPO-Related Tax Benefits are subsequently disallowed (although future payments would be adjusted to the extent possible to reflect the result of such disallowance). As a result, in such circumstances we could make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement that are greater than our and our subsidiaries’ actual cash tax savings.
The payments we make under the Tax Receivable Agreement could be material. We made payments in the aggregate amount of $38 million under the Tax Receivable Agreement in 2024. Assuming there are no material changes in the relevant tax law, and that we and our subsidiaries earn sufficient income to realize the full Pre-IPO and IPO-Related Tax Benefits, we expect that future payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement will aggregate to between $130 million and $150 million. Any future changes in the realizability of the Pre-IPO and IPO-Related Tax Benefits will impact the amount of the liability under the Tax Receivable Agreement. Based on our current taxable income estimates, we expect to repay the majority of this obligation by the end of our 2034 fiscal year.
If we undergo a change of control payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement for each taxable year after such event would be based on certain valuation assumptions, including the assumption that we and our subsidiaries have sufficient taxable income to fully utilize the Pre-IPO and IPO-Related Tax Benefits. Additionally, if we sell or otherwise dispose of any of our subsidiaries in a transaction that is not a change of control, we will be required to make a payment equal to the present value of future payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement attributable to the Pre-IPO and IPO-Related Tax Benefits of such subsidiary that is sold or disposed of, applying assumptions similar to those described above.
The Tax Receivable Agreement provides that in the event that we breach any of our material obligations, whether as a result of our failure to make any payment when due (subject to a specified cure period), failure to honor any other material obligation under it or by operation of law as a result of the rejection of it in a case commenced under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or otherwise, then all of our payment and other obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement will be accelerated and will become due and payable, and we will be required to make a payment equal to the present value of future payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement, applying assumptions similar to those described above. Such payments could be substantial and could exceed our and our subsidiaries actual cash tax savings from the Pre-IPO and IPO-Related Tax Benefits.
Because we are a holding company with no operations of our own, our ability to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement is dependent on the ability of our subsidiaries to make distributions to us. The securitized debt facility may restrict the ability of our subsidiaries to make distributions to us, which could affect our ability to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement. To the extent that we are unable to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement because of restrictions under our outstanding indebtedness, such payments will be deferred and will generally accrue interest. As of July 1, 2023, interest accrues at the Base Rate plus an applicable margin or Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) plus an applicable term adjustment plus 1%. To the extent that we are unable to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement for any other reason, such payments will generally accrue interest at a rate of SOFR plus an applicable term adjustment plus 5% per annum until paid.
For additional information related to the Tax Receivable Agreement, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud. As a result, stockholders could lose confidence in our financial and other public reporting, and we could be subject to potential delisting, regulatory investigations, civil or criminal sanctions and litigation.
Effective internal controls over financial reporting are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and, together with adequate disclosure controls and procedures, are designed to prevent fraud. Any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation could cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations. In addition, any testing by us conducted in connection with management’s assessment of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, or any subsequent testing by our independent registered
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public accounting firm, may reveal deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting that are deemed to be material weaknesses or that may require prospective or retroactive changes to our financial statements or identify other areas for further attention or improvement. Inferior internal controls could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a negative effect on the trading price of our stock.
Additionally, ineffective internal control over financial reporting could subject us to potential delisting from NASDAQ, regulatory investigations, civil or criminal sanctions and litigation, any of which would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
Our Principal Stockholders collectively have significant influence over us, including control over decisions that require the approval of stockholders, which could limit your ability to influence the outcome of matters submitted to stockholders for a vote.
As of February 24, 2025, our Principal Stockholders hold approximately 62% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. As long as affiliates of our Principal Stockholders own or control a majority of our outstanding voting power, our Principal Stockholders and their affiliates will have the ability to exercise substantial 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 articles of incorporation or bylaws; or
•the approval of mergers and other significant corporate transactions, including a sale of substantially all of our assets.
Moreover, ownership of our shares by affiliates of our Principal Stockholders may also adversely affect the trading price for our common stock to the extent investors perceive disadvantages in owning shares of a company with a controlling shareholder. For example, the concentration of ownership held by our Principal Stockholders could delay, defer, or prevent a change in control of our company or impede a merger, takeover, or other business combination which may otherwise be favorable for us. In addition, our Principal Stockholders are in the business of making investments in companies and may, from time to time, acquire interests in businesses that directly or indirectly compete with our business, as well as businesses that are significant existing or potential customers. Many of the companies in which our Principal Stockholders invest are franchisors and may compete with us for access to suitable locations, experienced management and qualified and well- capitalized franchisees. Our Principal Stockholders may acquire or seek to acquire assets complementary to our business that we seek to acquire and, as a result, those acquisition opportunities may not be available to us or may be more expensive for us to pursue, and as a result, the interests of our Principal Stockholders may not coincide with the interests of our other stockholders. So long as our Principal Stockholders continue to directly or indirectly own a significant amount of our equity, even if such amount is less than 50%, our Principal Stockholders will continue to be able to substantially influence or effectively control our ability to enter into corporate transactions, and as long as our Principal Stockholders maintain ownership of at least 25% of our outstanding common stock, they will have special governance rights under the Stockholders Agreement.
We are a “controlled company” within the meaning of NASDAQ rules and, as a result, qualify for exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements that we have relied on in the past and may do so in the future.
Our Principal Stockholders control a majority of the voting power of our outstanding voting stock, and as a result we are a controlled company within the meaning of NASDAQ corporate governance standards. Under NASDAQ rules, a company of which more than 50% of the voting power is held by another person or group of persons acting together is a controlled company and may elect not to comply with certain corporate governance requirements, including the requirements that:
•a majority of the Board of Directors consist of independent directors;
•the nominating and corporate governance committee be composed entirely of independent directors with written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities;
•the compensation committee be composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities; and
•there be an annual performance evaluation of the nominating and corporate governance and compensation committees.
We may utilize these exemptions as long as we remain a controlled company. Accordingly, you may not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of the corporate governance requirements of NASDAQ. After we cease to be a “controlled company,” we will be required to comply with the above referenced requirements within one year.
Our organizational documents and Delaware law may impede or discourage a takeover, which could deprive our investors of the opportunity to receive a premium on their shares.
Provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws may make it more difficult for, or prevent a third party from, acquiring control of us without the approval of our Board of Directors. These provisions include:
•providing that our Board of Directors will be divided into three classes, with each class of directors serving staggered three-year terms;
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•providing for the removal of directors only for cause and only upon the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% in voting power of all the then-outstanding shares of stock of the Company entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class, if less than 40% of the voting power of our outstanding common stock is beneficially owned by our Principal Stockholders;
•empowering only the board to fill any vacancy on our Board of Directors (other than in respect of our Principal Stockholders’ directors (as defined below)), whether such vacancy occurs as a result of an increase in the number of directors or otherwise, if less than 40% of the voting power of our outstanding common stock is beneficially owned by our Principal Stockholders;
•authorizing the issuance of “blank check” preferred stock without any need for action by stockholders;
•prohibiting stockholders from acting by written consent if less than 40% of the voting power of our outstanding common stock is beneficially owned by our Principal Stockholders;
•to the extent permitted by law, prohibiting stockholders from calling a special meeting of stockholders if less than 40% of the voting power of our outstanding common stock is beneficially owned by our Principal Stockholders; and
•establishing advance notice requirements for nominations for election to our Board of Directors or for proposing matters that can be acted on by stockholders at stockholder meetings.
Additionally, our certificate of incorporation provides that we are not governed by Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”), which, in the absence of such provisions, would have imposed additional requirements regarding mergers and other business combinations. However, our certificate of incorporation includes a provision that restricts us from engaging in any business combination with an interested stockholder for three years following the date that person becomes an interested stockholder, but such restrictions do not apply to any business combination between our Principal Stockholders and any affiliate thereof or their direct and indirect transferees, on the one hand, and us, on the other.
Any issuance by us of preferred stock could delay or prevent a change in control of us. Our Board of Directors has the authority to cause us to issue, without any further vote or action by the stockholders, shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, in one or more series, to designate the number of shares constituting any series, and to fix the rights, preferences, privileges, and restrictions thereof, including dividend rights, voting rights, rights and terms of redemption, redemption price or prices, and liquidation preferences of such series. The issuance of shares of our preferred stock may have the effect of delaying, deferring, or preventing a change in control without further action by the stockholders, even where stockholders are offered a premium for their shares.
In addition, as long as our Principal Stockholders beneficially own at least 40% of the voting power of our outstanding common stock, our Principal Stockholders will be able to control all matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors, amendment of our certificate of incorporation, and certain corporate transactions. Together, these certificate of incorporation, bylaw and statutory provisions could make the removal of management more difficult and may discourage transactions that otherwise could involve payment of a premium over prevailing market prices for our common stock. Furthermore, the existence of the foregoing provisions, as well as the significant common stock beneficially owned by our Principal Stockholders and their right to nominate a specified number of directors in certain circumstances, could limit the price that investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock. They could also deter potential acquirers of us, thereby reducing the likelihood that you could receive a premium for your common stock in an acquisition.
Our certificate of incorporation provides that certain courts in the State of Delaware or the federal district courts of the U.S. for certain types of lawsuits is the sole and exclusive forum 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 certificate of incorporation provides that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors or officers to us or our stockholders, creditors, or other constituents (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or of our certificate of incorporation or our bylaws, or (iv) any action asserting a claim related to or involving the Company that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine. The exclusive forum provision provides that it does not apply to claims arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (the “Securities Act”), the Exchange Act or other federal securities laws for which there is exclusive federal or concurrent federal and state jurisdiction. Unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, 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.
Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of our capital stock will be deemed to have notice of and, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to have consented to the provisions of our certificate of incorporation described above. Although we believe this exclusive forum provision benefits us by providing increased consistency in the application of Delaware law and federal securities laws in the types of lawsuits to which each applies, the choice of forum provision 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, other employees or stockholders, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and our directors, officers,
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other employees, or stockholders. However, the enforceability of similar forum provisions in other companies’ certificates of incorporation has been challenged in legal proceedings. If a court were to find the exclusive choice of forum provision contained in our certificate of incorporation to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Our certificate of incorporation contains a provision renouncing our interest and expectancy in certain corporate opportunities.
Under our certificate of incorporation, none of our Principal Stockholders, any affiliates of our Principal Stockholders, or any of their respective officers, directors, agents, stockholders, members, or partners, have any duty to refrain from engaging, directly or indirectly, in the same business activities, similar business activities, or lines of business in which we operate. In addition, our certificate of incorporation provides that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, no officer or director of ours who is also an officer, director, employee, managing director, or other affiliate of our Principal Stockholders will be liable to us or our stockholders for breach of any fiduciary duty by reason of the fact that any such individual directs a corporate opportunity to any Principal Stockholder, instead of us, or does not communicate information regarding a corporate opportunity to us that the officer, director, employee, managing director, or other affiliate has directed to a Principal Stockholder. For instance, a director of our company who also serves as a director, officer, or employee of one of our Principal Stockholders or any of their portfolio companies, funds, or other affiliates may pursue certain acquisitions or other opportunities that may be complementary to our business and, as a result, such acquisition or other opportunities may not be available to us. Our Board of Directors consists of ten members, three of whom are our Principal Stockholders’ directors. These potential conflicts of interest could restrict us from engaging in any business combination with an interested stockholder for three years following the date that person becomes an interested stockholder, but such restrictions do not apply to any business combination between our Principal Stockholders and any affiliate thereof or their direct and indirect transferees, on the one hand, and us, on the other.
Any issuance by us of preferred stock could delay or prevent a change in control. Our Board of Directors has the authority to cause us to issue, without any further vote or action by the stockholders, shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, in one or more series, to designate the number of shares constituting any series, and to fix the rights, preferences, privileges, and restrictions thereof, including dividend rights, voting rights, rights and terms of redemption, redemption price or prices, and liquidation preferences of such series. The issuance of shares of our preferred stock may have the effect of delaying, deferring, or preventing a change in control without further action by the stockholders, even where stockholders are offered a premium for their shares.
In addition, as long as our Principal Stockholders beneficially own at least 40% of the voting power of our outstanding common stock, our Principal Stockholders will be able to control all matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors, amendment of our certificate of incorporation, and certain corporate transactions. Together, these certificate of incorporation, bylaw and statutory provisions could make the removal of management more difficult and may discourage transactions that otherwise could involve payment of a premium over prevailing market prices for our common stock. Furthermore, the existence of the foregoing provisions, as well as the significant common stock beneficially owned by our Principal Stockholders and their right to nominate a specified number of directors in certain circumstances, could limit the price that investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock. They could also deter potential acquisitions, thereby reducing the likelihood that you could receive a premium for your common stock in an acquisition.
Our certificate of incorporation provides that certain courts in the State of Delaware or the federal district courts of the United States for certain types of lawsuits is the sole and exclusive forum 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 certificate of incorporation provides that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors or officers to us or our stockholders, creditors, or other constituents, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the DCGL, our certificate of incorporation or our bylaws, or (iv) any action asserting a claim related to or involving the Company that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine. The exclusive forum provision provides that it does not apply to claims arising under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or other federal securities laws for which there is exclusive federal or concurrent federal and state jurisdiction. Unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, 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.
Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of our capital stock will be deemed to have notice of and, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to have consented to the provisions our of certificate of incorporation described above. Although we believe this exclusive forum provision benefits us by providing increased consistency in the
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application of Delaware law and federal securities laws in the types of lawsuits to which each applies, the choice of forum provision 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, other employees or stockholders, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and our directors, officers, other employees, or stockholders. However, the enforceability of similar forum provisions in other companies’ certificates of incorporation has been challenged in legal proceedings. If a court were to find the exclusive choice of forum provision contained in our certificate of incorporation to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Our certificate of incorporation contains a provision renouncing our interest and expectancy in certain corporate opportunities.
Under our certificate of incorporation, none of our Principal Stockholders, any affiliates of our Principal Stockholders, or any of their respective officers, directors, agents, stockholders, members, or partners, have any duty to refrain from engaging directly or indirectly, in the same business activities, or lines of business in which we operate. In addition, our certificate of incorporation provides that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, no officer or director of ours who is also an officer, director, employee, managing director, or other affiliate of our Principal Stockholders will be liable to us or our stockholders for breach of any fiduciary duty by reason of the fact that any such individual directs a corporate opportunity to any Principal Stockholder, instead of us, or does not communicate information regarding a corporate opportunity to us that the officer, director, employee, managing director, or other affiliate has directed to a Principal Stockholder. For instance, a director of our company who also serves as a director, officer, or employee of one of our Principal Stockholders or any of their portfolio companies, funds, or other affiliates may pursue certain acquisitions or other opportunities that may be complementary to our business and, as a result, such acquisition or other opportunities may not be available to us. Our Board of Directors consists of ten members, three of whom are our Principal Stockholders’ directors. These potential conflicts of interest could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or prospects if attractive corporate opportunities are allocated by one of our Principal Stockholders to itself or its affiliated funds, the portfolio companies owned by such funds, or any affiliates of a Principal Stockholder, instead of to us.
Future sales of our common stock in the public market, or the perception in the public market that such sales may occur, could reduce our stock price.
Our common stock began trading on The Nasdaq Global Select Market on January 15, 2021. The number of outstanding shares of common stock includes shares beneficially owned by our Principal Stockholders and certain of our employees, that are “restricted securities,” as defined under Rule 144 under the Securities Act, and eligible for sale in the public market subject to the requirements of Rule 144. In addition, our Principal Stockholders have certain rights to require us to register the sale of common stock held by our Principal Stockholders, including in connection with underwritten offerings. Pursuant to these rights, we filed a Registration Statement on Form S-3 for our Principal Stockholders’ shares of common stock. Sales of significant amounts of stock in the public market or the perception that such sales may occur could adversely affect prevailing market prices of our common stock or make it more difficult for our stockholders to sell your shares of common stock at a time and price that they deem appropriate.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 1C. Cybersecurity
We maintain a risk-based cybersecurity program designed to protect our information and our customers’ information from cybersecurity threats against us, our franchisees, our third-party vendors, and services providers, which may result in a material adverse effect on the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of our information systems.
Cybersecurity Governance
Management’s Role in Cybersecurity Risk Management
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Board of Directors Oversight
Our Board of Directors, in coordination with its Audit Committee, oversees the Company’s enterprise risk management process, including the management of risks arising from cybersecurity threats. Both the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee periodically review the measures we have implemented to identify and mitigate data protection and cybersecurity risks.
Cybersecurity Risk Management and Strategy
We employ a defense-in-depth approach for our cybersecurity program, with policies, systems, and processes designed to oversee, identify, prevent, and reduce the potential impact of a cybersecurity threat against us or a third-party vendor or service provider. These policies, systems and processes include but are not limited to: Multi-factor Authentication, Privileged Account Management, Endpoint, Email and Cloud Security platforms, immutable backups, vulnerability scanning, third-party risk assessments, and other applicable controls.
The Company’s cybersecurity programs are updated regularly to align with emerging technical threats, such as those introduced through threat actors’ adoption of AI, changes in regulatory requirements, and industry best practices. In addition to our internal cybersecurity capabilities, we also engage consultants and other third-party service providers where appropriate to inform our understanding of cybersecurity risks and enable risk-based measures to defend against cybersecurity threats.
Incident Response
In addition to policies and processes designed to prevent and detect cybersecurity incidents, we have adopted a Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan (the “IRP”) that provides a standardized framework for responding to cybersecurity incidents. The IRP sets out a coordinated approach to investigating, responding to, containing, documenting, and mitigating incidents, including reporting findings and keeping senior management and other key stakeholders informed and involved as appropriate, and complying with applicable regulatory notifications and standards. The IRP applies to Company personnel (including third-party contractors, vendors and partners) that perform functions or services that require access to secure Company information, and to applicable devices and network services.
These processes include clear escalation paths to ensure that cybersecurity incidents that meet established reporting thresholds are escalated within the Company and, where appropriate, are reported to the Board of Directors and/or Audit Committee.
Material Cybersecurity Risks, Threats and Incidents
Item 2. Properties
As of December 28, 2024, we had 5,179 company-operated, franchised, and independently-operated locations, and of these we owned 236 company-operated store locations and 99 independently-operated store locations. We held leases covering the building and/or land for 1,094 of our company-operated locations, 621 of our independently-operated locations, 6 distribution centers and 15 offices and training centers in the U.S., Canada, and Europe, including our corporate headquarters located in Charlotte, North Carolina. The leases generally have initial expiration dates ranging from 5 and 20 years, with certain renewal options available. We also leased 45 properties that were either leased or subleased principally to franchisees as of December 28, 2024. We believe that the properties are suitable and adequate for the Company’s business.
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See the “Segment” caption in Part I, Item 1, “Business,” earlier in this report for more information about these properties and locations.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Information relating to this item is included within Note 17 of our financial statements included elsewhere within this Form 10-K.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosure
Not applicable.
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Part II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Market Information
Our common stock has been listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “DRVN” since our initial public offering on January 14, 2021. Prior to that time, there was no public market for our common stock.
Holders
On February 24, 2025, we had 53 holders of record of our common stock.
Stock Performance Graph
The following graph and table provide a comparison of the cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock from January 15, 2021 (first day of trading following the effective date of our IPO) through December 28, 2024 to the returns of the Standard & Poor's (“S&P”) MidCap 400 Index, and the S&P Retailing Industry Group Index, a peer group. The graph and table assume that $100 was invested on January 15, 2021, in each of our Common Stock, the S&P Midcap 400 Index, and the S&P Retailing Industry Group Index and that any dividends were reinvested. The graph is not, and is not intended to be, indicative of future performance of our common stock.
| 1/15/21 | 12/25/21 | 12/31/22 | 12/30/23 | 12/28/24 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Driven Brands Holdings Inc. | $100.00 | $124.75 | $102.30 | $53.41 | $60.74 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| S&P Midcap 400 Index | $100.00 | $116.70 | $103.18 | $120.14 | $137.58 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| S&P Retailing Industry Group Index | $100.00 | $119.94 | $79.10 | $112.64 | $152.60 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Dividend policy
We currently do not intend to pay cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. However, we may, in the future, decide to pay dividends on our common stock. Any declaration and payment of cash dividends in the future, if any, will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon such factors as earnings levels, cash flows, capital requirements, levels of indebtedness, restrictions imposed by applicable law, our overall financial condition, restrictions in our debt agreements, and any other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors.
Item 6. Reserved
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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis for Driven Brands Holdings Inc. and Subsidiaries (“Driven Brands,” “the Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report. We operate on a 52-or 53-week fiscal year, which ends on the last Saturday in December. The twelve months ended December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023 were both 52 week periods.
Comparative results for the years ending December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 are included in “Item 7-Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our previously filed 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Overview
Driven Brands is the largest automotive services company in North America with a growing and highly-franchised base of approximately 5,200 locations across 49 U.S. states and 13 other countries. Our scaled, diversified platform fulfills an extensive range of core retail and commercial automotive needs, including paint, collision, glass, and repair services, as well as a variety of high-frequency services, such as oil changes and car washes. We have continued to grow our base of consistent recurring revenue by adding new franchised and company-operated stores and same store sales growth. Driven Brands generated net revenue of approximately $2.3 billion during the year ended December 28, 2024, an increase of 2% compared to the prior year, and system-wide sales of approximately $6.5 billion during the year ended December 28, 2024, an increase of 4% from the prior year.
Although we have continued to experience total Company same store sales growth for 16 consecutive quarters through our diversified customer base and service offerings, we have experienced and expect to continue experiencing softening demand across several of our segments, primarily as a result of inflationary pressures, increased competition, industry dynamics, and negative weather patterns, including hurricanes.
During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company performed a step one quantitative impairment analysis of the U.S. Car Wash long-lived assets. Based on the results of our impairment analysis, we concluded the carrying value of the U.S. Car Wash long-lived assets exceeded the fair value and an impairment charge of $325 million was recorded.
2024 Highlights and Key Performance Indicators
(as compared to same period in the prior year, unless otherwise noted)
•Net revenue increased 2% to $2.3 billion, driven by company-operated store revenue, primarily due to net new store growth and same store sales growth.
•Consolidated same store sales increased 1.3%.
•Net new stores were 191 for 2024.
•Net Loss decreased $452 million to $292 million or $1.82 loss per diluted share in the current year compared to $745 million or $4.53 loss per diluted share in the prior year period, primarily relating to improved operating margins within our Maintenance, Platform Services and Paint, Collision & Glass segments, net new store growth, same store sales growth, and a goodwill impairment charge lapping in the prior year, partially offset by increased employee related benefit costs, including performance-based and share-based compensation expense, reduced margins within the Car Wash segment, a lower tax benefit, an unfavorable impact from foreign exchange, increased loss on disposal or sale of assets, and increased asset impairment charges in the current period.
•Adjusted Net Income (non-GAAP) increased 31% to $186 million or $1.14 per diluted share. The increase was primarily due to improved operating margins within our Maintenance, Platform Services and Paint, Collision & Glass segments, net new store growth, and same store sales growth, partially offset by increased employee related benefit costs, including performance-based compensation, and reduced margins within the Car Wash segment.
•Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) increased 7% to $553 million. The increase was primarily due to improved operating margins within our Maintenance, Platform Services and Paint, Collision & Glass segments, net new store growth, and same store sales growth, partially offset by increased employee related benefit costs, including performance-based compensation, and reduced margins within the Car Wash segment.
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Key Performance Indicators
Key measures that we use in assessing our business and evaluating our segments include the following:
System-wide sales. System-wide sales represent the total of net sales for our franchised, independently-operated, and company-operated stores. This measure allows management to better assess the total size and health of each segment, our overall store performance, and the strength of our market position relative to competitors. Sales at franchised stores are not included as revenue in our results from operations, but rather, we include franchise royalties and fees that are derived from sales at franchised stores.
Store count. Store count reflects the number of franchised, independently-operated, and company-operated stores open at the end of the reporting period. Management reviews the number of new, closed, acquired, and divested stores to assess net unit growth and drivers of trends in system-wide sales, franchise royalties and fees revenue, company-operated store sales, and independently-operated store sales.
Same store sales. Same store sales reflect the change in sales year-over-year for the same store base. We define the same store base to include all franchised, independently-operated, and company-operated stores open for comparable weeks during the given fiscal period in both the current and prior year, which may be different from how others define similar terms. This measure highlights the performance of existing stores, while excluding the impact of new store openings and closures and acquisitions and divestitures.
Adjusted EBITDA. We define Adjusted EBITDA as earnings before interest expense, net, income tax expense, and depreciation and amortization, with further adjustments for acquisition related costs, equity compensation, loss on debt extinguishment, foreign currency transaction related gains or losses, store opening costs, cloud computing amortization, and certain non-recurring and non-core, infrequent or unusual charges. Adjusted EBITDA is a supplemental measure of operating performance of our segments and may not be comparable to similar measures reported by other companies. Adjusted EBITDA is a performance metric utilized by our Chief Operating Decision Maker to allocate resources to and assess performance of our segments. Refer to Note 9 in our consolidated financial statements for a reconciliation of income (loss) before taxes to Adjusted EBITDA for the years ended December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023.
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The following table sets forth our key performance indicators for the years ended December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023:
| Year Ended | ||||||||||||||
| (in thousands, except store count or as otherwise noted) | December 28, 2024 | December 30, 2023 | ||||||||||||
| System-Wide Sales | ||||||||||||||
| System-Wide Sales by Segment: | ||||||||||||||
| Maintenance | $ | 2,103,954 | $ | 1,899,813 | ||||||||||
| Car Wash | 580,554 | 591,752 | ||||||||||||
| Paint, Collision & Glass | 3,450,660 | 3,389,565 | ||||||||||||
| Platform Services | 374,150 | 402,598 | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 6,509,318 | $ | 6,283,728 | ||||||||||
| System-Wide Sales by Business Model: | ||||||||||||||
| Franchised Stores | $ | 4,751,990 | $ | 4,560,980 | ||||||||||
| Company-Operated Stores | 1,544,932 | 1,526,353 | ||||||||||||
| Independently-Operated Stores | 212,396 | 196,395 | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 6,509,318 | $ | 6,283,728 | ||||||||||
| Store Count | ||||||||||||||
| Store Count by Segment: | ||||||||||||||
| Maintenance | 1,960 | 1,786 | ||||||||||||
| Car Wash | 1,102 | 1,108 | ||||||||||||
| Paint, Collision & Glass | 1,912 | 1,888 | ||||||||||||
| Platform Services | 205 | 206 | ||||||||||||
| Total | 5,179 | 4,988 | ||||||||||||
| Store Count by Business Model: | ||||||||||||||
| Franchised Stores | 3,129 | 2,986 | ||||||||||||
| Company-Operated Stores | 1,330 | 1,285 | ||||||||||||
| Independently-Operated Stores | 720 | 717 | ||||||||||||
| Total | 5,179 | 4,988 | ||||||||||||
| Same Store Sales % | ||||||||||||||
| Maintenance | 4.5 | % | 9.2 | % | ||||||||||
| Car Wash | (0.9 | %) | (5.6 | %) | ||||||||||
| Paint, Collision & Glass | 0.8 | % | 11.4 | % | ||||||||||
| Total consolidated | 1.3 | % | 7.4 | % | ||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA by segment | ||||||||||||||
| Maintenance | $ | 385,853 | $ | 325,593 | ||||||||||
| Car Wash | 117,140 | 128,050 | ||||||||||||
| Paint, Collision & Glass | 133,519 | 139,590 | ||||||||||||
| Platform Services | 83,918 | 80,492 | ||||||||||||
| Total consolidated | 552,721 | 516,887 | ||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA margin | ||||||||||||||
| Maintenance | 34.9 | % | 33.9 | % | ||||||||||
| Car Wash | 19.9 | % | 21.4 | % | ||||||||||
| Paint, Collision & Glass | 31.4 | % | 27.9 | % | ||||||||||
| Platform Services | 40.4 | % | 37.3 | % | ||||||||||
| Total consolidated | 23.6 | % | 22.4 | % | ||||||||||
43
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Information
To supplement our consolidated financial statements prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP, we use certain non-GAAP financial measures throughout this Annual Report, as described further below, to provide investors with additional useful information about our financial performance, to enhance the overall understanding of our past performance and future prospects and to allow for greater transparency with respect to important metrics used by our management for financial and operational decision-making.
Non-GAAP financial measures have limitations in their usefulness to investors because they have no standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and are not prepared under any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles. In addition, non-GAAP financial measures may be calculated differently from, and therefore may not be directly comparable to, similarly titled measures used by other companies. As a result, non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed as supplementing, and not as an alternative or substitute for, our consolidated financial statements prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP.
Adjusted Net Income/Adjusted Earnings per Share. We define Adjusted Net Income as net income calculated in accordance with GAAP, adjusted for acquisition related costs, equity compensation, loss on debt extinguishment, cloud computing amortization, and certain non-recurring, non-core, infrequent or unusual charges, amortization related to acquired intangible assets, and the tax effect of the adjustments. Adjusted Earnings Per Share is calculated by dividing Adjusted Net Income by the weighted average shares outstanding. Management believes this non-GAAP financial measure is useful because it is a key measure used by our management team to evaluate our operating performance, generate future operating plans, and make strategic decisions.
44
The following table provides a reconciliation of Net Loss to Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Earnings per Share:
Adjusted Net Loss/Adjusted Earnings per Share
| Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands, except per share data) | December 28, 2024 | December 30, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (292,496) | $ | (744,962) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisition related costs(a) | 2,325 | 13,174 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-core items and project costs, net(b) | 18,403 | 7,343 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cloud computing amortization(c) | 8,270 | 1,923 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation expense(d) | 48,139 | 15,300 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency transaction loss (gain), net(e) | 20,239 | (3,078) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Asset sale leaseback (gain) loss, net, impairment and closed store expenses(f) | 435,703 | 990,384 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loss on debt extinguishment (g) | 205 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization related to acquired intangible assets(h) | 25,690 | 28,756 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Provision for uncertain tax positions(i) | — | (354) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Valuation allowance for deferred tax asset(j) | 51,186 | 17,729 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted net income before tax impact of adjustments | 317,664 | 326,215 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tax impact of adjustments(k) | (131,337) | (183,754) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted net income | $ | 186,327 | $ | 142,461 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss per share | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | $ | (1.79) | $ | (4.50) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | $ | (1.82) | $ | (4.53) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted earnings per share | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | $ | 1.14 | $ | 0.86 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | $ | 1.14 | $ | 0.85 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average shares outstanding | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | 160,319 | 161,917 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | 160,319 | 161,917 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average shares outstanding for Adjusted Net Income | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | 160,319 | 161,917 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | 161,210 | 164,100 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA. We define Adjusted EBITDA as earnings before interest expense, net, income tax expense, and depreciation and amortization, with further adjustments for acquisition related costs, equity compensation, loss on debt extinguishment, cloud computing amortization, and certain non-recurring, non-core, infrequent or unusual charges. Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled metrics of other companies due to differences in methods of calculation. Management believes this non-GAAP financial measure is useful because it is a key measure used by our management team to evaluate our operating performance, generate future operating plans, and make strategic decisions.
45
The following table provides a reconciliation of Net Loss to Adjusted EBITDA:
| Adjusted EBITDA | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 28, 2024 | December 30, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (292,496) | $ | (744,962) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax benefit | (25,143) | (102,689) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | 156,964 | 164,196 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 180,112 | 175,296 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| EBITDA | 19,437 | (508,159) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisition related costs(a) | 2,325 | 13,174 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Non-core items and project costs, net(b) | 18,403 | 7,343 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Cloud computing amortization(c) | 8,270 | 1,923 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation expense(d) | 48,139 | 15,300 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency transaction loss (gain), net(e) | 20,239 | (3,078) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Asset sale leaseback (gain) loss, net, impairment and closed store expenses(f) | 435,703 | 990,384 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Loss on debt extinguishment (g) | 205 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 552,721 | $ | 516,887 | |||||||||||||||||||
(a) Consists of acquisition costs as reflected within the consolidated statements of operations, including legal, consulting and other fees, and expenses incurred in connection with acquisitions completed during the applicable period, as well as inventory rationalization expenses incurred in connection with acquisitions. We expect to incur similar costs in connection with other acquisitions in the future and, under GAAP, such costs relating to acquisitions are expensed as incurred and not capitalized.
(b) Consists of discrete items and project costs, including third party consulting and professional fees associated with strategic transformation initiatives as well as non-recurring payroll-related costs.
(c) Includes non-cash amortization expenses relating to cloud computing arrangements.
(d) Represents non-cash share-based compensation expense.
(e) Represents foreign currency transaction (gains) losses, net that primarily related to the remeasurement of our intercompany loans as well as gains and losses on cross currency swaps and forward contracts.
(f) Relates to (gains) losses, net on sale leasebacks, impairment of certain fixed assets and operating lease right-of-use assets related to closed and underperforming locations, assets held for sale, lease exit costs and other costs associated with stores that were closed prior to the respective lease termination dates, as well as goodwill impairment within the Car Wash segment. Refer to Note 7 for additional information.
(g) Represents charges incurred related to the Company’s partial repayment of Senior Secured Notes in conjunction with the sale of its Canadian distribution business.
(h) Consists of amortization related to acquired intangible assets as reflected within depreciation and amortization in the consolidated statement of operations.
(i) Represents amounts recorded for uncertain tax positions, inclusive of interest and penalties.
(j) Represents valuation allowances on income tax carryforwards in certain domestic jurisdictions that are not more likely than not to be realized.
(k) Represents the tax impact of adjustments associated with the reconciling items between net income (loss) and Adjusted Net Income, excluding the provision for uncertain tax positions and valuation allowance for certain deferred tax assets. To determine the tax impact of the deductible reconciling items, we utilized statutory income tax rates ranging from 9% to 36% depending upon the tax attributes of each adjustment and the applicable jurisdiction.
46
Results of Operations for the Year Ended December 28, 2024 Compared to the Year Ended December 30, 2023
Net Loss
We recognized a net loss of $292 million, or $1.82 loss per diluted share, for the year ended December 28, 2024, compared to a net loss of $745 million, or $4.53 loss per diluted share, for the year ended December 30, 2023. The improvement of approximately $452 million was primarily due to the following:
•positive same store sales within the Maintenance and Paint, Collision & Glass segments;
•net new store openings, primarily within the Maintenance segment;
•operating margin improvements within the Maintenance, Paint, Collision & Glass, and Platform Services segments; and
•a non-cash goodwill impairment charge in the prior year period of $851 million.
These increases were partially offset by:
•increased payroll and employee benefit costs, including performance-based compensation and $33 million of additional share-based compensation expense primarily relating to the modification of pre-IPO awards in the fourth quarter of 2023;
•decreased operating margins within the Car Wash segment;
•decreased tax benefit of $78 million, primarily relating to goodwill impairment charges in the prior year;
•an unfavorable impact from foreign exchange of $23 million compared to the prior year;
•non-cash asset impairment charges of $389 million in the current period, which primarily related to our step one quantitative analysis of long-lived assets as well as assets held for sale and right-of-use assets at closed stores in the current period compared to $133 million in the prior year period, which related to Car Wash fixed assets and right-of-use assets at closed stores and assets held for sale; and
•a net loss of $36 million in the current period primarily comprised of a loss on sale and disposals of fixed assets in our Car Wash business as well as gains on the sale of assets held for sale, compared to a loss on sale or disposals of fixed assets of approximately $5 million during the year ended December 30, 2023.
Adjusted Net Income
Adjusted net income was $186 million for the year ended December 28, 2024 compared to $142 million for the year ended December 30, 2023. This increase of $44 million was primarily due to the following:
•positive same store sales within the Maintenance and Paint, Collision & Glass segments;
•net new store openings, primarily within the Maintenance segment; and
•operating margin improvements within the Maintenance, Paint, Collision & Glass, and Platform Services segments.
The increases were partially offset by:
•increased payroll and employee benefit costs, including performance-based compensation; and
•decreased operating margins within the Car Wash segment.
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA was $553 million for the year ended December 28, 2024 compared to $517 million for the year ended December 30, 2023. The increase of $36 million was primarily due to:
•positive same store sales within the Maintenance and Paint, Collision & Glass segments;
•net new store openings, primarily within the Maintenance segment; and
•operating margin improvements within the Maintenance, Paint, Collision & Glass, and Platform Services segments.
The increase was partially offset by:
•increased payroll and employee benefit costs, including performance-based compensation; and
•decreased operating margins within the Car Wash segment.
47
To facilitate the review of our results of operations, the following tables set forth our financial results for the periods indicated. All information is derived from the consolidated statements of operations. Certain percentages presented have been rounded to the nearest number, therefore, totals may not equal the sum of the line items in the tables below.
Net Revenue
| Year Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | December 28, 2024 | % of Net Revenues | December 30, 2023 | % of Net Revenues | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise royalties and fees | $ | 188,634 | 8.1 | % | $ | 190,367 | 8.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company-operated store sales | 1,544,932 | 66.0 | % | 1,526,353 | 66.2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Independently-operated store sales | 212,396 | 9.1 | % | 196,395 | 8.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Advertising fund contributions | 101,316 | 4.3 | % | 98,850 | 4.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Supply and other revenue | 292,310 | 12.5 | % | 292,064 | 12.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total net revenue | $ | 2,339,588 | 100.0 | % | $ | 2,304,029 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Franchise Royalties and Fees
Franchise royalties and fees decreased less than $2 million, or 1%, primarily due to a decrease in average royalty rates within the Paint, Collision & Glass segment and decreased franchise system-wide sales within the Platform Services segment, partially offset by an increase in franchise system-wide sales of $191 million, or 4%, driven by franchise same store sales growth within the Paint, Collision & Glass and Maintenance segments and the addition of 143 net new franchised stores.
Company-Operated Store Sales
Company-operated store sales increased $19 million, or 1%, of which $111 million related to an increase in the Maintenance segment, partially offset by a decrease of $65 million and $27 million related to the Paint, Collision & Glass and Car Wash segments, respectively. The sales increase in the Maintenance segment was primarily due to same store sales growth and 66 net new company-operated stores. The decrease in the Paint, Collision & Glass sales was primarily driven by revenue associated with the sale of nine company-operated stores to a franchisee in the current year. The decrease in Car Wash sales is primarily due to the full year impact in 2024 relating to stores closed during the fourth quarter of 2023 and a decrease in same store sales primarily relating to lower volume. On a net basis, the Company added 45 company-operated stores year-over-year.
Independently-Operated Store Sales
Independently-operated store sales (comprised entirely of sales from the international car wash locations) increased $16 million, or 8%, due to same store sales growth as a result of improved price realization and new product offerings.
Advertising Fund Contributions
Advertising fund contributions increased by $2 million, or 2%, primarily due to an increase in franchise system-wide sales. Our franchise agreements typically require the franchisee to pay continuing advertising fund fees based on a percentage of the franchisee’s gross sales or a stated fee.
Supply and Other Revenue
Supply and other revenue remained flat, primarily due to growth in product and service revenue within the Maintenance segment as a result of an increase in system-wide sales and net store growth, partially offset by the sale of our Canadian distribution business in the current year.
48
Operating Expenses
| Year Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | December 28, 2024 | % of Net Revenues | December 30, 2023 | % of Net Revenues | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company-operated store expenses | $ | 993,090 | 42.4 | % | $ | 1,004,472 | 43.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Independently-operated store expenses | 121,325 | 5.2 | % | 109,078 | 4.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Advertising fund expenses | 101,617 | 4.3 | % | 97,290 | 4.2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Supply and other expenses | 139,658 | 6.0 | % | 158,436 | 6.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general, and administrative expenses | 554,775 | 23.7 | % | 462,117 | 20.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 180,112 | 7.7 | % | 175,296 | 7.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Goodwill impairment | — | — | % | — | 850,970 | 36.9 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset impairment charges and lease terminations | 389,242 | 16.6 | % | 132,903 | 5.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | $ | 2,479,819 | 106.0 | % | $ | 2,990,562 | 129.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Company-Operated Store Expenses
Company-operated store expenses decreased $11 million, or 1%, primarily due to lower inventory costs and labor efficiency, partially offset by increased rent and property related expenses.
Independently-Operated Store Expenses
Independently-operated store expenses (comprised entirely of expenses from the international car wash locations) increased $12 million, or 11%, primarily due to variable costs associated with the increase in sales.
Advertising Fund Expenses
Advertising fund expenses increased by $4 million, or 4%, which is commensurate with the increase to advertising fund contributions during the period. Advertising fund expenses generally trend consistent with advertising fund contributions.
Supply and Other Expenses
Supply and other expenses decreased $19 million, or 12%, primarily related to the sale of our Canadian distribution business in the current year.
Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased $93 million, or 20%, primarily due to increased payroll and employee benefit costs, including performance-based compensation and $33 million of additional share-based compensation expense primarily relating to the modification of pre-IPO awards in the fourth quarter of 2023, loss on the sale or disposal of assets and businesses of $36 million compared to $5 million in the prior year, and increased cloud computing amortization.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $5 million, or 3%, due to additional fixed assets, primarily related to Take 5 Oil site development.
Goodwill Impairment
Goodwill impairment charge of $851 million in the year ended December 30, 2023 is directly attributable to our Car Wash segment. For more information, refer to Note 7 in our consolidated financial statements included in this 10-K.
Asset Impairment Charges and Lease Terminations
Asset impairment charges and lease terminations increased by $256 million for the year ended December 28, 2024 compared to the year ended December 30, 2023. During the year ended December 28, 2024, impairment charges were primarily related to our U.S. Car Wash step one quantitative analysis of long-lived assets as well as assets held for sale and right-of-use assets at closed stores in the current period. During the year ended December 30, 2023, impairment charges were primarily related to U.S. Car Wash fixed assets and right-of-use assets at closed stores and assets held for sale. For more information, refer to Note 7 in our consolidated financial statements included within this Form 10-K.
49
Interest Expense, Net
| Year Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | December 28, 2024 | % of Net Revenues | December 30, 2023 | % of Net Revenues | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | $ | 156,964 | 6.7 | % | $ | 164,196 | 7.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net decreased $7 million, or 4%, primarily due to net debt reduction of $250 million in the current year, primarily relating to the Term loan and Revolving Credit Facility, interest income earned in the current year, and reduced interest related to the Tax Receivable Agreement, partially offset by increased interest and costs associated with the 2024-1 Senior Notes.
Foreign Currency Transactions Loss (Gain), Net
| Year Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | December 28, 2024 | % of Net Revenues | December 30, 2023 | % of Net Revenues | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency transaction loss (gain), net | $ | 20,239 | 0.9 | % | $ | (3,078) | (0.1 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
The foreign currency transaction loss for the year ended December 28, 2024 was primarily comprised of transaction remeasurement losses in our foreign operations of $29 million, partially offset by a gain on foreign currency hedges of $9 million. The foreign currency transaction gain for the year ended December 30, 2023 was primarily comprised of transaction remeasurement gains in our foreign operations of $2 million and a gain on foreign currency hedges of $1 million.
Loss on Debt Extinguishment
| Year Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | December 28, 2024 | % of Net Revenues | December 30, 2023 | % of Net Revenues | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on Debt Extinguishment | $ | 205 | — | % | $ | — | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Represents charges incurred related to the Company’s partial repayment of Senior Secured Notes in conjunction with the sale of its Canadian distribution business.
Income Tax Benefit
| Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | December 28, 2024 | % of Net Revenues | December 30, 2023 | % of Net Revenues | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax benefit | $ | (25,143) | (1.1 | %) | $ | (102,689) | (4.5 | %) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income tax benefit was $25 million for the year ended December 28, 2024 compared to $103 million for the year ended December 30, 2023. The effective tax rate for the year ended December 28, 2024 was 7.9% primarily driven by the recognition of valuation allowances on income tax carryforwards in certain domestic jurisdictions that are not more likely than not to be realized, non-deductible share-based compensation and state taxes related to pre-tax income compared to 12.1% for the year ended December 30, 2023.
50
Segment Results of Operations for the Year Ended December 28, 2024 Compared to the Year Ended December 30, 2023
We assess the performance of our segments based on Adjusted EBITDA, which is defined as earnings before interest expense, net, income tax expense, and depreciation and amortization, with further adjustments for acquisition related costs, store closure costs, equity compensation, loss on debt extinguishment, cloud computing amortization, and certain non-recurring, non-core, infrequent or unusual charges. Shared services costs are not allocated to these segments and are included in Corporate and Other. Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled metrics of other companies due to differences in methods of calculation.
Maintenance
| Year Ended | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, unless otherwise noted) | December 28, 2024 | December 30, 2023 | % Net Revenue For Segment | % Net Revenue For Segment | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise royalties and fees | $ | 60,825 | $ | 56,298 | 5.5 | % | 5.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company-operated store sales | 920,548 | 809,356 | 83.4 | % | 84.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Supply and other revenue | 122,771 | 94,746 | 11.1 | % | 9.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total net revenue | $ | 1,104,144 | $ | 960,400 | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 385,853 | $ | 325,593 | 34.9 | % | 33.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| System-Wide Sales | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchised stores | $ | 1,183,406 | $ | 1,090,457 | $ | 92,949 | 8.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company-operated stores | 920,548 | 809,356 | 111,192 | 13.7 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total System-Wide Sales | $ | 2,103,954 | $ | 1,899,813 | $ | 204,141 | 10.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Store Count (in whole numbers) | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchised stores | 1,242 | 1,134 | 108 | 9.5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company-operated stores | 718 | 652 | 66 | 10.1 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Store Count | 1,960 | 1,786 | 174 | 9.7 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Same Store Sales % | 4.5 | % | 9.2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Maintenance net revenue increased $144 million, or 15%, driven primarily by a $111 million increase in company-operated store sales from same store sales growth and 66 net new company-operated stores. Supply and other revenue increased by $28 million, or 30%, primarily due to higher system-wide sales. Franchise royalties and fees increased by $5 million, or 8%, primarily due to a $93 million, or 9%, increase in franchise system-wide sales from same store sales growth and 108 net new franchise stores.
Maintenance Adjusted EBITDA increased $60 million, or 19%, primarily due to net new store growth, same store sales growth, cost management, and operational leverage.
51
Car Wash
| Year Ended | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, unless otherwise noted) | December 28, 2024 | December 30, 2023 | % Net Revenue For Segment | % Net Revenue For Segment | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company-operated store sales | $ | 368,158 | $ | 395,357 | 62.7 | % | 66.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Independently-operated store sales | 212,396 | 196,395 | 36.2 | % | 32.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Supply and other revenue | 6,683 | 5,992 | 1.1 | % | 1.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total net revenue | $ | 587,237 | $ | 597,744 | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 117,140 | $ | 128,050 | 19.9 | % | 21.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| System-Wide Sales | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company-operated stores | $ | 368,158 | $ | 395,357 | $ | (27,199) | (6.9 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Independently-operated stores | 212,396 | 196,395 | 16,001 | 8.1 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total System-Wide Sales | $ | 580,554 | $ | 591,752 | $ | (11,198) | (1.9 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Store Count (in whole numbers) | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company-operated stores | 382 | 391 | (9) | (2.3 | %) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Independently-operated stores | 720 | 717 | 3 | 0.4 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Store Count | 1,102 | 1,108 | (6) | (0.5 | %) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Same Store Sales % | (0.9 | %) | (5.6 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Car Wash segment net revenue decreased $11 million, or 2%, driven primarily by a $27 million, or 7%, decrease in company-operated store sales due to the full year impact in 2024 relating to stores closed during the fourth quarter of 2023 and a decrease in same store sales primarily relating to lower volume. Independently-operated store sales increased $16 million primarily due to an increase in same store sales as a result of new product offerings and improved price realization.
Car Wash Adjusted EBITDA decreased by $11 million, or 9%, primarily driven by decreased same store sales within company-operated stores, partially offset by positive same store sales within the independently-operated stores and improved inventory cost management.
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Paint, Collision & Glass
| Year Ended | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, unless otherwise noted) | December 28, 2024 | December 30, 2023 | % Net Revenue For Segment | % Net Revenue For Segment | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise royalties and fees | $ | 97,542 | $ | 103,604 | 23.0 | % | 20.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company-operated store sales | 252,162 | 317,428 | 59.4 | % | 63.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Supply and other revenue | 74,926 | 79,342 | 17.6 | % | 15.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total net revenue | $ | 424,630 | $ | 500,374 | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 133,519 | $ | 139,590 | 31.4 | % | 27.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| System-Wide Sales | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchised stores | $ | 3,198,498 | $ | 3,072,137 | $ | 126,361 | 4.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company-operated stores | 252,162 | 317,428 | (65,266) | (20.6 | %) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total System-Wide Sales | $ | 3,450,660 | $ | 3,389,565 | $ | 61,095 | 1.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Store Count (in whole numbers) | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchised stores | 1,683 | 1,647 | 36 | 2.2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company-operated stores | 229 | 241 | (12) | (5.0 | %) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Store Count | 1,912 | 1,888 | 24 | 1.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Same Store Sales % | 0.8 | % | 11.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Paint, Collision & Glass net revenue decreased $76 million, or 15%, for the year ended December 28, 2024, primarily driven by a decrease in company-operated store sales of $65 million, or 21%, primarily driven by revenue associated with nine company-operated stores that were sold to a franchisee in the current year as well as decreased volume associated with company-operated stores. Franchise royalties and fees decreased $6 million, or 6%, primarily due to a decrease in average royalty rates, partially offset by a $126 million, or 4%, increase in franchise system-wide sales generated by same store sales growth.
Paint, Collision & Glass Adjusted EBITDA decreased $6 million, or 4%, primarily due to Adjusted EBITDA associated with the nine company-operated stores sold to a franchisee in the current year as well as decreased volume associated with company-operated stores, partially offset by an improvement in operating margin.
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Platform Services
| Year Ended | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, unless otherwise noted) | December 28, 2024 | December 30, 2023 | % Net Revenue For Segment | % Net Revenue For Segment | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise royalties and fees | $ | 30,267 | $ | 30,465 | 14.6 | % | 14.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company-operated store sales | 4,064 | 4,212 | 2.0 | % | 1.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Supply and other revenue | 173,184 | 181,327 | 83.4 | % | 84.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total net revenue | $ | 207,515 | $ | 216,004 | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 83,918 | $ | 80,492 | 40.4 | % | 37.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| System-Wide Sales | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchised stores | $ | 370,086 | $ | 398,386 | $ | (28,300) | (7.1 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company-operated stores | 4,064 | 4,212 | (148) | (3.5 | %) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total System-Wide Sales | $ | 374,150 | $ | 402,598 | $ | (28,448) | (7.1 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Store Count (in whole numbers) | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchised stores | 204 | 205 | (1) | (0.5 | %) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company-operated stores | 1 | 1 | — | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Store Count | 205 | 206 | (1) | (0.5 | %) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Platform Services net revenue decreased $8 million, or 4%, primarily due to the sale of our Canadian distribution business, partially offset by supply sales relating to total company system-wide sales increases in the current year.
Platform Services Adjusted EBITDA increased $3 million, or 4%, primarily driven by cost management.
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Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources
Sources of Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash flow from operations, supplemented with our long-term borrowings and revolving credit facilities, has been sufficient to fund our operations while allowing us to make strategic investments to grow our business. We believe that our sources of liquidity and capital resources will be adequate to fund our operations, acquisitions, company-operated store development, other general corporate needs, and the additional expenses we expect to incur for at least the next twelve months. We expect to continue to have access to the capital markets at acceptable terms. However, this could be adversely affected by many factors including macroeconomic factors, a downgrade of our credit rating, or a deterioration of certain financial ratios.
Driven Brands Funding, LLC (the “Issuer”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and Driven Brands Canada Funding Corporation (along with the Issuer, the “Co-Issuers”) are subject to certain quantitative covenants related to debt service coverage and leverage ratios in connection with our securitization senior notes. Our Term Loan Facility and Revolving Credit Facility also have certain qualitative covenants. As of December 28, 2024, the Co-Issuers and Driven Holdings were in material compliance with all such covenants under their respective credit agreements.
In July 2024, the Company issued $275 million of 2024-1 Senior Notes as well as replaced the 2019 VFN with a $400 million 2024 VFN. Proceeds from the 2024-1 Senior Notes were primarily used to repay the Company’s 2018-1 Senior Notes. See Note 8 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding the Company’s debt.
At December 28, 2024, the Company had total liquidity of $649 million, which included $170 million in cash and cash equivalents and $374 million and $105 million of undrawn capacity on its 2024 VFN and Revolving Credit Facility, respectively. This does not include the additional $135 million Series 2022-1 Class A-1 Notes that expand our variable funding note borrowing capacity when the company elects to exercise it, assuming certain conditions continue to be met.
On February 24, 2025, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to sell its U.S. Car Wash business to Express Wash Operations, LLC dba Whistle Express Car Wash (the “Buyer”). The aggregate purchase price is $385 million, subject to customary adjustments for cash, indebtedness, working capital, and transaction expenses. Under the terms of the agreement, the Buyer has agreed to pay the Company $255 million in cash and deliver to the Company an interest-bearing seller note in the principal amount of $130 million, subject to customary adjustments. The transition is subject to customary closing conditions.
Contractual Obligations
In addition to our liquidity and capital resources, we have significant contractual obligations and commitments as of December 28, 2024 relating to the following:
•Long-term debt and interest obligations - As of December 28, 2024 our outstanding debt balance was $2.7 billion. See Note 8 to our consolidated financial statements for additional details regarding the timing of expected future principal payments. Interest on long-term debt is calculated based on debt outstanding and interest rates in effect on December 28, 2024, taking into account scheduled maturities and amortization payments. As of December 28, 2024, we estimate interest payments of $135 million due in 2025 and $298 million due in 2026 and thereafter.
•Operating lease commitments - The company and its subsidiaries have operating lease agreements for the rental of office space, company-operated stores, and office equipment. As of December 28, 2024, our remaining contractual commitments for operating leases were $2.2 billion. See Note 10 to our consolidated financial statements regarding the timing of expected future payments.
•Sublease rental - The Company’s subsidiaries enter into certain lease agreements with owners of real property to sublet the leased premises to its franchisees. As of December 28, 2024, our remaining contractual commitments for
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sublease rentals were $40 million. See Note 10 to our consolidated financial statements regarding the timing of expected future payments.
The following table illustrates the main components of our cash flows for the year ended December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023:
| Year Ended | |||||||||||
(in thousands) | December 28, 2024 | December 30, 2023 | |||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 241,447 | $ | 235,167 | |||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | 59,019 | (451,407) | |||||||||
| Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | (302,837) | 170,699 | |||||||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | (4,103) | 484 | |||||||||
| Net change in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash included in advertising fund assets | $ | (6,474) | $ | (45,057) | |||||||
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities was $241 million for the year ended December 28, 2024 compared to $235 million for the year ended December 30, 2023. The increase was primarily due to net working capital improvements, partially offset by costs associated with improvements to our IT infrastructure during the year ended December 28, 2024.
Investing Activities
Net cash provided by investing activities was $59 million for the year ended December 28, 2024 compared to $451 million used in investing activities for the year ended December 30, 2023. The increase was primarily due to a $308 million decrease in capital expenditures, $299 million proceeds from the sale or disposal of businesses and fixed assets, primarily consisting of $208 million from the sale of assets held for sale, $78 million from the sale of our Canadian distribution business, and $18 million from the sale of nine company-operated collision stores to a franchisee, as well as a $57 million decrease in net cash paid for acquisitions, partially offset by a $143 million decrease in proceeds from sale leaseback transactions.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities was $303 million for the year ended December 28, 2024 compared to $171 million provided by the year ended December 30, 2023. The decrease in cash provided by financing activities was primarily related to an increase in net repayments of long-term debt, including finance leases, of $436 million, Tax Receivable Agreement payments of $38 million during the year, net repayments on the Revolving Credit facility of $58 million in the current year compared to net borrowings on the Revolving Credit Facility of $248 million in the prior year, debt issuance costs of $10 million in the current year, and proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $6 million in the prior year. The decrease is partially offset by the 2024-1 Senior Notes issuance of $275 million in the current year and share repurchases of $50 million in the prior year. See Note 8 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding the Company’s debt.
Tax Receivable Agreement
We expect to be able to utilize certain tax benefits which are related to periods prior to the effective date of the Company’s initial public offering, which we therefore attribute to our existing shareholders. We expect that these tax benefits (i.e., the Pre-IPO and IPO-Related Tax Benefits) will reduce the amount of tax that we and our subsidiaries would otherwise be required to pay in the future. We have entered into a Tax Receivable Agreement which provides our Pre-IPO shareholders with the right to receive payment by us of 85% of the amount of cash savings, if any, in U.S. and Canadian federal, state, local, and provincial income tax that we and our subsidiaries actually realize as a result of the utilization of the Pre-IPO and IPO-Related Tax Benefits or divestitures. The Company recorded a current income tax receivable liability of $23 million and $56 million as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively, and a non-current income tax receivable liability of $111 million and $118 million as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively, on the consolidated balance sheets. We made payments of approximately $38 million under the Tax Receivable Agreement in 2024.
For purposes of the Tax Receivable Agreement, cash savings in income tax will be computed by reference to the reduction in the liability for income taxes resulting from the utilization of the Pre-IPO and IPO-Related Tax Benefits. The term of the Tax Receivable Agreement commenced upon the effective date of the Company’s initial public offering and will continue until the Pre-IPO and IPO-Related Tax Benefits have been utilized, accelerated, or expired.
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Because we are a holding company with no operations of our own, our ability to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement is dependent on the ability of our subsidiaries to make distributions to us. The securitized debt facility may restrict the ability of our subsidiaries to make distributions to us, which could affect our ability to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement. To the extent that we are unable to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement because of restrictions under our outstanding indebtedness, such payments will be deferred and will generally accrue interest. As of July 1, 2023, interest accrues at the Base Rate plus an applicable margin or SOFR plus an applicable term adjustment plus 1.0%. To the extent that we are unable to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement for any other reason, such payments will generally accrue interest at a rate of SOFR plus an applicable term adjustment plus 5.0% per annum until paid.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements. However, we believe the accounting policies described below are particularly important to the portrayal and understanding of our financial position and results of operations and require application of significant judgment by our management. In applying these policies, management uses its judgment in making certain assumptions and estimates.
These judgments involve estimations of the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and may have a significant impact on our quarterly and annual results of operations or financial condition. Changes in estimates and judgments could significantly affect our result of operations, financial condition, and cash flow in future years. The following is a description of what we consider to be our most critical accounting policies.
Impairment of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets
Goodwill and intangible assets considered to have an indefinite life (primarily our trade names) are evaluated throughout the year to determine if indicators of impairment exist. Such indicators include, but are not limited to, events or circumstances such as a significant adverse change in our business, in the overall business climate, unanticipated competition, a loss of key personnel, adverse legal or regulatory developments, or a significant decline in the market price of our common stock.
If no indicators of impairment have been noted during these preliminary assessments, we perform an assessment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets annually as of the first day of our fourth fiscal quarter. We first assess qualitatively whether it is more-likely-than-not that an impairment does not exist. Significant factors considered in this assessment include, but are not limited to, macro-economic conditions, market and industry conditions, cost considerations, the competitive environment, overall financial performance, and results of past impairment tests. If we do not qualitatively determine that it is more-likely-than-not that an impairment does not exist, we perform a quantitative impairment test.
In performing a quantitative test for impairment of goodwill, we primarily use the income approach method of valuation that includes the discounted cash flow method and the market approach that includes the guideline public company method to determine the fair value of reporting units and indefinite-lived intangible assets. Significant assumptions used by management in estimating fair value under the discounted cash flow model include revenue growth rates, long-term revenue growth rates, discount rates, EBITDA margins, capital expenditures, and tax rates. Other assumptions include operating expenses and overhead expenses. Assumptions used to determine fair value under the guideline public company method include the selection of guideline companies and the valuation multiples applied.
The Company performed a quantitative assessment of goodwill as of September 29, 2024 for its annual impairment test as the company determined based on qualitative factors it was more-likely-than-not that an impairment existed as of the annual impairment testing date based on historical impairment test results. As of the date of our annual impairment assessment, our Car Wash International reporting unit had a goodwill carrying value approximating $214 million and the fair value exceeded this amount by approximately 3%. The most sensitive assumptions utilized to estimate the fair value of this reporting unit were the discount rate, revenue growth rates, long-term revenue growth rate, EBITDA margins, capital expenditures, tax rate, and the valuation multiples applied. A hypothetical 0.5% increase to the discount rate, 1% decrease to the revenue growth rate, or 1% increase to capital expenditures would have resulted in an impairment of $7 million. A hypothetical 1% decrease to the long-term revenue growth rate or 2% decrease in EBITDA margin would have resulted in an impairment of $22 million. Material changes in these estimates could occur and result in impairment charges in future periods.
In the process of performing a quantitative test of our trade name intangible assets, we primarily use the relief of royalty method under the income approach method of valuation. Significant assumptions used to determine fair value under the relief of royalty method include future trends in sales, a royalty rate, and a discount rate to be applied to the forecast revenue stream.
There is an inherent degree of uncertainty in preparing any forecast of future results. Future trends in system-wide sales are dependent to a significant extent on national, regional, and local economic conditions. Any decreases in customer traffic or average repair order due to these or other reasons could reduce gross sales at franchise locations, resulting in lower royalty and
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other payments from franchisees, as well as lower sales at company-operated locations. This could reduce the profitability of franchise locations, potentially impacting the ability of franchisees to make royalty payments owed to us when due, which could adversely impact our current cash flow from franchise operations, and company-operated sites.
The Company performed a qualitative assessment of indefinite-lived trade names as of September 29, 2024, which is the date of our annual impairment test, as it was not more-likely-than-not an impairment existed.
Business combinations
We use the acquisition method in accounting for acquired businesses. Under the acquisition method, our financial statements reflect the operations of an acquired business starting from the completion of the acquisition. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their respective estimated fair values at the date of the acquisition. Any excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Significant judgment is often required in estimating the fair value of assets acquired, particularly intangible assets, including trade names, franchise agreements, license agreements, customer relationships, real property and market adjustments for in-place lease agreements. The Company will record a right-of-use (“ROU”) asset for acquired leases at the present value of remaining lease payments adjusted to reflect favorable or unfavorable market terms of the lease. As a result, in the case of significant acquisitions, we normally obtain the assistance of a third-party valuation specialist in estimating the value of real property and intangible assets. The fair value measurements are based on available historical information and on expectations and assumptions about the future, considering the perspective of marketplace participants. Favorable or unfavorable market terms used to value the ROU assets are estimated based on comparable market data. Fair values of acquired trade names are estimated using an income approach, specifically the relief-from-royalty method. Assumptions utilized in the determination of fair value include forecasted sales, discount rates, and royalty rates. While we believe the expectations and assumptions about the future are reasonable, they are inherently uncertain. Unanticipated market or macroeconomic events and circumstances, like a pandemic, may occur, which could affect the accuracy or validity of the estimates and assumptions.
Long-lived assets
On a regular basis, we assess whether events or changes in circumstances have occurred that potentially indicate the carrying value of long-lived assets may not be recoverable. We test impairment at the individual store asset group level, which includes property and equipment and operating lease assets. We test impairment using historical cash flows and other relevant facts and circumstances as the primary basis for our estimates of future cash flows. Significant factors considered include, but are not limited to, current and forecast sales, current and forecast cash flows, the number of years the site has been in operation, remaining lease life (if applicable), and other factors which apply on a case-by-case basis. The analysis is performed at the individual site level for indicators of permanent impairment. Recoverability of the Company's assets is measured by comparing the assets' carrying value to the undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated over the assets' remaining useful life or remaining lease term, whichever is less. This process requires the use of estimates and assumptions, which are subject to a high degree of judgment. If these assumptions change in the future, we may be required to record impairment charges for these assets.
On a regular basis, we assess whether events or changes in circumstances have occurred that potentially indicate the carrying value of intangible assets with finite lives, primarily assets related to franchise and license agreements, may not be recoverable. Recoverability of the asset is measured by comparing the assets' carrying value to the undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated over the asset's remaining useful life. Significant factors considered include, but are not limited to, current and forecast sales, current and forecast cash flows, and a discount rate to be applied to the forecast revenue stream.
The Company performed an interim impairment test over the long-lived assets of the U.S. Car Wash business as of December 28, 2024 and determined the carrying value of the assets exceeded the fair value. An impairment of $325 million was recorded to property and equipment. Refer to Note 7 within the consolidated financial statements within this Form 10-K for additional information.
Income taxes
We estimate certain components of our provision for income taxes. Our estimates and judgments include, among other items, the calculations used to determine the deferred tax asset and liability balances, effective tax rates for state and local income taxes, uncertain tax positions, amounts deductible for tax purposes, and related reserves. We adjust our annual effective income tax rate as additional information on outcomes or events become available. Further, our assessment of uncertain tax positions requires judgments relating to the amounts, timing, and likelihood of resolution.
We account for income taxes under the liability method whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax laws and rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the assets and liabilities are expected to be
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recovered or settled. The effects on deferred tax assets and liabilities of subsequent changes in the tax laws and rates are recognized in income during the year the changes are enacted.
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment.
We follow the applicable authoritative guidance with respect to the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in our consolidated financial statements. It prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken, or expected to be taken, in a tax return. We record any interest and penalties associated as additional income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
Leases
The Company is the lessee in a significant real estate portfolio, primarily through ground leases (the Company leases the land and generally owns the building) and through leases of land and buildings. The Company records a right of use (“ROU”) asset and lease liability based on the present value of the Company’s estimated future minimum lease payments over the lease term.
In determining the initial lease term, the Company generally does not include periods covered by renewal options, as the Company does not believe these renewal options are reasonably assured of being exercised. These judgments may produce materially different amounts of depreciation, amortization, and rent expense than would be reported if different assumed lease terms were used.
If a lease does not provide enough information to determine the implicit interest rate in the agreements, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate in calculating the lease liability. The Company determines its incremental borrowing rate for each lease by reference to yield rates on collateralized debt issuances, which approximates borrowings on a collateralized basis, by companies of a similar credit rating as the Company, with adjustments for differences in years to maturity and implied company-specific credit spreads.
Equity-based Compensation
We have an equity-based compensation plan that provides compensation to employees through various grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, other stock-based awards, other cash-based awards, or any combination of the foregoing to current and prospective employees and directors of, and consultants and advisors to, the Company and its affiliates.
We recognize expense related to the fair value of equity-based compensation over the service period (generally the vesting period) in the consolidated financial statements based on the estimated fair value of the award on the grant date.
The grant date fair value of all incentive units is estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The pricing model requires assumptions, which include the expected life of the profits interests, the risk-free interest rate, the expected dividend yield, and expected volatility of our units over the expected life, which significantly impacts the assumed fair value. We account for forfeitures as they occur.
The expected term of the incentive units is based on evaluations of historical and expected future employee behavior. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury rates at the date of grant with maturity dates approximately equal to the expected life at the grant date. Volatility is based on the historical volatility of several public entities that are similar to the Company, as the Company does not have sufficient historical transactions of its own units on which to base expected volatility.
We engage third-party valuation experts to assist in the valuation of our incentive units. These third-party valuations were performed in accordance with the guidance outlined in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ Accounting and Valuation Guide, Valuation of Privately-Held-Company Equity Securities Issued as Compensation.
The assumptions underlying our valuations represent management’s best estimates, which involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management judgment. As a result, if factors or expected outcomes change and we use significantly different assumptions or estimates, our equity-based compensation expense could be materially different. Following the closing of the initial public offering, the fair value of our common stock was determined based on the quoted market price of our common stock.
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Application of New Accounting Standards
See Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of recently issued accounting standards applicable to the Company.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are exposed to certain market risks, which exist as part of our ongoing business operations. In addition to inflationary pressures, we are exposed to changes in interest rates, price volatility for certain commodities, and changes in currency exchange rates. As a policy, we do not engage in speculative transactions, nor do we hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes.
Interest Rate Risk
We are exposed to changes in interest rates as a result of our financing activities used to fund business operations. Primary exposures include movements in the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”). The nature and amount of our long-term debt can be expected to vary as a result of future business requirements, market conditions, and other factors. Over the past several years, the U.S. Federal Reserve Board and European Central Bank have changed certain benchmark interest rates, which has resulted in fluctuations within our variable rate debt instruments.
We have attempted to manage this risk by issuing fixed rate debt instruments on the majority of our securitization senior notes. However, our variable funding notes, Term Loan Facility, and Revolving Credit Facility are variable rate, and therefore our interest costs are subject to change based on movement in interest rates. A hypothetical rate increase or decrease of 1% for variable debt held as of December 28, 2024, would result in an increase or decrease of interest expense of $5 million.
We also have exposure to variable interest rates in the Tax Receivable Agreement. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details.
As discussed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors - We are required to make payments under a Tax Receivable Agreement for certain tax benefits, which amounts are expected to be material” to the extent that we are unable to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement because of restrictions under our outstanding indebtedness, we may be subject to interest rate risk. As of July 1, 2023, interest accrues at the Base Rate plus an applicable margin or SOFR plus an applicable term adjustment plus 1.0%. To the extent that we are unable to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement for any other reason, such payments will generally accrue interest at a rate of SOFR plus an applicable term adjustment plus 5.0% per annum until paid.
Commodity Risk
We purchase certain products in the normal course of business, including motor oil, paint, and consumables, the costs of which are affected by global commodity prices.
Generally, our contracts with suppliers are not fixed, meaning we could be exposed to supplier-imposed price increases. However, we attempt to mitigate this risk through contract renegotiations or by passing along price increases to our end customers.
Foreign Exchange Risk
We are exposed to market risk due to changes in currency exchange rate fluctuations for revenues generated by our operations in Canada, Europe, and Australia, which can adversely impact our net income and cash flows. Our consolidated statement of operations and balance sheet accounts are also impacted by the re-measurement of non-functional currency transactions, such as intercompany loans denominated in foreign currency. We have attempted to minimize this risk on certain securitization debt with a foreign currency forward contract to hedge our risk to changes between the U.S. Dollar and Canadian Dollar. See Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details.
Impact of Inflation
Inflation did not have a significant overall effect on our annual results of operations during 2024, 2023 or 2022. Severe increases in inflation, however, could affect the global and U.S. economies and could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
| Index to Consolidated Financial Statements | |||||
| Page | |||||
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID | |||||
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022 | |||||
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Years Ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022 | |||||
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023 | |||||
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ / Members’ Equity for the Years Ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022 | |||||
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022 | |||||
| Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements | |||||
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Driven Brands Holdings Inc.
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Driven Brands Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, and the related consolidated statements of operations, of comprehensive income (loss), of shareholders' equity and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 28, 2024, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the "consolidated financial statements"). We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 28, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 28, 2024 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 28, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.
Basis for Opinions
The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting 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 audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements 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. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
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Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Annual Goodwill Impairment Assessment – Car Wash International Reporting Unit
As described in Notes 2 and 6 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s goodwill balance was $1.4 billion as of December 28, 2024, and the goodwill of the Car Wash reportable segment was $197.5 million, which relates to the Car Wash International reporting unit. Management tests goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level on the first day of the fourth quarter every year or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the asset might be impaired. If a reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, the Company will record an impairment charge based on that difference. Management uses the income approach method of valuation that includes the discounted cash flow method, and the market approach that includes the guideline public company method, to determine the fair value of the reporting units. Significant assumptions used by management in estimating fair value under the discounted cash flow model include the discount rates, revenue growth rates, long-term revenue growth rates, EBITDA margins, capital expenditures, and tax rates. Assumptions used to determine fair value under the guideline public company method include the selection of guideline companies and the valuation multiples applied.
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the annual goodwill impairment assessment of the Car Wash International reporting unit is a critical audit matter are (i) the significant judgment by management when developing the fair value estimate of the Car Wash International reporting unit; (ii) a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity, and effort in performing procedures and evaluating management’s significant assumptions related to (a) discount rate, revenue growth rates, long-term revenue growth rate, EBITDA margins, capital expenditures, and tax rate used in the discounted cash flow method and (b) selection of guideline companies and valuation multiples applied used in the guideline public company method; and (iii) the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to management’s annual goodwill impairment assessment, including controls over the valuation of the Car Wash International reporting unit. These procedures also included, among others, (i) testing management’s process for developing the fair value estimate of Car Wash International reporting unit; (ii) evaluating the appropriateness of the discounted cash flow method and guideline public company method used by management; (iii) testing the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data used in the methods; and (iv) evaluating the reasonableness of the significant assumptions used by management related to discount rate, revenue growth rates, long-term revenue growth rate, EBITDA margins, capital expenditures, and tax rate used in the discounted cash flow method and selection of guideline companies and valuation multiples applied in the guideline public company method. Evaluating management’s assumptions related to revenue growth rates, long-term revenue growth rate, EBITDA margins, capital expenditures and tax rate involved evaluating whether the assumptions used by management were reasonable considering (i) the current and past performance of the Car Wash International reporting unit; (ii) whether the assumptions were consistent with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit; and (iii) for assumptions other than capital expenditures, the consistency with external market and industry data. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in evaluating (i) the appropriateness of the discounted cash flow method and the guideline public company method and (ii) the reasonableness of the assumptions related to the discount rate, long-term revenue growth rate, selection of guideline companies, and valuation multiples applied.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
February 26, 2025
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2022.
63
DRIVEN BRANDS HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
| Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands, except per share amounts) | December 28, 2024 | December 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenue: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise royalties and fees | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company-operated store sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Independently-operated store sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Advertising contributions | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Supply and other revenue | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total net revenue | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company-operated store expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Independently-operated store expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Advertising expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Supply and other expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, general, and administrative expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Goodwill impairment | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset impairment charges and lease terminations | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating (loss) income | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other expenses, net: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency transaction loss (gain), net | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on debt extinguishment | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other expense, net | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Loss) income before taxes | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax (benefit) expense | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net (loss) income | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net (loss) income attributable to Driven Brands Holdings Inc. | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Loss) earnings per share: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average shares outstanding | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
64
DRIVEN BRANDS HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
| Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | December 28, 2024 | December 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net (loss) income | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized (loss) gain from cash flow hedges, net of tax expense (benefit) of ($ | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Actuarial (loss) gain of defined pension plan, net of tax (benefit) expense of $ | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive (loss) income, net | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total comprehensive loss | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive loss attributable to Driven Brands Holdings Inc. | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
65
DRIVEN BRANDS HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) | December 28, 2024 | December 30, 2023 | |||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||
| Current assets: | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Restricted cash | |||||||||||
| Accounts and notes receivable, net | |||||||||||
| Inventory | |||||||||||
| Prepaid and other assets | |||||||||||
| Income tax receivable | |||||||||||
| Assets held for sale | |||||||||||
| Advertising fund assets, restricted | |||||||||||
| Total current assets | |||||||||||
| Other assets | |||||||||||
| Property and equipment, net | |||||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | |||||||||||
| Deferred commissions | |||||||||||
| Intangibles, net | |||||||||||
| Goodwill | |||||||||||
| Deferred tax assets | |||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Liabilities and shareholders' equity | |||||||||||
| Current liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Accrued expenses and other liabilities | |||||||||||
| Income tax payable | |||||||||||
| Current portion of long-term debt | |||||||||||
| Income tax receivable liability | |||||||||||
| Advertising fund liabilities | |||||||||||
| Total current liabilities | |||||||||||
| Long-term debt | |||||||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities | |||||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities | |||||||||||
| Income tax receivable liability | |||||||||||
| Deferred revenue | |||||||||||
| Long-term accrued expenses and other liabilities | |||||||||||
| Total liabilities | |||||||||||
Commitments and contingencies (Note 17) | |||||||||||
Preferred Stock $ | |||||||||||
Common stock, $ | |||||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | |||||||||||
| Accumulated deficit | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Total shareholders’ equity attributable to Driven Brands Holdings Inc. | |||||||||||
| Non-controlling interests | |||||||||||
| Total shareholders' equity | |||||||||||
| Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | $ | $ | |||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
66
DRIVEN BRANDS HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
| Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 28, 2024 | December 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands, except share amounts) | Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred stock, $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock, $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at beginning of period | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock issued relating to Employee Stock Purchase Plan | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued for exercise/vesting of share-based compensation awards | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share repurchases | — | — | ( | ( | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Forfeiture of restricted stock awards | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at end of period | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at beginning of period | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation expense | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercise of stock options | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock issued relating to Employee Stock Purchase Plan | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tax obligations for share-based compensation | ( | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at end of period | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Accumulated deficit) retained earnings | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at beginning of period | $ | ( | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share repurchases | — | ( | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net (loss) income | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at end of period | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at beginning of period | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive (loss) income | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at end of period | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-controlling interests | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at beginning of period | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Divestiture of Denmark car wash operations | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition of non-controlling interest | ( | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at end of period | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total shareholders’ equity | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
67
DRIVEN BRANDS HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
| Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | December 28, 2024 | December 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||
| Net (loss) income | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | |||||||||||||||||
| Goodwill impairment | |||||||||||||||||
| Trade name impairment | |||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation expense | |||||||||||||||||
| Loss (gain) on foreign denominated transactions | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| (Gain) loss on foreign currency derivatives | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Loss (gain) on sale and disposal of businesses, fixed assets, and sale leaseback transactions | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Reclassification of interest rate hedge to income | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Bad debt expense | |||||||||||||||||
| Asset impairment charges and lease terminations | |||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of deferred financing costs and bond discounts | |||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of cloud computing | |||||||||||||||||
| (Benefit) provision for deferred income taxes | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Loss on extinguishment of debt | |||||||||||||||||
| Other, net | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: | |||||||||||||||||
| Accounts and notes receivable, net | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Inventory | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Prepaid and other assets | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Advertising fund assets and liabilities, restricted | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Other assets | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Deferred commissions | |||||||||||||||||
| Deferred revenue | |||||||||||||||||
| Accounts payable | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Accrued expenses and other liabilities | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Income tax receivable | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Cash provided by operating activities | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Cash used in business acquisitions, net of cash acquired | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from sale leaseback transactions | |||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from sale or disposal of businesses and fixed assets | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash provided by (used in) investing activities | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Payment of debt extinguishment and issuance costs | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt | |||||||||||||||||
| Repayment of long-term debt | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from revolving lines of credit and short-term debt | |||||||||||||||||
| Repayment of revolving lines of credit and short-term debt | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Repayment of principal portion of finance lease liability | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Payment of Tax Receivable Agreement | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition of non-controlling interest | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Share repurchases | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from the termination of interest rate swap | |||||||||||||||||
| Tax obligations for share-based compensation | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Stock option exercises | |||||||||||||||||
| Other, net | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Cash (used in) provided by financing activities | ( | ||||||||||||||||
68
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Net change in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and cash included in advertising fund assets, restricted | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash included in advertising fund assets, restricted, beginning of period | |||||||||||||||||
| Restricted cash, beginning of period | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and cash included in advertising fund assets, restricted, beginning of period | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash included in advertising fund assets, restricted, end of period | |||||||||||||||||
| Restricted cash, end of period | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and cash included in advertising fund assets, restricted, end of period | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Supplemental cash flow disclosures - non-cash items: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital expenditures included in accrued expenses and other liabilities | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred consideration included in accrued expenses and other liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Supplemental cash flow disclosures - cash paid for: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Income taxes | |||||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
69
DRIVEN BRANDS HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1—Description of Business
Description of Business
Driven Brands Holdings Inc. together with its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) is a Delaware corporation and is the parent holding company of Driven Brands, Inc. and Shine Holdco (UK) Limited (collectively, “Driven Brands”). Driven Brands is the largest automotive services company in North America with a growing and highly-franchised base of approximately 5,200 franchised, independently-operated, and company-operated locations across 49 U.S. states and 13 other countries. The Company has a portfolio of highly recognized brands, including Take 5 Oil Change®, Meineke Car Care Centers®, MAACO®, Take 5 Car Wash®, CARSTAR®, AutoGlassNow®, Fix Auto, and 1-800-Radiator & A/C® that compete in the automotive services industry.
Tax Receivable Agreement
Note 2— Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Fiscal Year
The Company operates and reports financial information on a 52- or 53-week year with the fiscal year ending on the last Saturday in December and fiscal quarters ending on the 13th Saturday of each quarter (or 14th Saturday when applicable with respect to the fourth fiscal quarter). Our fiscal years ending December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023 each consisted of 52 weeks, and our 2022 fiscal year ending December 31, 2022 consisted of 53 weeks. The Car Wash segment is consolidated based on a calendar month end.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP") and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The adjustments include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
The twelve months ended December 28, 2024 include an adjustment to the consolidated balance sheet and consolidated statement of operations that originated in the prior year. The adjustment decreased current assets $4 million, decreased property and equipment, net $5 million, and increased selling, general, and administrative expenses by $9 million. The Company evaluated the materiality of the adjustment on prior period financial statements, recorded the adjustment in the current period, and concluded the effect of the adjustment was immaterial to both the current and prior financial statements.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements. Significant items that are subject to estimates and assumptions include, but are not limited to, valuation of intangible assets and goodwill; income taxes; allowances for credit losses; valuation of derivatives; self-insurance claims; and share-based compensation. Management evaluates its estimates on an ongoing basis and may employ outside experts to assist in its evaluations. Changes in such estimates, based on historical experience, current conditions, and various other additional information, may affect amounts reported in future periods. Actual results could differ due to uncertainty inherent in the nature of these estimates.
70
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents consist of demand deposits and short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. These investments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.
Restricted Cash
Accounts and Notes Receivable
The Company’s accounts receivable consists principally of amounts due related to product sales, centrally billed commercial fleet work, centrally billed insurance claims, advertising and franchise fees, rent due from franchisees, and training services. These receivables are generally due within 30 days of the period in which the corresponding sales occur and are classified as accounts and notes receivable, net on the consolidated balance sheet. Accounts receivable are reported at their estimated net realizable value.
Allowance for Credit Losses
Expected credit losses for uncollectible receivable balances consider both current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts of future conditions. Current conditions considered include predefined aging criteria, as well as specified events that indicate the balance due is not collectible. Reasonable and supportable forecasts used in determining the probability of future collection consider publicly available macroeconomic data and whether future credit losses are expected to differ from historical losses.
Inventory
Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The Company primarily purchases its oil, lubricants, soap and auto glass in bulk quantities to take advantage of volume discounts and to ensure inventory availability to complete services. Inventories are presented net of volume rebates.
Property and Equipment, Net
The following table presents the estimated useful lives for each asset category:
| Buildings and improvements | |||||
| Furniture and fixtures | |||||
| Store equipment | |||||
| Leasehold improvements | |||||
| Vehicles | |||||
| Computer equipment and software | |||||
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Cloud Computing Arrangements
The Company capitalizes qualified cloud computing implementation costs associated with the application development stage and subsequently amortizes these costs over the term of the hosting arrangement and stated renewal period, if it is reasonably certain we will renew. Capitalized costs are included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company recorded capitalized cloud computing arrangement costs of $116 million and $52 million as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively, which included $46 million and $29 million of cloud computing assets not-in-service and accumulated amortization of $10 million and $2 million, respectively. During the years ended December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, we recorded cloud computing amortization of $8 million and $2 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2022, no cloud computing arrangements were in service.
Leases
The lease standard requires the lessee in an operating lease to record a balance sheet gross-up upon lease commencement by recognizing an ROU asset and lease liability equal to the present value of the lease payments over the expected lease term. The ROU asset and lease liability are derecognized in a manner that effectively yields a straight-line lease expense over the lease term. In addition to the changes to the lessee operating lease accounting requirements, the amendments also change the types of costs that can be capitalized related to a lease agreement for both lessees and lessors.
Finance lease ROU assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the useful life of the leased asset or lease term. Finance lease liabilities are recognized using the effective interest method, with interest determined as the amount that results in a constant periodic discount rate on the remaining balance of the liability. Interest associated with finance lease liabilities is recognized in interest expense, net, on the consolidated statements of operations and is included in changes in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
At contract inception, we determine whether the contract is or contains a lease based on the terms and conditions of the contract. Lease contracts are recognized on our consolidated balance sheet as ROU assets and lease liabilities; however, we have elected not to recognize ROU assets and lease liabilities on leases with terms of one year or less. Variable lease payments that are dependent on usage, output, or may vary for other reasons are excluded from lease payments in the measurement of the ROU assets and lease liabilities and are recognized as lease expense in the period the obligation is incurred. For lease agreements entered into or reassessed after the adoption of Topic 842, we combine lease and non-lease components. The Company’s vehicle and equipment leases are comprised of a single lease component.
If a lease does not provide enough information to determine the implicit interest rate in the agreements, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate in calculating the lease liability. The Company determines its incremental borrowing rate for each lease by reference to yield rates on collateralized debt issuances, which approximates borrowings on a collateralized basis, by companies of a similar credit rating as the Company, with adjustments for differences in years to maturity and implied company-specific credit spreads.
Certain leases include renewal and termination options and the option to renew is under our sole discretion. These leases are included in the lease term in determining the ROU assets and liabilities when we are reasonably certain we will exercise the option.
The ROU asset also includes initial direct costs paid less lease incentives received from the lessor. The Company also records lease income for subleases of franchise stores to certain franchisees. Lease income from sublease rentals is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets that are used in operations are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable through undiscounted future cash flows. Recognition and measurement of a potential impairment is performed on assets grouped with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level where identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. An impairment loss is the amount by which the carrying amount of a long-lived asset or asset group exceeds its estimated fair value.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill is recorded when the aggregate purchase price of an acquisition exceeds the estimated fair value of the net identified tangible and intangible assets acquired. The Company's indefinite-lived intangibles are comprised of trademarks and tradenames. Management tests goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level on the first day of the fourth quarter every year or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the asset might be impaired. If a reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, the Company will record an impairment charge based on that difference.
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In performing a quantitative test for impairment of goodwill, we primarily use the income approach method of valuation that includes the discounted cash flow method and the market approach that includes the guideline public company method to determine the fair value of the reporting units and indefinite-lived intangible assets. Significant assumptions used by management in estimating fair value under the discounted cash flow model include the discount rates, revenue growth rates, long-term revenue growth rates, EBITDA margins, capital expenditures, and tax rates. Other assumptions include operating expenses, overhead expenses. Assumptions used to determine fair value under the guideline public company method include the selection of guideline companies and the valuation multiples applied.
When performing a quantitative test of our trade name intangible assets, we primarily use the relief of royalty method under the income approach method of valuation. Significant assumptions used to determine fair value under the relief of royalty method include future trends in sales, a royalty rate, and a discount rate to be applied to the forecast revenue stream.
There is an inherent degree of uncertainty in preparing any forecast of future results. Future trends in system-wide sales are dependent to a significant extent on national, regional, and local economic conditions. Any decreases in customer traffic or average repair order due to these or other reasons could reduce gross sales at franchise locations, resulting in lower royalty and other payments from franchisees, as well as lower sales at company-operated locations. This could reduce the profitability of franchise locations, potentially impacting the ability of franchisees to make royalty payments owed to us when due, which could adversely impact our current cash flow from franchise operations and company-operated sites.
The determination of an indefinite life is subject to reassessment if changes in facts and circumstances indicate the period of benefit has become finite.
Refer to Note 7 for information regarding goodwill and intangible impairment charges recorded during the years ended December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022. No goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible impairment charges were recorded during the year ended December 28, 2024.
Definite Lived Intangible Assets
The Company's definite lived intangible assets are comprised primarily of trademarks, franchise agreements, license agreements, membership agreements, customer relationships, and developed technology.
Intangible assets with definite lives are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of each asset as follows:
| Estimated Useful Life | |||||
| Tradenames | |||||
| Franchise agreements | |||||
| License agreements | |||||
| Membership agreements | |||||
| Customer relationships | |||||
| Developed technology | |||||
The lives of definite lived intangibles are reviewed and reduced if changes in their planned use occur. If changes in the asset’s planned use is identified, management reviews the useful life and carrying value of the asset to assess the recoverability of the assets if facts and circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. The recoverability test requires management to compare the undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the intangible asset or asset group to the carrying value. If the carrying amounts of the intangible asset is not recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, an impairment charge is recognized to the extent the carrying value exceeds its fair value.
Management reviews business combinations to identify intangible assets, which are typically tradenames and customer relationships, and value the assets based on information and assumptions available to us at the date of purchase utilizing income and market approaches to determine fair value.
Assets Held for Sale
Assets currently available for sale and expected to be sold within one year are classified as assets held for sale on the consolidated balance sheets. Refer to Note 7 for additional information.
Accrued Liabilities
Included within accrued expenses and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet were $44 million and $50 million of accrued payroll, bonus, and benefits at December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively.
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The Company has the following employee benefit plans: a 401(k) plan covering eligible employees as defined by the plan agreement, a non-qualified deferred compensation plan for its executive level employees, and an unfunded pension plan covering certain international employees within the Car Wash segment.
Derivative Instruments
We utilize derivative financial instruments to manage our interest rate and foreign exchange exposure. For derivatives instruments where we have not elected hedge accounting, the change in fair value is recognized in earnings. For derivative instruments where we have elected hedge accounting, the changes in the derivative and the hedged item attributable to the hedged risks are recognized in the same line within our consolidated statement of operations. For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, changes in the fair value of the derivative are initially recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and subsequently recorded to the statement of operations when the hedged item impacts earnings. Derivatives designated as hedge accounting are assessed at inception and on an ongoing basis whether the instrument is, and will continue to be, highly effective in offsetting cash flow or fair value of the hedged item and whether it remains probable the forecasted transaction will occur. Changes in the fair value for derivative instruments that do not qualify as hedge accounting are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations. Refer to Note 11 for additional information regarding our derivative assets and liabilities.
Revenue Recognition
Franchise royalties and fees
Franchisees are required to pay an upfront license fee prior to the opening of a location. The initial license payment received is recognized ratably over the life of the franchise agreement. Franchisees will also pay continuing royalty fees, at least monthly, based on a percentage of the store level retail sales or a flat amount, depending on the brand. The royalty income is recognized as the underlying sales occur. In addition to the initial fees and royalties, the Company also recognizes revenue associated with development fees charged to franchisees, which are recognized as income over the life of the associated franchise agreement. Development fees relate to the right of a franchisee to open additional locations in an agreed upon territory.
Company-operated store sales
Company-operated store sales are recognized, net of sales discounts, upon delivery of services and the service-related product. Customers also have the ability to purchase car wash club memberships that allow a customer unlimited washes for the duration of the membership. The Company recognizes revenue from these membership programs on a straight-line basis over the membership term. Sales proceeds for gift cards are recognized as a contract liability; the liability is reduced and revenue is recognized when the gift card is subsequently redeemed for services. Breakage on unredeemed gift card balances is estimated and recognized as revenue using the proportional method based on historical redemption patterns.
The states and municipalities in which the Company operates impose sales tax on all of the Company’s nonexempt revenue. The Company collects the sales tax from its customers and remits the entire amount to the appropriate taxing authority. The Company’s policy is to exclude the tax collected and remitted from net revenue and direct costs. The Company accrues sales tax liabilities as it records sales, maintaining the amount owed to the taxing authorities in accrued expenses and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
Independently-operated store sales and expenses
Independently-operated store sales and expenses consist of our car wash sites outside North America. The Company is primarily responsible for fulfilling its performance obligation of providing car wash and other vehicle cleaning services but engages a third-party to provide site labor and operate these stores on its behalf. The Company pays a commission to these third-parties to perform this service. Revenue from car washes at these locations is recorded in independently-operated store sales at the time the service is performed, while the commissions paid to the third-parties are recorded in independently-operated store expenses.
Advertising contributions
Franchised and company-operated stores are generally required to contribute advertising dollars according to the terms of their respective contract (typically based on a percentage of sales) that are used for, among other activities, advertising the brand on a national and local basis, as determined by the brand’s franchisor. The Company’s franchisees make their contributions to a marketing fund which in turn administers and distributes their advertising contributions directly to the franchisor. This advertising fee revenue is recognized as the underlying sales occur. Advertising expenses are recorded as incurred. Revenues and expenses related to these advertising collections and expenditures are reported on a gross basis in the consolidated statements of operations. The assets related to the advertising fund are considered restricted and disclosed as such on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
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Any excess or deficiency of advertising fee revenue compared to advertising expenditures is recognized in the fourth quarter of the Company's fiscal year. Any excess of revenue over expenditures is recognized only to the extent of previously recognized deficits. When advertising revenues exceed the related advertising expenses and there is no recovery of a previously recognized deficit of advertising revenues, advertising costs are accrued up to the amount of revenues.
Supply and other revenue
Supply and other revenue includes revenue related to product sales, vendor incentive revenue, insurance licensing fees, store leases, software maintenance fees, and automotive training services revenue. Supply and other revenue is recognized once title of goods is transferred to franchisees or other independent parties, as the sales of the related products occur, or ratably. Vendor incentive revenue is recognized as sales of the related product occur. Insurance licensing fee revenue is generated when the Company is acting as an agent on behalf of its franchisees and is recognized once title of goods is transferred to franchisees. The insurance license revenue is presented net of any related expense with any residual revenue reflecting the management fee the Company charges for the program. Store lease revenue is recognized ratably over the underlying property lease term. Software maintenance fee revenue is recognized monthly in connection with providing and servicing software. Automotive training services are provided to third party shop owner/operators in accordance with agreed upon contract terms. These contracts may be for one-time shop visits or agreements to receive access to education and training programs for multiple years. For one-time shop visits, revenue is recognized at the time the service is rendered. For the multi-year education and training contracts, revenue is recognized ratably over the contract term.
Assets Recognized from the Costs to Obtain a Contract with a Customer
The Company has elected a practical expedient to expense costs as incurred for costs to obtain a contract when the amortization period would have been one year or less. The Company records contract assets, included in deferred commissions on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, for the incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer if we expect the benefit of those costs to be longer than one year and if such costs are material. Commission expenses, a primary cost associated with the sale of franchise licenses, are amortized to selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations ratably over the life of the associated franchise agreement.
The Company records contract assets for the incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer if it expects the benefit of those costs to be longer than one year and if such costs are material. Commission expenses, a primary cost associated with the sale of franchise licenses, are amortized to selling, general, and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations ratably over the life of the associated franchise agreement.
Capitalized costs to obtain a contract as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023 were $7 million and $6 million, respectively, and are presented within deferred commissions on the consolidated balance sheets.
Contract Balances
The Company generally records a contract liability when cash is provided for a contract with a customer before the Company has completed its contractual performance obligation. This includes cash payments for initial franchise fees as well as upfront payments on store owner consulting and education contracts. Franchise fees and shop owner consulting contract payments are recognized over the life of the agreement, which range from to 20 and to four year terms, respectively.
Company-Operated Store Expenses
Company-operated store expenses consist of payroll and benefit costs for employees at company-operated locations, as well as rent, costs associated with procuring materials from suppliers, and other store-level operating costs. The Company receives volume rebates based on a variety of factors which are included in accounts receivable on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and accounted for as a reduction of company-operated store expenses as they are earned. Sales discounts received from suppliers are recorded as a reduction of the cost of inventory. Advanced rebates are included in accrued expenses and other liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and are accounted for as a reduction of company-operated store expenses as they are earned over the term of the supply agreement. In addition, the Company includes subleasing expense
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associated with the subleasing of store buildings to franchisees within supply and other expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
Share-Based Compensation
The Company recognizes expense related to share-based compensation awards over the service period (generally the vesting period) in the consolidated financial statements based on the estimated fair value of the award on the grant-date. Forfeitures are accounted for as they occur.
Shares Repurchased
We record shares repurchased on their trade date and reduce shareholders’ equity and increase accounts payable. Shares repurchased are retired, and the excess of repurchase price over the par value of the shares is charged to retained earnings. Refer to Note 13 for additional information.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Financial assets and liabilities are categorized, based on the inputs to the valuation technique, into a three-level fair value hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to the quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. Observable market data, when available, is required to be used in making fair value measurements. When inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the level within which the fair value measurement is categorized is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
The Company classifies and discloses assets and liabilities carried at fair value in one of the following three categories:
Level 1: Inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date;
Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly; or
Level 3: Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs are used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available, thereby allowing for situations in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date.
The Company estimates the fair value of financial instruments using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. The carrying amount for cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, inventory, other current assets, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value because of their short maturities. The notes receivable carrying value also approximates fair value due to interest rates that approximate market rates for agreements with similar maturities and credit quality. The fair value of the Company’s foreign currency derivative instruments is derived from valuation models, which use Level 2 observable inputs such as quoted market prices, interest rates, and forward yield curves. The fair value of long-term debt is estimated based on Level 2 inputs using discounted cash flows and market-based expectations for interest rates, credit risk and contractual terms of the debt agreements.
Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023 are summarized as follows:
Items Measured at Fair Value at December 28, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | Level 1 | Level 2 | Total | ||||||||||||||
| Derivative assets, recorded in other assets | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Derivative liabilities, recorded in accrued expenses and other liabilities | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
Items Measured at Fair Value at December 30, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | Level 1 | Level 2 | Total | ||||||||||||||
| Derivative assets, recorded in other assets | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Derivative liabilities, recorded in accrued expenses and other liabilities | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
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The carrying value and estimated fair value of total long-term debt were as follows:
| December 28, 2024 | December 30, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | Carrying value | Estimated fair value | Carrying value | Estimated fair value | |||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes under the liability method whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax laws and rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the assets and liabilities are expected to be recovered or settled. The effects on deferred tax assets and liabilities of subsequent changes in the tax laws and rates are recognized in income during the year the changes are enacted.
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment.
Deferred Financing Costs
The costs related to the issuance of debt are presented in the accompanying balance sheets as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt or within other assets for deferred financing costs associated with the Revolving Credit Facility and amortized over the terms of the related debt agreements as interest expense using the effective interest method.
Insurance Reserves
Foreign Currency Translation
We translate assets and liabilities of non-U.S. operations into U.S. dollars at rates of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date, and revenues and expenses at the average exchange rates prevailing during the period. Resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a separate component of other comprehensive income (loss). Transactions resulting in foreign exchange gains and losses are included in the consolidated statements of operations.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. The standard enhances segment disclosure requirements of significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) to assist in understanding how segment expenses and operating results are evaluated. The new standard does not change the definition or aggregation of operating segments. The standard also expands the interim disclosure requirements on a retrospective basis. We have adopted this standard for our fiscal year 2024 annual financial statements and interim financial statements thereafter and have applied this standard retrospectively for all prior periods presented in the financial statements. Refer Note 9 for the Company’s annual segment disclosure.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. This ASU improves the transparency of income tax disclosures, including consistent categories and greater disaggregation of information in the tax rate reconciliation as well as disaggregation of income taxes paid by jurisdiction. This ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted for annual financial statements that have not yet been issued
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or made available for issuance. The Company is evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income-Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses. This ASU includes amendments that require entities to bifurcate specified expense line items on the income statement into underlying components, including purchases of inventory, employee compensation, depreciation, intangible asset amortization and depletion, as applicable. Qualitative descriptions of the remaining components are required. These enhanced disclosures are required for both interim and annual periods. Selling expenses must also be separately disclosed for both interim and annual periods, along with an annual qualitative description of the composition of selling expenses. In January 2025, the FASB subsequently issued ASU 2025-01, Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income-Expense Disaggregation Disclosures(Subtopic 220-40): Clarifying the Effective Date. This ASU provides clarification on the ASU's effective date. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026 on a prospective basis with the option to apply it retrospectively, and for interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
Note 3—Acquisitions and Divestitures
The Company strategically acquires companies and assets to increase its footprint and offer products and services that diversify its existing offerings, primarily through asset purchase agreements. These acquisitions are accounted for as business combinations using the acquisition method, whereby the purchase price is allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, based on their fair values as of the date of the acquisition with the remaining amount recorded in goodwill.
2024 Acquisitions
The Company completed one acquisition within the Maintenance segment and one acquisition in the international car wash business within the Car Wash segment during the year ended December 28, 2024, representing two sites and one site, respectively, for an aggregate cash consideration, net of cash acquired and liabilities assumed, of less than $2 million.
2023 Acquisitions
The Company completed six acquisitions within the Maintenance segment during the year ended December 30, 2023, representing six sites. The aggregate cash consideration for these acquisitions, net of cash acquired and liabilities assumed, was approximately $9 million.
The Company completed three acquisitions within the Car Wash segment during the year ended December 30, 2023, representing four sites. The aggregate cash consideration for these acquisitions, net of cash acquired and liabilities assumed, was approximately $15 million.
The Company completed two acquisitions in the Paint, Collision & Glass segment during the year ended December 30, 2023, representing two sites. The aggregate cash consideration for these acquisitions, net of cash acquired and liabilities assumed, was approximately $6 million.
The Company estimated the fair value of acquired assets and liabilities as of the date of acquisition based on information currently available. As the Company finalizes the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, additional purchase price adjustments may be recorded during the measurement period. The amounts for assets acquired and liabilities assumed for the 2023 acquisitions are as follows:
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2023 Maintenance Segment
| (in thousands) | Maintenance | ||||||||||
| Assets: | |||||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | $ | ||||||||||
| Property and equipment, net | |||||||||||
| Assets acquired | |||||||||||
| Liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Accrued expenses and other liabilities | |||||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities | |||||||||||
| Total liabilities assumed | |||||||||||
| Cash consideration, net of cash acquired | |||||||||||
| Deferred consideration | |||||||||||
| Total consideration, net of cash acquired | $ | ||||||||||
| Goodwill | $ | ||||||||||
2023 Car Wash Segment
| (in thousands) | Car Wash | ||||||||||
| Assets: | |||||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | $ | ||||||||||
| Property and equipment, net | |||||||||||
| Deferred tax asset | |||||||||||
| Assets acquired | |||||||||||
| Liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Accrued expenses and other liabilities | |||||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities | |||||||||||
| Total liabilities assumed | |||||||||||
| Cash consideration, net of cash acquired | |||||||||||
| Deferred consideration | |||||||||||
| Total consideration, net of cash acquired | $ | ||||||||||
| Goodwill | $ | ||||||||||
2023 Paint, Collision & Glass Segment
| (in thousands) | Paint, Collision & Glass | ||||
| Assets: | |||||
| Inventory | $ | ||||
| Property and equipment, net | |||||
| Assets acquired | |||||
| Cash consideration, net of cash acquired | |||||
| Deferred consideration | |||||
| Total consideration, net of cash acquired | $ | ||||
| Goodwill | $ | ||||
Goodwill represents the excess of the consideration paid over the fair value of net assets acquired and includes the expected benefit of synergies within the existing segments and intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition. Goodwill, which was allocated to the Maintenance, Car Wash, and Paint, Collision & Glass segments, is substantially all deductible for income tax purposes. Purchase accounting allocations are complete for all 2023 acquisitions as of December 28, 2024.
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2022 Acquisitions
The Company completed 22 acquisitions in the Car Wash segment during the year ended December 31, 2022, representing 35 sites, which were deemed to be business combinations. The aggregate cash consideration for these acquisitions, net of cash acquired, was approximately $350 million. In June, the Car Wash segment acquired Jimmy Clean Car Wash, which was comprised of 3 sites for a total consideration of $32 million. In July 2022, the Car Wash segment acquired Speedy Shine Express Car Wash, which was comprised of 2 sites for a total consideration of $34 million. In October 2022, the Car Wash segment acquired Quick & Clean Car Wash, which was comprised of 4 sites for a total consideration of $38 million.
The Company completed 6 acquisitions in the Maintenance segment during the year ended December 31, 2022, representing 14 sites, each individually immaterial, which were deemed to be business combinations. The aggregate cash consideration for these acquisitions, net of cash acquired and liabilities assumed, was $25 million.
The Company completed 10 acquisitions in the Paint, Collision & Glass segment during the year ended December 31, 2022, representing 174 sites, which were deemed to be business combinations. The aggregate cash consideration for these acquisitions, net of cash acquired, was $406 million. In December 2021, the Company acquired AGN, which was comprised of 79 sites at the time of the Company’s acquisition, for a total consideration of $171 million. The purchase price allocation resulted in the recognition of $49 million of intangible assets, $37 million of which was a trade name intangible asset. The fair value of the acquired trade name was estimated using an income approach, specifically, the relief-from-royalty method. The Company utilized assumptions with respect to forecasted sales, the discount rate, and the royalty rate in determining the fair value of the acquired trade name. In April 2022, the Company acquired All Star Glass (“ASG”), which was comprised of 31 sites at the time of the acquisition for a total consideration of $36 million. In July 2022, the Company acquired K&K Glass, which was comprised of 8 sites for a total consideration of $40 million, and the Company acquired Jack Morris Auto Glass, which was comprised of 9 sites for a total consideration of $54 million. In September 2022, the Company acquired Auto Glass Fitters Inc., which was comprised of 24 sites for a total consideration of $72 million. The Company amortizes the acquired lease right of use assets, customer list intangibles, and definite lived trade name over their estimated remaining lives of 4 years, 13 years, and 1 year, respectively. The purchase price allocation for all 2022 acquisitions was completed within a year of purchase.
The following table presents financial information regarding the 2022 Car Wash segment and Paint, Collision & Glass segment acquisitions included in our consolidated statements of operations from the date of acquisition through December 31, 2022 under the heading “Actual from acquisition date in 2022.” The following tables also present supplemental pro-forma information as if the acquisitions had occurred at the beginning of fiscal year 2022. Cost savings are also not reflected in the pro-forma amounts.
| Pro-forma for Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Actual from acquisition date in 2022 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | Car Wash Acquisitions | Glass Acquisitions | Car Wash & Glass Acquisitions | Driven Brands Holdings Consolidated Pro-forma | |||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Driven Brands Holdings Inc. | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
Deferred Consideration and Transaction Costs
Deferred consideration is typically paid six months to one-year after the acquisition closing date once all conditions under the purchase agreement have been satisfied. The Company had $2 million and $3 million of deferred consideration related to acquisitions as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively. The Company paid approximately $1 million and $33 million of deferred consideration related to prior acquisitions during the years ended December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively. Deferred consideration is recorded within investing activities at the time of payment.
The Company incurred less than $1 4 million during the year ended December 31, 2022.
Divestitures
During the third quarter of 2024, the Company completed the sale of its Canadian distribution business, primarily operated under the PH Vitres D’Auto brand, within the Platform Services segment at a sale price of approximately $78 million. The sale
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included essentially all assets and liabilities associated with the business as well as allocated goodwill of $13 million resulting in a loss of $2 million on the sale of business within selling, general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statement of operations during the year ended December 28, 2024. Approximately $47 million of the sale proceeds were utilized to repay a portion of outstanding secured senior notes with the remainder primarily utilized to repay a portion of the outstanding Term Loan.
Note 4—Accounts and Notes Receivable, Net
The balance on the consolidated balance sheets are amounts primarily related to customers, vendors, and franchisees. As of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, the gross amount of current accounts and notes receivable were $195 million and $163 million, respectively. The current allowance for credit losses for these periods was $16 million and $12 million, respectively. The gross amount of non-current notes receivable was $3 million and $4 million as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively. The non-current allowance for credit losses for these periods was less than $1
The changes in the allowance for accounts and notes receivable for the years ended December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023 were as follows:
| (in thousands) | |||||
Balance as of December 31, 2022 | $ | ||||
| Bad debt expense | |||||
| Write-off of uncollectible receivables | ( | ||||
Balance at December 30, 2023 | $ | ||||
| Bad debt expense, net of recoveries | |||||
| Write-off of uncollectible receivables | ( | ||||
Balance at December 28, 2024 | $ | ||||
Note 5—Property and Equipment
Property and equipment at December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023 consisted of the following:
| (in thousands) | December 28, 2024 | December 30, 2023 | |||||||||
| Buildings | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Land | |||||||||||
| Furniture, fixtures, and other | |||||||||||
| Computer equipment and software | |||||||||||
| Store equipment | |||||||||||
| Leasehold improvements | |||||||||||
| Finance lease ROU assets | |||||||||||
| Vehicles | |||||||||||
| Construction in progress | |||||||||||
| Total property and equipment | |||||||||||
| Less: accumulated depreciation | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Total property and equipment, net | $ | $ | |||||||||
Depreciation expense was $154 million, $147 million, and $120 million for the years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, respectively.
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During the year ended December 28, 2024, the Company recorded an impairment charge related to U.S. Car Wash property and equipment of $325 million. During the year ended December 30, 2023, the Company transferred $301 million of assets from property and equipment to assets held for sale. Refer to Note 7 for additional information.
Note 6—Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023 are as follows:
| (in thousands) | Maintenance(1) | Car Wash(2) | Paint, Collision & Glass | Platform Services(3) | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2022 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisitions | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchase price adjustments | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sale of business unit | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairment | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 30, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisitions | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sale of business unit | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 28, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) Reporting units include Maintenance-Quick Lube and Maintenance-Repair
(2) Reporting units include Car Wash International and U.S. Car Wash
(3) Reporting units include Platform-Distribution and Platform-Training
The Company recorded a full impairment charge of the U.S. Car Wash reporting unit goodwill during the year ended December 30, 2023. Refer to Note 7 for additional information.
Refer to Note 3 for additional information regarding material acquisition and disposition information.
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Intangible assets for the years ended December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023 are as follows:
| (in thousands) | Balance at December 28, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross Carrying Value | Accumulated Amortization | Net Carrying Value | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Definite Lived Amortizable | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise agreements | $ | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| License agreements | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Membership agreements | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Customer relationships | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Developed technology | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trademarks & other | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total definite lived amortizable | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Indefinite-Lived | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trademarks | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 30, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross Carrying Value | Accumulated Amortization | Net Carrying Value | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Definite Lived Amortizable | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise agreements | $ | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| License agreements | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Membership agreements | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Customer relationships | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Developed technology | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trademarks & other | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total definite lived amortizable | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Indefinite-Lived | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trademarks | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
Intangible assets decreased $42 million relating to the sale of the Canadian distribution business during the year ended December 28, 2024. Refer to Note 3 for additional information.
The weighted average amortization period for franchise agreements, license agreements, membership agreements, customer relationships, developed technology, and trademarks & other are 27 years, 12 years, 8 years, 13 years, 8 years, and 5 years, respectively.
Amortization expense was $26 million, $29 million, and $27 million for the years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, respectively.
Amortization expense related to definite lived intangible assets for the next five years and thereafter are as follows:
| (in thousands) | Amount | ||||
| 2025 | $ | ||||
| 2026 | |||||
| 2027 | |||||
| 2028 | |||||
| 2029 | |||||
| Thereafter | |||||
| Total | $ | ||||
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Note 7— Assets Held For Sale and Impairments
Goodwill and Asset Impairment Charges
During the year ended December 30, 2023, management performed a strategic review of the U.S. car wash operations, which included, but was not limited to, an evaluation of the following: store performance, the competitive landscape, revenue and expense optimization opportunities, and capital requirements. As a result of this strategic review, management approved the closure of 29 stores, halted the opening of new company-operated stores, and began marketing property and equipment for sale that will not be utilized by the Company. These actions resulted in the transfer of assets from property and equipment to assets held for sale and impairment charges of $122 million relating to property and equipment, assets held for sale, and right-of-use assets during the year ended December 30, 2023.
As a result of the evaluation performed during 2023, as well as other qualitative and quantitative factors, including a decline in the stock price during the third quarter of 2023, management determined a triggering event had occurred requiring a step one quantitative analysis of the Company’s goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets. Based on the results of our interim impairment analysis, we concluded the carrying value of the U.S. Car Wash reporting unit exceeded its fair value, and we recorded a full goodwill impairment charge of $851 million during the year ended December 30, 2023. The fair value of the remaining reporting units exceeded their carrying amounts, indicating no goodwill impairment. The fair values of each reporting unit were determined using a combination of the income approach and market approach valuation methodologies.
The changes in assets held for sale for the year ended December 28, 2024 were as follows:
| (in thousands) | |||||
Balance at December 30, 2023 | $ | ||||
| Additions | |||||
| Impairments | ( | ||||
| Sales and disposals | ( | ||||
Balance at December 28, 2024 | $ | ||||
During the year ended December 28, 2024, management continued to enhance properties included within held for sale resulting in an increase to assets held for sale of $91 million. Management evaluated the fair value for all assets included within assets held for sale, which resulted in an impairment of $49 million for the year ended December 28, 2024. In addition, during the year ended December 28, 2024, the Company sold 71 properties resulting in a net gain of $5 million. The Company will continue to evaluate the fair value of assets held for sale, which may result in additional impairments.
During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company performed an interim impairment test over the long-lived assets of the U.S. Car Wash business based on fair value indicators included within Note 18 and determined the carrying value of the assets exceeded the fair value. An impairment of $325 million was recorded to property and equipment for the year ended December 28, 2024.
Trade Name Impairment Charges
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Note 8—Long-term Debt
Our long-term debt obligations consist of the following:
| (in thousands) | December 28, 2024 | December 30, 2023 | |||||||||
| Series 2018-1 Securitization Senior Notes, Class A-2 | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Series 2019-1 Securitization Senior Notes, Class A-2 | |||||||||||
| Series 2019-2 Securitization Senior Notes, Class A-2 | |||||||||||
| Series 2020-1 Securitization Senior Notes, Class A-2 | |||||||||||
| Series 2020-2 Securitization Senior Notes, Class A-2 | |||||||||||
| Series 2021-1 Securitization Senior Notes, Class A-2 | |||||||||||
| Series 2022-1 Securitization Senior Notes, Class A-2 | |||||||||||
| Series 2024-1 Securitization Senior Notes, Class A-2 | |||||||||||
| Revolving Credit Facility | |||||||||||
| Term Loan Facility | |||||||||||
Other debt (a) | |||||||||||
| Total debt | |||||||||||
| Less: debt issuance costs | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Less: current portion of long-term debt | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Total long-term debt, net | $ | $ | |||||||||
Scheduled debt repayments for the next five fiscal years and thereafter are as follows:
| 2025 | $ | ||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | |||||||||||||||||
| 2027 | |||||||||||||||||
| 2028 | |||||||||||||||||
| 2029 | |||||||||||||||||
| Thereafter | |||||||||||||||||
| Total future repayments | $ | ||||||||||||||||
2018-1 Securitization Senior Notes
In April 2018, Driven Brands Funding, LLC (the “Issuer”) issued $275 million Series 2018-1 Securitization Senior Secured Notes (the “2018-1 Senior Notes”) bearing a fixed interest rate of 4.739 % per annum. The 2018-1 Senior Notes had a final legal maturity date in April 2048 and an anticipated repayment date in April 2025. The 2018-1 Senior Notes were secured by substantially all assets of the Issuer and were guaranteed by the Securitization Entities. The Company capitalized $7 million of debt issuance costs related to the 2018-1 Senior Notes. The 2018-1 Senior Notes were repaid in July 2024.
2019-1 Securitization Senior Notes
In March 2019, the Issuer issued $300 million of Series 2019-1 Securitization Senior Notes (the “2019-1 Senior Notes”) bearing a fixed interest rate of 4.641 % per annum. The 2019-1 Senior Notes have a final legal maturity date in April 2049 and an anticipated repayment date in April 2026. The 2019-1 Senior Notes are secured by substantially all assets of the Issuer and are guaranteed by the Securitization Entities. The Company capitalized $6 million of debt issuance costs related to the 2019-1 Senior Notes.
2019-2 Securitization Senior Notes
In September 2019, the Issuer issued $275 million Series 2019-2 Securitization Senior Secured Notes (the “2019-2 Senior Notes”) bearing a fixed interest rate of 3.981 % per annum. The 2019-2 Senior Notes have a final legal maturity date in October 2049 and an anticipated repayment date in October 2026. The 2019-2 Senior Notes are secured by substantially all assets of the
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Issuer and are guaranteed by the Securitization Entities. The Company capitalized $6 million of debt issuance costs related to the 2019-2 Senior Notes.
Series 2019-3 Variable Funding Securitization Senior Notes
In December 2019, the Issuer issued Series 2019-3 Variable Funding Senior Notes (the “2019 VFN”) in the revolving amount of $115 million. The 2019 VFN had a final legal maturity date in January 2050. The commitment under the 2019 VFN was set to expire in July 2022, with the option of three one-year extensions. In July 2023, the Company exercised the second of three one-year extension options. In July 2024, the 2019 VFN was refinanced with the 2024 VFN described below.
2020-1 Securitization Senior Notes
In July 2020, Driven Brands Funding, LLC and Driven Brands Canada Funding Corporation (together, the “Co-Issuers”), each wholly owned indirect subsidiaries of the Company, issued $175 million 2020-1 Securitization Senior Notes (the “2020-1 Senior Notes”) bearing a fixed interest rate of 3.786 % per annum. The 2020-1 Senior Notes have a final legal maturity date in July 2050 and an anticipated repayment date in July 2027. The 2020-1 Senior Notes are secured by substantially all assets of the Co-Issuers and are guaranteed by the Canadian Co-Issuer and various subsidiaries of the Canadian Co-Issuer. The Company capitalized $11 million of debt issuance costs related to the 2020-1 Senior Notes.
2020-2 Securitization Senior Notes
In December 2020, the Co-Issuers issued $450 million 2020-2 Securitization Senior Notes (the “2020-2 Senior Notes”) bearing a fixed interest rate of 3.237 % per annum. The 2020-2 Senior Notes have a final legal maturity date in January 2051; and an anticipated repayment date in January 2028. The 2020-2 Senior Notes are secured by substantially all assets of the Co-Issuers and are guaranteed by the Securitization Entities. The Company capitalized $8 million of debt issuance costs related to the 2020-2 Senior Notes.
2021-1 Securitization Senior Notes
In September 2021, the Co-Issuers issued $450 million of 2021-1 Securitization Senior Notes (the “2021-1 Senior Notes”) bearing a fixed interest rate of 2.791 % per annum. The 2021-1 Senior Notes have a final legal maturity date in October 2051 and an anticipated repayment date in October 2028. The 2021-1 Senior Notes are secured by substantially all assets of the Co-issuers and are guaranteed by the Securitization Entities. The Company capitalized $10 million of debt issuance costs related to the 2021-1 Senior Notes.
2022-1 Securitization Senior Notes
In October 2022, the Co-Issuers issued $365 million of 2022-1 Securitization Senior Notes (the “2022-1 Senior Notes”), bearing a fixed interest rate of 7.393 % per annum. The 2022-1 Senior Notes have a final legal maturity date in October 2052, and an anticipated repayment date in October 2027. The 2022-1 Senior Notes are secured by substantially all assets of the Co-issuers and are guaranteed by the Securitization Entities. In conjunction with the issuance of the 2022-1 Senior Notes, the Co-Issuers also issued Series 2022-1 Class A-1 Notes in the amount of $135 million, which can be accessed at the Issuer’s option if certain conditions are met. The Company capitalized $7 million of debt issuance costs related to the 2022-1 Senior Notes.
2024-1 Securitization Senior Notes
In July 2024, the Co-Issuers issued $275 million of 2024-1 Class A-2 Securitization Senior Notes (the “2024-1 Senior Notes”) bearing a fixed interest rate of 6.372 % per annum. The 2024-1 Senior Notes have a final legal maturity date in October 2054 and an anticipated repayment date in October 2031. The 2024-1 Senior Notes are secured by substantially all assets of the Co-Issuers and are guaranteed by the Co-Issuers and each of their respective subsidiaries. Proceeds from the 2024-1 Senior Notes were primarily used to repay the Company’s 2018-1 Class A-2 Securitization Senior Notes (the “2018-1 Senior Notes”). The Company incurred costs with third parties related to the issuance of the 2024-1 Senior Notes of $2 million included within interest expense, net on the consolidated statement of operations. The Company capitalized $10 million of debt issuance costs related to the 2024-1 Senior Notes.
Series 2024-1 Variable Funding Securitization Senior Notes
In July 2024, the Co-Issuers issued Series 2024-1 Variable Funding Senior Notes, Class A-1 (the “2024 VFN”) in the revolving amount of $400 million. The 2024 VFN have a final legal maturity date in October 2054. The commitment under the 2024 VFN is set to expire in October 2029, with the option of two one-year extensions. The 2024 VFN are secured by substantially all assets of the Co-Issuers and are guaranteed by the Co-Issuers and each of their respective subsidiaries. Borrowings incur interest at the Base Rate plus an applicable margin or SOFR plus an applicable margin. As of December 28, 2024, there were
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no amounts outstanding under the 2024 VFN and $26 million of outstanding letters of credit, which reduced the borrowing availability under the 2024 VFN.
Credit Agreement
Revolving Credit Facility
In May 2021, Driven Holdings, LLC, (“the Borrower”) a Delaware limited liability company and indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Driven Brands Holdings Inc., entered into a credit agreement to secure a revolving line of credit with a group of financial institutions (“Revolving Credit Facility”), which provides for an aggregate amount of up to $300 million, and has a maturity date in May 2026 (“Credit Agreement”). On June 2, 2023, the Credit Agreement was amended pursuant to which, as of July 1, 2023, borrowings incur interest at the Base Rate plus an applicable margin or SOFR plus an applicable term adjustment. The Revolving Credit Facility also includes periodic commitment fees based on the available unused balance and a quarterly administrative fee.
As of December 28, 2024, the Company had an outstanding balance of $190 million, $5 million of outstanding letters of credit, and $105 million available under the Revolving Credit Facility.
Term Loan Facility
In December 2021, the Borrower amended the Credit Agreement to provide for a new term loan credit facility (the “Term Loan Facility”), which has an initial aggregate commitment of $500 million, with loans and other extensions of credit thereunder maturing in December 2028. The Company capitalized $9 million of debt issuance costs related to the Term Loan Facility. On June 2, 2023, the Credit Agreement was amended pursuant to which, as of July 1, 2023, borrowings incur interest at the Base Rate plus an applicable margin or SOFR plus an applicable term adjustment. Starting with the second full calendar quarter after the funding of the Term Loan Facility, the Term Loan Facility requires scheduled quarterly payments in amounts equal to 0.25 % of the original aggregate principal amount of the Term Loan Facility, with the balance due at maturity.
Guarantees and Covenants of the Notes
Substantially all of the assets of the Company, including most of the domestic and certain of the foreign revenue-generating assets, which principally consist of franchise-related agreements, certain company-operated stores, certain product distribution agreements, intellectual property and license agreements for the use of intellectual property, are owned by subsidiaries of the Borrower and the Issuer, and are pledged to secure the Notes and indebtedness under the Credit Agreement (together the "Indebtedness"). The restrictions placed on the Issuer and its subsidiaries require that interest and principal (if any) on the Securitization Notes be paid prior to any residual distributions to the Company, and amounts are segregated weekly to ensure appropriate funds are reserved to pay the quarterly interest and principal (if any) amounts due. The amount of weekly cash flow that exceeds all expenses and obligations of the Issuer and its subsidiaries (including required reserve amounts) is generally remitted to the Company in the form of a dividend.
The Company’s Indebtedness is subject to certain quantitative covenants related to debt service coverage and leverage ratios. In addition, the agreements related to the Indebtedness also contain various affirmative and negative operating and financial reporting covenants, which are customary for such debt instruments. These covenants, among other things, limit the ability of the Issuer and its subsidiaries to sell assets; engage in mergers, acquisitions, and other business combinations; declare dividends or redeem or repurchase capital stock; incur, assume, or permit to exist additional indebtedness or guarantees; make loans and investments; incur liens; and enter into transactions with affiliates. In the event that certain covenants are not met, the Indebtedness may become fully due and payable on an accelerated schedule. In addition, the Borrower and the Issuer may voluntarily prepay, in part or in full subject to certain pre-payment premiums or make-whole obligations.
As of December 28, 2024, the Co-Issuers were in material compliance with all covenants under the agreements discussed above.
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Note 9—Segment Information
The Company’s worldwide operations are comprised of the following reportable segments: Maintenance, Car Wash, Paint, Collision & Glass, and Platform Services.
The Maintenance segment is primarily composed of the Take 5 Oil and Meineke brands, and revenue is primarily derived from the performance of maintenance services, including oil changes and regularly scheduled and as-needed automotive maintenance services and vehicle component repair and replacement. Maintenance segment revenue also includes franchise royalties and fees and supply and other product sales.
The Paint, Collision & Glass segment is primarily composed of the ABRA, CARSTAR, Fix Auto, Maaco, AGN, and Uniban brands and services both retail and commercial customers such as commercial fleet operators and insurance carriers. Paint, Collision & Glass includes revenue derived from license and royalty fees paid by franchisees, glass replacement, calibration, and collision service revenue derived from company-operated locations, and supply and other product sales.
The Platform Services segment is primarily composed of the 1-800 Radiator & A/C, Spire Supply, Driven Advantage, and ATI businesses. Platform Services revenue is primarily derived from the sale of supplies and other products, as well as automotive training services and franchise license and royalty fees paid by franchisees.
The Car Wash segment primarily operates under the IMO brand across Europe and Australia and the Take 5 Car Wash brand in the U.S., providing express-style conveyor car wash services to both retail and commercial customers.
In addition to the reportable segments, the Company’s consolidated financial results include “Corporate and Other” activity. Corporate and Other incurs costs related to the advertising revenues and expenses and shared service costs, which are related to finance, IT, human resources, legal, supply chain, and other support services. Corporate and Other activity includes the adjustments necessary to eliminate certain intercompany transactions, namely sales by the Platform Services segment to the Paint, Collision & Glass and Maintenance segments.
The accounting policies applicable to each segment are generally consistent with those used in the consolidated financial statements. The Chief Executive Office, who is also the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”), evaluates the performance of its segments and allocates resources, including capital expenditures and variable compensation, to each segment primarily as part of the annual budget process based on Adjusted EBITDA. The CODM reviews budget-to-actual results to assess performance and adjust resource allocations as necessary.
Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest expense, net, income tax expense, and depreciation and amortization, with further adjustments for acquisition related costs, cloud computing amortization, equity compensation, loss on debt extinguishment and certain non-recurring, non-core, infrequent or unusual charges. Adjusted EBITDA is a supplemental measure of the operating performance of our segments and may not be comparable to similar measures reported by other companies. Other segment items primarily include, but not limited to, payroll and payroll related costs, costs of inventory and supply costs, utilities, and rent expense as well as marketing costs associated with non-franchised businesses within the reportable segments. No asset information has been provided for these reportable segments as the Chief Operating Decision Maker does not regularly review asset information by reportable segment.
Certain information within the tables below have been revised to conform to current year presentation.
Segment results for the years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022 are as follows:
| Year Ended December 28, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | Maintenance | Car Wash | Paint, Collision & Glass | Platform Services | Corporate and Other | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise royalties and fees | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company-operated store sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Independently-operated store sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Advertising fund contributions | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Supply and other revenue | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total net revenue | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other segment items | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Year Ended December 30, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | Maintenance | Car Wash | Paint, Collision & Glass | Platform Services | Corporate and Other | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise royalties and fees | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company-operated store sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Independently-operated store sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Advertising fund contributions | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Supply and other revenue | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total net revenue | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other segment items | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year Ended December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | Maintenance | Car Wash | Paint, Collision & Glass | Platform Services | Corporate and Other | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise royalties and fees | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company-operated store sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Independently-operated store sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Advertising fund contributions | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Supply and other revenue | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total net revenue | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other segment items | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The reconciliations of (loss) income before taxes to Adjusted EBITDA for the years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022 are as follows:
| Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | December 28, 2024 | December 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Loss) income before taxes | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisition related costs(a) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-core items and project costs, net(b) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cloud computing amortization(c) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation expense(d) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency transaction loss (gain), net(e) | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bad debt expense(f) | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Asset sale leaseback (gain) loss, net, impairment, and closed store expenses(g) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loss on debt extinguishment(h) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a)Consists of acquisition costs as reflected within the consolidated statements of operations, including legal, consulting, and other fees, and expenses incurred in connection with acquisitions completed during the applicable period, as well as
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inventory rationalization expenses incurred in connection with acquisitions. We expect to incur similar costs in connection with other acquisitions in the future and, under U.S. GAAP, such costs relating to acquisitions are expensed as incurred.
(b)Consists of discrete items and project costs, including (i) third party consulting, professional, and legal fees associated with strategic transformation initiatives and non-recurring payroll-related costs and (ii) a $15 million change in estimate related to the Tax Receivable Agreement that we entered into at the IPO related to the filing of our 2021 tax returns was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2022.
(c)Includes non-cash amortization expenses relating cloud computing arrangements.
(d)Represents non-cash share-based compensation expense.
(e)Represents foreign currency transaction (gains) losses, net that primarily related to the remeasurement of our intercompany loans as well as gains and losses on cross currency swaps and forward contracts.
(f)Represents the recovery of previously uncollectible receivables outside of normal operations.
(g)Consists of the following items (i) (gains) losses, net on sale leasebacks, disposal of assets, or sale of business, (ii) impairment of certain fixed assets and operating lease right-of-use assets related to closed and underperforming locations, assets held for sale, lease exit costs and other costs associated with stores that were closed prior to the respective lease termination dates, (iii) goodwill impairment within the Car Wash segment during 2023, and (iv) impairment of certain indefinite lived Car Wash trade names impaired as the Company elected to discontinue their use during 2022. Refer to Note 7 for additional information.
(h)Represents charges incurred related to the Company’s partial repayment of Senior Secured Notes in conjunction with the sale of its Canadian distribution business.
The following table shows information relating to the geographic regions in which the Company operates:
| Total Net Revenue for Year Ended | Total Long-Lived Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | December 28, 2024 | December 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | December 28, 2024 | December 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| United States | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Canada | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rest of world | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The following table shows the Company’s capital expenditures by reportable segment:
| (in thousands) | Maintenance | Car Wash | Paint, Collision & Glass | Platform Services | Corporate and Other | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Note 10—Leases
The Company’s lease and sublease portfolio primarily consists of the real property leases related to franchisee and company-operated locations, as well as office space and various vehicle and equipment leases. Leases for real property generally have terms ranging from to 25 years, with most having one or more renewal options ranging from to 10 years. The Company does not include option periods in its determination of the lease term unless renewals are deemed reasonably certain to be exercised. Equipment and vehicle leases generally have terms ranging from to five years
The following table details our total investment in operating and finance leases where the Company is the lessee:
(in thousands) | Balance Sheet Location | December 28, 2024 | December 30, 2023 | |||||||||||
| Right-of-use assets | ||||||||||||||
| Finance leases | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Operating leases | Operating lease right-of-use assets | |||||||||||||
| Total right-of-use assets | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Current lease liabilities | ||||||||||||||
| Finance leases | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Operating leases | ||||||||||||||
| Total current lease liabilities | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Long-term lease liabilities | ||||||||||||||
| Finance leases | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Operating leases | Operating lease liabilities | |||||||||||||
| Total long-term lease liabilities | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
The lease cost for operating and finance leases recognized in the consolidated statement of operations were as follows:
(in thousands) | December 28, 2024 | December 30, 2023 | |||||||||||||||
| Amortization of right-of-use assets | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
| Interest on lease liabilities | |||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease expense | |||||||||||||||||
| Short-term lease expense | |||||||||||||||||
| Variable lease expense | |||||||||||||||||
| Total lease expense, net | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
The Company recorded a $9 million, $63 million, and $5 million impairment loss during the years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, respectively, related to Company’s decision to exit certain leased locations.
The Company also subleases certain facilities to franchisees and others, which generated $5
For the year ended December 28, 2024, the Company sold 34 maintenance properties in various locations throughout the U.S. for a total of $51 million. For the year ended December 30, 2023, the Company sold 38 car wash and 25 maintenance properties in various locations throughout the U.S. for a total of $195 million. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company sold 78 car wash and 11 maintenance properties in various locations throughout the U.S. for a total of $334 million. Concurrently with the closing of these sales, the Company entered into various operating lease agreements pursuant to which the Company leased back the properties. These lease agreements have terms typically ranging from 15 to 25 years and provide the Company with the option of extending the lease for up to 20 additional years. The Company does not include option periods in its determination of the lease term unless renewals are deemed reasonably certain to be exercised. The Company recorded an operating lease right-of-use asset and operating lease liability of approximately $41 million and $41 million, respectively, for the year ended December 28, 2024 and $145 million and $145 million, respectively, for the year ended December 30, 2023
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related to these lease arrangements. The Company recorded net gain s of $7 million, $29 million, and $25 million for the years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, respectively.
| Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||
| December 28, 2024 | December 30, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average remaining lease terms (years) | |||||||||||||||||
| Operating | |||||||||||||||||
| Financing | |||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average discount rate | |||||||||||||||||
| Operating | % | % | |||||||||||||||
| Financing | % | % | |||||||||||||||
Supplemental cash flow information related to the Company’s lease arrangements were as follows:
| Year Ended | |||||||||||
| (in thousands) | December 28, 2024 | December 30, 2023 | |||||||||
| Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Operating cash flows used in operating leases | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Operating cash flows used in finance leases | |||||||||||
| Financing cash flows used in finance leases | |||||||||||
| Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations: | |||||||||||
| Operating leases | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Finance leases | |||||||||||
As of December 28, 2024, future minimum lease payments under noncancellable leases were as follows:
| (in thousands) | Finance | Operating | Income from Subleases | ||||||||||||||
| 2025 | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| 2026 | |||||||||||||||||
| 2027 | |||||||||||||||||
| 2028 | |||||||||||||||||
| 2029 | |||||||||||||||||
| Thereafter | |||||||||||||||||
| Total undiscounted cash flows | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Less: Present value discount | |||||||||||||||||
| Less: Current lease liabilities | |||||||||||||||||
| Long-term lease liabilities | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
Note 11—Derivatives
The Company utilizes derivative financial instruments primarily to hedge its exposure to changes in interest rates and movements in foreign currency exchange rates. All derivative financial instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at their respective fair values. The Company does not use financial instruments or derivatives for any trading or other speculative purposes.
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk
In July 2022, the Company entered into an interest rate swap, which was designated as a hedge against adverse fluctuations in interest rates by reducing the exposure to variability in cash flows relating to either interest payments or total proceeds on a forecasted issuance of long-term debt. The notional amount of this hedge was $275 million. As of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023 the amount included in accumulated other comprehensive income was $6 million and $8 million,
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respectively. We reclassified $2 1 million during the year ended December 31, 2022. This gain will be recognized ratably over the 5 year life of the contract beginning in October 2022.
Derivatives Designated as Fair Value Hedge of Exchange Rate Risk
In December 2021, the Company entered into a cross currency swap as an economic hedge against exposure to changes in the Canadian dollar in connection with its Canadian securitization transaction, which is discussed in greater detail in Note 8. The cross currency swap has an $88 million notional and a settlement date in July 2027. Throughout the term of the swap agreements, the Company pays interest at a fixed rate in Canadian dollars and receives interest at a fixed rate in U.S. dollars.
The Company recorded a gain of $2 million and a loss of $1 million relating to foreign currency derivative contracts in other comprehensive income and as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively. The Company expects an immaterial amount to be reclassified from other comprehensive income to foreign currency transaction loss (gain), net in the consolidated statement of operations during the next 12 months. The Company will continue to assess the effectiveness of the hedge on a quarterly basis.
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges of Exchange Rate Risk
To manage exposure to changes with our foreign currency intercompany transactions, the Company enters into short term foreign currency forward contracts. We had foreign currency derivative contracts with a notional value of $77 million that matured in March 2024.
The Company recorded a gain of $9 million and $1 million during the years ended December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively, and a loss of less than $1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 related to the change in fair value of derivatives in foreign currency transaction loss (gain), net in the .
The fair value of our derivative instruments held were as follows:
(in thousands) | December 28, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||
| Balance Sheet Location | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||
| Derivative liabilities | |||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | |||||||||||||||||
| Cross currency swap | Other assets | $ | |||||||||||||||
| Cross currency swap | Accrued expenses and other liabilities | $ | |||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | December 30, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||
| Balance Sheet Location | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||
| Derivative liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | |||||||||||||||||
| Cross currency swap | Other assets | $ | |||||||||||||||
| Cross currency swap | Accrued expenses and other liabilities | $ | |||||||||||||||
| Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | |||||||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange forward contract | Accrued expenses and other liabilities | $ | |||||||||||||||
Counterparty Credit Risk
By entering into derivative instrument contracts, the Company exposes itself, from time to time, to counterparty credit risk. Counterparty credit risk is the failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the derivative contract. When the fair value of a derivative contract is in an asset position, the counterparty has a liability to the Company, which creates credit risk for the Company. The Company attempts to minimize this risk by selecting counterparties with investment grade credit ratings, limiting its exposure to any single counterparty and regularly monitoring its market position with each counterparty.
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Note 12—Related-Party Transactions
The Company made payments for facilities maintenance services in the aggregate amount of approximately $4 million, $7 million, and $6 million during the years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, respectively, to Divisions Maintenance Group, an entity owned by affiliates of Roark Capital Management, LLC.
The transaction was reviewed, ratified, and approved by the Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors in accordance with the Company’s Related Person Transactions Policy.
Note 13 — Shareholders’ Equity
In August 2023, the Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to $50 million of the Company’s common stock (the “Share Repurchase Program”). During the year ended December 30, 2023, the Company repurchased 3,601,694 shares of its common stock for approximately $50 million, at an average price per share of $13.87 . All repurchases were made in open market transactions. As of December 30, 2023, the Company completed the purchase of all shares under the Share Repurchase Program. During the year ended, December 28, 2024, the Company did not authorize any repurchase of shares.
Note 14 — Equity Agreements and Incentive Equity Plan
On April 17, 2015, Driven Investor LLC established the Driven Investor LLC Incentive Equity Plan (the “Equity Plan”). The Equity Plan, among other things, established the ownership of certain membership units in Driven Investor LLC and defined the distribution rights and allocations of profits and losses associated with those membership units. Additionally, the Equity Plan calls for certain restrictions regarding transfers of units, corporate governance, and Board of Director representation.
In April 2015, Driven Investor LLC established certain profits interest units as part of the award agreements (the “Award Agreements”) granted pursuant to the Equity Plan. The Award Agreements provide for grants of certain profits interest units to employees, directors, or consultants of Driven Investor LLC and Subsidiaries. For both the Profits Interest Time Units and Profits Interest Performance Units, if the grantee’s continuous service terminated for any reason, the grantee forfeits all right, title, and interest in and to any unvested units as of the date of such termination, unless the grantee’s continuous service period is terminated by the Company without cause within the six-month period prior to the date of consummation of the change in control and the other vesting criteria are achieved as a result. In addition, the grantee forfeits all right, title, and interest in and to any vested units if the grantee was terminated for cause, breaches any post-termination covenants, or fails to execute any general release required to be executed.
On January 6, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the 2021 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and, effective January 14, 2021, the Company’s shareholders adopted and approved the Plan. The Plan provides for the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, other stock-based awards, other cash-based awards, or any combination of the foregoing to current and prospective employees and directors of, and consultants and advisors to, the Company and its affiliates. The maximum number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the Plan is 12,533,984 shares. In conjunction with the closing of the IPO, our Board granted awards under the Plan to certain of our employees, representing an aggregate of 5,582,522 shares of common stock.
Profits Interest Units
Prior to IPO, the Parent’s equity awards included Profits Interest Units as noted above. There were two forms of Profits Interest - Time Units and Performance Units. Time Units generally vested in five installments of 20 % on each of the first anniversaries of the grant date or vesting date, provided that the employee remained in continuous service on each vesting date. All outstanding Time Units were to vest immediately prior to the effective date of a consummated sale transaction. The Time Units were exchanged for time-based restricted stock awards in connection with the IPO. In addition, the Company granted time-based and performance-based options in connection with the IPO to most employees with Profit Interests (each an “IPO Option”). The exchange of Profits Interest - Time Units for time based time-based restricted stock awards did not require modification accounting.
The Performance Units were to vest immediately prior to the effective date of a consummated sale transaction or qualified public offering, including the IPO (a “Liquidity Event”) and the achievement of the other vesting criteria. The percentage of vesting was based on achieving certain performance criteria. No vesting occurred as a result of the IPO as the other vesting criteria were not achieved. In connection with the IPO, the Performance Units were exchanged for performance-based restricted stock awards. Employees who received IPO Options had the same vesting conditions for the performance-based portion of the IPO Options as the performance-based restricted stock awards.
In October 2023, the Company converted 2,963,829 performance-based restricted stock awards to time-based awards that vest in full on April 30, 2025, subject to a continuous service requirement through the vesting date.
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| Unvested Time Awards | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, per unit | Unvested Performance Awards | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, per unit | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Outstanding as of December 25, 2021 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Forfeited/Cancelled | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vested | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Outstanding as of December 31, 2022 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Modifications | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Forfeited/Cancelled | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vested | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Outstanding as of December 30, 2023 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Forfeited/Cancelled | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vested | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Outstanding as of December 28, 2024 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
There was approximately $8 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to the time-based restricted stock awards at December 28, 2024, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average vesting period of 0.4 years.
There was $5 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to the performance-based restricted stock awards at December 28, 2024. No compensation costs were recognized for the performance-based restricted stock awards in the presented years given the performance criteria was not met or probable. Certain former employees continued to hold performance-based awards after the IPO.
Restricted Stock Units and Performance Stock Units
The Company has issued restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and performance stock units (“PSUs”). Awards are eligible to vest provided that the employee remains in continuous service on each vesting date. The RSUs typically vest ratably in three installments on each of the first anniversaries of the grant date. The PSUs vest after a three-year performance period. The number of PSUs that vest is contingent on the Company achieving certain performance goals, one being a performance condition and the other being a market condition. The number of PSU shares that vest may range from 0 % to 200 % of the original grant, based upon the level of performance. Certain awards are considered probable of meeting vesting requirements, and therefore, the Company has started recognizing expense. For both RSUs and PSUs, if the grantee’s continuous service terminates for any reason, the grantee shall forfeit all right, title, and interest in any unvested units as of the termination date.
For RSUs and PSUs with a performance condition the grant date fair value is based upon the market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of the grant. For PSUs with a market condition, the Company estimates the grant date fair value using the Monte Carlo valuation model. For all PSUs, the Company reassesses the probability of the achievement of the performance condition at each reporting period.
The range of assumptions used for issued PSUs with a market condition valued using the Monte Carlo model were as follows:
For the Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||
| December 28, 2024 | December 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||
| Annual dividend yield | |||||||||||||||||
| Expected term (years) | |||||||||||||||||
| Risk-free interest rate | |||||||||||||||||
| Expected volatility | |||||||||||||||||
| Correlation to the index peer group | |||||||||||||||||
There was approximately $20 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to the unvested RSUs at December 28, 2024, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average vesting period of 1.9 years. In addition, there was approximately $12 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to the unvested PSUs, which are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average vesting period of 1.9 years.
95
The following are the restricted stock units and performance stock units granted:
| Unvested Time Units | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, per unit | Unvested Performance Units | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, per unit | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of December 25, 2021 | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Granted | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Forfeited/Cancelled | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Vested | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2022 | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Granted | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Forfeited/Cancelled | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
Performance achievement(1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vested | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of December 30, 2023 | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Granted | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Forfeited/Cancelled | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Vested | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of December 28, 2024 | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
(1) Reflects the number of awards achieved above target levels for shares vested in the period.
Stock Options
The Company has issued stock options, which vest provided that the employee remains in continuous service on the vesting date. The stock options were granted at the stock price of the Company on the grant date and permit the holder to exercise them for 10 years from the grant date.
In October 2023, the Company converted 2,438,643 performance-based options to time-based awards that vest in full on April 30, 2025, subject to a continuous service requirement through the vesting date. The remaining stock options generally vest on the fourth anniversary of the grant date or ratably over a vesting period of five years , but such vesting could accelerate for certain options based on certain conditions under the award.
The fair value of all time based units granted or modified was estimated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following weighted-average assumptions for fiscal 2023:
For the Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 30, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Annual dividend yield | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted-average expected life (years) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Risk-free interest rate | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expected volatility | |||||||||||||||||||||||
The expected term of the incentive units is based on evaluations of historical and expected future employee behavior. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury rates at the date of grant with maturity dates approximately equal to the expected life at the grant date. Volatility is based on the historical volatility of guideline public entities that are similar to the Company, as the Company did not have sufficient historical transactions of its own shares to calculate expected volatility. The Company does not intend to pay dividends or distributions in the future.
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The following are the stock options granted:
| Time Based Stock Options Outstanding | Weighted Average Exercise Price | Performance Based Stock Options Outstanding | Weighted Average Exercise Price | ||||||||||||||||||||
Outstanding as of December 25, 2021 | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Forfeited/Cancelled | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercised | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Outstanding as of December 31, 2022 | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Modified | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Forfeited/Cancelled | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercised | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Outstanding as of December 30, 2023 | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Forfeited/Cancelled | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
Outstanding as of December 28, 2024 | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
Exercisable as of December 28, 2024 | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
There was approximately $8 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to the unvested stock options at December 28, 2024, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average vesting period of 1.0 years.
For the years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, no
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
On January 6, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”) and effective January 14, 2021, the Company’s shareholders adopted and approved the ESPP. On March 22, 2021, the Company's Board of Directors approved the International Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “International ESPP”). The ESPP and International ESPP provide employees of certain designated subsidiaries of the Company with an opportunity to purchase the Company’s common stock at a discount, subject to certain limitations set forth in the ESPP and International ESPP. The ESPP and International ESPP plans authorized the issuance of 1,790,569 shares of the Company’s common stock. Total ESPP contributions were $1 73,196 , 82,546 , and 143,707 shares of common stock were purchased in each of the respective periods.
The Company recognized share-based compensation expense of $48 million, $15 million, and $21 million for the years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, respectively.
Note 15—(Loss) Earnings Per Share
The Company calculates basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share using the two-class method. The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to common shareholders:
| Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except per share amounts) | December 28, 2024 | December 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic (loss) earnings per share: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net (loss) income attributable to Driven Brands Holdings Inc. | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Net (loss) income attributable to participating securities, basic | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net (loss) income after participating securities, basic | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted-average common shares outstanding | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic (loss) earnings per share | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except per share amounts) | December 28, 2024 | December 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted (loss) earnings per share: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net (loss) income attributable to Driven Brands Holdings Inc. | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Net (loss) income attributable to participating securities, diluted | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net (loss) income after participating securities, diluted | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted-average common shares outstanding | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dilutive effect of share-based awards | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted-average common shares outstanding, as adjusted | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted (loss) earnings per share | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic (loss) earnings per share is computed by dividing net (loss) income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. In addition, the Company’s participating securities are related to certain restricted stock awards issued to Section 16 officers, which include non-forfeitable dividend rights.
The Company has performance awards that are contingent on performance conditions which have not yet been met and therefore were excluded from the computation of weighted average shares of 1,628,715 , 1,284,454 , and 4,661,504 shares for the years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, respectively.
For the years ended December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, we had net losses from operations. As a result, no potentially dilutive securities were included in the denominator for computing diluted loss per share for these periods as their inclusion would be antidilutive.
The following securities were not included in the computation of diluted shares outstanding because the effect would be antidilutive:
| Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of securities (in thousands) | December 28, 2024 | December 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restricted stock units | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock Options | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Note 16—Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes was computed based on the following amounts of (loss) income before income taxes:
| Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | December 28, 2024 | December 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||
| Domestic | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||
| Foreign | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| (Loss) income before income taxes | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||
The components of our income tax (benefit) expense were as follows:
| Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | December 28, 2024 | December 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||
| Current: | |||||||||||||||||
| Federal | $ | $ | $ | ( | |||||||||||||
| State | |||||||||||||||||
| Foreign | |||||||||||||||||
| Deferred: | |||||||||||||||||
| Federal | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| State | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Foreign | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Total income tax (benefit) expense | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||
A reconciliation between the U.S. federal statutory tax rate and the effective tax rate reflected in the accompanying financial statements is as follows:
| Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | December 28, 2024 | December 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Federal income tax at statutory rate | $ | ( | % | $ | ( | % | $ | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| State income taxes, net of federal tax benefits | ( | % | ( | % | ( | ( | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| State deferred tax rate change | ( | % | ( | % | ( | ( | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign deferred tax rate change | ( | % | ( | % | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign tax rate differential | ( | % | ( | % | ( | ( | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-deductible advertising fund loss | % | % | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-deductible transaction costs | % | % | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-deductible stock compensation | ( | % | ( | % | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Taxable foreign source income | ( | % | ( | % | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Goodwill impairment | % | ( | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other permanent differences | ( | % | ( | % | ( | ( | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred tax adjustments | ( | % | ( | % | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current tax adjustments | ( | % | ( | % | ( | ( | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reserve for uncertain tax positions | % | ( | % | ( | ( | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Valuation allowance on deferred tax asset | ( | % | ( | % | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Effective tax rate | $ | ( | % | $ | ( | % | $ | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Deferred tax assets (liabilities) are comprised of the following:
| (in thousands) | December 28, 2024 | December 30, 2023 | |||||||||
| Deferred tax asset | |||||||||||
| Accrued liabilities | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Accounts receivable allowance | |||||||||||
| Net operating loss carryforwards | |||||||||||
| Lease liabilities | |||||||||||
| Interest expense limitation | |||||||||||
| Deferred revenue | |||||||||||
| Other deferred assets | |||||||||||
| Total deferred tax asset | |||||||||||
| Less valuation allowance | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Net deferred tax asset | |||||||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities | |||||||||||
| Goodwill and intangible assets | |||||||||||
| Right-of-use assets | |||||||||||
| Fixed asset basis differences | |||||||||||
| Unrealized foreign exchange differences | |||||||||||
| Other deferred liabilities | |||||||||||
| Total deferred liabilities | |||||||||||
| Net deferred liabilities | $ | $ | |||||||||
The following table presents the activity included in the deferred tax valuation allowance as follows:
| (in thousands) | December 28, 2024 | December 30, 2023 | |||||||||
| Balance at beginning of period | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Additions | |||||||||||
| Translation | ( | ||||||||||
| Balance at end of period | $ | $ | |||||||||
During the year ended December 28, 2024, the valuation allowance increased by $51 million principally related to valuation allowances connected to U.S. federal interest expense limitation, state net operating losses and deferrals.
As of December 28, 2024, the Company had pre-tax federal operating loss carry forwards of $34 million are subject to expiration by 2040. State tax effected net operating loss carryforwards were $10 million for which portions begin to expire in fiscal year 2025. All federal net operating losses are subject to certain limitations under IRC Sect. 382, however, the Company believes that these losses are more likely than not to be utilized. As of December 28, 2024, the Company had pre-tax foreign
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operating loss carryforwards of $39 million for which portions of the operating loss carryforwards begin to expire in fiscal year 2025, while others are indefinite lived and not subject to expiration.
The Company has designated the undistributed earnings of its foreign operations as indefinitely reinvested and as a result the Company does not provide for deferred income taxes on the unremitted earnings of these subsidiaries. As of December 28, 2024, the determination of the amount of such unrecognized deferred tax liability is not practicable.
At December 28, 2024, the Company had less than $1 million of unrecognized tax benefits. A reconciliation of the change in the accrual for unrecognized income tax benefits is as follows:
| (in thousands) | December 28, 2024 | December 30, 2023 | |||||||||
| Balance at beginning of period | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Reduction for prior year tax positions | ( | ||||||||||
| Reduction for settlements | ( | ||||||||||
| Translation adjustments | ( | ||||||||||
| Balance at end of period | $ | $ | |||||||||
The unrecognized income tax benefits could affect the Company's effective tax rate, if recognized. However, it is not expected that any material portion of the unrecognized tax benefit will reverse over the next twelve months. The Company had minimal aggregate accrued interest and penalties at both December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023.
The Company had a total of less than $2 million in Work Opportunity Credits available for the 2024 fiscal year and is estimating to utilize the full amount during the current year.
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S., Canada, and various state and foreign jurisdictions. The Company is generally subject to income tax examinations for years 2018 and later and believes appropriate provisions for all outstanding matters have been made for all jurisdictions and open years.
Base Erosion and Profits Shifting (2.0)
Note 17—Commitments and Contingencies
We are subject to various lawsuits, administrative proceedings, audits, and claims. Some of these lawsuits purport to be class actions and/or seek substantial damages. We are required to record an accrual for litigation loss contingencies that are both probable and reasonably estimable. Management regularly assesses our insurance deductibles, analyzes litigation information with our attorneys, and evaluates our loss experience in connection with pending legal proceedings. We record our best estimate of a loss when the loss is considered probable and the amount of such loss can be reasonably estimated. When a loss is probable and there is a range of estimated loss with no best estimate within the range, we record the minimum estimated liability related to the lawsuit or claim. As additional information becomes available, we reassess the potential liability and revise our accruals, if necessary. Legal fees and expenses associated with the defense of all of our litigation are expensed as such fees and expenses are incurred. Because of uncertainties related to the resolution of lawsuits and claims, the ultimate outcome may differ materially from our estimates.
Genesee County Employees’ Retirement System v. Driven Brands Holdings Inc., et al. – On December 22, 2023, Genesee County Employees’ Retirement System filed a putative class action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina (the “Court”) against the Company as well as a current CEO Jonathan Fitzpatrick and former CFO Tiffany Mason (the “Individual Defendants”) alleging violations of Section 10(b) and Rule 10b-5 of the Exchange Act by the Company, as well as violations of Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act by the Individual Defendants. Genesee County Employees’ Retirement System, Oakland County Employees’ Retirement System, and Oakland County Voluntary Employees’ Beneficiary Association (collectively the “Michigan Funds”) moved for appointment as lead plaintiffs. The Michigan Funds purport to represent a class of stockholders who purchased Company shares between October 27, 2021 and August 1, 2023. On May 31, 2024, the Court appointed the Michigan Funds as lead plaintiffs. On August 13, 2024, the Michigan Funds filed an amended
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complaint and on October 14, 2024, the Company filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint. The motion was fully briefed as of January 27, 2025. The Court denied the motion to dismiss on February 20, 2025. The Company disputes the allegations of wrongdoing and intends to vigorously defend against the action. No assessment as to the likelihood or range of any potential adverse outcome has been made as of the date of this filing.
Terwilliger v. Fitzpatrick, et al. – On January 10, 2025, Daniel Terwilliger filed a purported derivative complaint in the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina against certain current and former Company executive officers and board members, including Jonathan Fitzpatrick, Tiffany Mason, Neal Aronson, Catherine Halligan, Chadwick Hume, Rick Puckett, Karen Stroup, Peter Swinburn, Michael Thompson, and Jose Tomas (collectively, “Defendants”). The Terwilliger complaint makes largely the same allegations as those in Genessee Complaint, namely, that the Company failed to disclose information, which allegedly resulted in material misstatements about the Company’s business and prospects in its quarterly filings, and purports to state claims for (i) breach of fiduciary duty; (ii) unjust enrichment; (iii) abuse of control; (iv) gross mismanagement; (v) waste of corporate assets; and (vi) violations of Sections 10(b) and 21D of the Exchange Act. Neither the Company nor the Defendants have yet been served. The parties are in the process of negotiating a schedule for the case, including a briefing schedule for a motion to dismiss. The Company disputes the allegations of wrongdoing and intends to vigorously defend against the action. No assessment as to the likelihood or range of any potential adverse outcome has been made as of the date of this filing.
Other than the matter described above, as of December 28, 2024, there are no current proceedings or litigation matters involving the Company or its property that we believe would have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or cash flows, although they could have a material adverse effect on our operating results for a particular reporting period.
Note 18—Subsequent Events
2025 Resegmentation
In the first quarter of 2025, we changed our operating segments, which will result in a change to our reportable segments. As a result, and as will be reported in our first quarter 2025 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we have the following reportable segments: Take 5, Franchise Brands, and Car Wash as well as Corporate and Other.
The Take 5 segment will be comprised of both our company and franchise-operated Take 5 Oil business, including our supply distribution channels through Spire Supply.
The Franchise Brands segment will be comprised of our portfolio of franchised brands, which include CARSTAR, Meineke, Maaco, Uniban and 1-800 Radiator, among other smaller brands. These brands are over 99 % franchised. In addition, our ATI business, which supports these franchised brands, will be included within this reporting segment.
With the announcement of the U.S. Car Wash Divestiture below, the Car Wash segment will only include the Car Wash International business.
The Corporate and Other segment will be comprised of our U.S. glass businesses, including the retail and commercial business as well as the insurance business, which includes our third party administrator services. The segment will also incur costs related to advertising revenues and expenses and shared service costs, which are related to finance, IT, human resources, legal, supply chain, and other support services, and will reflect adjustments necessary to eliminate certain intersegment balances.
U.S Car Wash Divestiture
On February 24, 2025, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to sell its U.S. Car Wash business to Express Wash Operations, LLC dba Whistle Express Car Wash (the “Buyer”). The aggregate purchase price is $385 million, subject to customary adjustments for cash, indebtedness, working capital, and transaction expenses. Under the terms of the agreement, the Buyer has agreed to pay the Company $255 million in cash and deliver to the Company an interest-bearing seller note in the principal amount of $130 million, subject to customary adjustments. The transition is subject to customary closing conditions.
Executive Officer Departure
On February 24, 2025, Jonathan Fitzpatrick, President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of the Company and also the CODM submitted his resignation effective as of May 9, 2025 (the “CEO Transition Date”). The Board appointed Daniel Rivera to replace Mr. Fitzpatrick as President and CEO effective as of the CEO Transition Date. In addition, Mr. Fitzpatrick will remain on the Board and become the Non-Executive Chair, and Mr. Rivera will be appointed to the Board, each effective as of the CEO Transition Date. Mr. Aronson, the Company’s current Chairman of the Board, will remain on the Board. Mr. Fitzpatrick has also agreed to serve as a Senior Advisor to Mr. Rivera to assist with transition matters through the end of the 2025 fiscal year.
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Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our CEO and CFO, has evaluated the design and operating effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a- 15(e) and 15d- 15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of December 28, 2024. The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Based on evaluation of the design and operating effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 28, 2024, our CEO and CFO have concluded that as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were designed and operating effectively to provide a reasonable level of assurance.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined under Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)). Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Our management performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 28, 2024 based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (“COSO”). Based on our evaluation and those criteria, management determined that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 28, 2024.
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 28, 2024 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report appearing under Item 8 - Financial statements and Supplementary Data.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) during the most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B. Other Information
(c) Trading Plans
During the three months ended December 28, 2024, no director or Section 16 officer adopted terminated
Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
Not Applicable.
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Part III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Information about our Executive Officers
The following individuals are our executive officers as of February 26, 2025:
| Name | Position | Age | ||||||||||||
| Jonathan Fitzpatrick | President, Chief Executive Officer and Director | 54 | ||||||||||||
| Michael F. Diamond | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | 42 | ||||||||||||
| Scott O’Melia | Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer | 55 | ||||||||||||
| Daniel Rivera | Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer | 45 | ||||||||||||
Jonathan Fitzpatrick serves as our President, Chief Executive Officer and Director. Mr. Fitzpatrick has served as our President and Chief Executive Officer since July 2012, has served as a member of our Board of Directors since April 2018 and previously served as a member of the board of managers of Driven Investor LLC. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Fitzpatrick served in various capacities with Burger King Corporation (a fast food restaurant company) both prior to and after its acquisition by 3G Capital. Between February 2011 and June 2012, he was Executive Vice President, Chief Brand and Operations Officer for Burger King. From October 2010 to February 2011, he was Executive Vice President of Global Operations and between August 2009 and October 2010, Senior Vice President of Operations, Europe Middle East and Africa. Prior to this role, he was Senior Vice President, Development and Franchising from July 2007 through August 2009.
Michael F. Diamond serves as our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Diamond joined Driven Brands as Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) in August 2024. Before joining Driven Brands, he served as Executive Vice President and CFO of The Michaels Companies from August 2020 through July 2024. Prior to Michaels, he spent six years at Yum! Brands in roles of increasing responsibility, including as CFO, Pizza Hut U.S. and Chief Growth Officer, Pizza Hut U.K. and Europe. Mr. Diamond spent four years as a consultant and project leader for The Boston Consulting Group and two years as a private equity analyst for Svoboda Capital Partners. He began his career as an investment banking analyst at Merrill Lynch & Co.
Scott O’Melia serves as our Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer. Mr. O’Melia joined Driven Brands as Executive Vice President and General Counsel in May 2020 and became Chief Legal Officer in August 2024. Prior to joining Driven Brands, Mr. O’Melia served as General Counsel and Vice President of Corporate Development for Caraustar Industries (a manufacturer of recycled materials and paper products) from 2012 to 2019. From 2009 to 2012, Mr. O’Melia was Vice President, Corporate Counsel at Wendy’s/Arby’s Group (a fast food restaurant company). From 2005 to 2009, Mr. O’Melia was a partner at Alston & Bird (an international law firm) where he focused on mergers and acquisitions and other transactions, securities, private equity, and general corporate matters.
Daniel Rivera serves as our Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Rivera joined Driven Brands as Chief Information Officer in 2012 and has served as Group President of Maintenance, President of Meineke, and President of Take 5 Oil. Prior to joining Driven Brands, Mr. Rivera served as Senior Director of Application Development, Business Intelligence, Infrastructure, and Security at AutoNation (an automotive retailer) from 2011 to 2012. Prior to his role with AutoNation, he worked in various capacities at General Electric (an industrial company), Motorola (a telecommunications company), and Burger King Corporate.
We have adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to all of our directors, officers and employees, including our principal executive, principal financial, and principal accounting officers, or persons performing similar functions. Our Code of Ethics is posted on our website located at https://investors.drivenbrands.com. We intend to disclose future amendments to certain provisions of the Code of Ethics, and waivers of the Code of Ethics granted to executive officers and directors, on the website within four business days following the date of the amendment or waiver.
The remaining information required by this item, including information regarding our insider trading policy , will be contained in our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which will be filed not later than 120 days after the close of our fiscal year ended December 28, 2024 (the “Definitive Proxy Statement”) and is incorporated herein by reference.
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Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information required by this item will be contained in the definitive Proxy Statement for the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The information required by this item will be contained in the definitive Proxy Statement for the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information required by this item will be contained in the definitive Proxy Statement for the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 14. Principal Accounting Services and Fees
The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm is PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. The information required by this item will be contained in the definitive Proxy Statement for the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.
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Part IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
(a)List of Documents Filed as part of this Form 10‑K:
1.Consolidated Financial Statements
See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
2.Financial Statement Schedules
All schedules have been omitted because they are not required or the required information is shown in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
3.Exhibits
The following is a list of exhibits filed, furnished or incorporated by reference as a part of this Annual Report on Form 10‑K.
| Exhibit Number | Exhibit Description | Form | Exhibit | Filing Date | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3.1 | 10-K | 3.1 | March 18, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3.2 | 10-K | 3.2 | March 18, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4.1 | 8-K | 4.2 | July 29, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4.2 | S-1 | 4.8 | December 22, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4.3 | S-1 | 4.10 | December 22, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4.4 | S-1 | 4.12 | December 22, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4.5 | 8-K | 4.1 | April 30, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4.6 | S-1 | 4.15 | December 22, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4.7 | S-1 | 4.16 | December 22, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 4.8 | 8-K | 4.1 | September 29, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4.9 | 8-K | 4.1 | October 5, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4.10 | 8-K | 4.1 | July 29, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4.11 | 10-K | 4.17 | March 23, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.1 | S-1 | 10.1 | December 22, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.2 | 10-Q | 10.1 | November 7, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.3 | 8-K | 10.1 | July 29, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.4 | S-1 | 10.2 | December 22, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.5 | S-1 | 10.3 | December 22, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.6 | S-1 | 10.4 | December 22, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.7 | S-1 | 10.5 | December 22, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 10.8 | S-1 | 10.6 | December 22, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.9† | 8-K | 10.1 | October 5, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.10† | 8-K | 10.2 | October 5, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.11 | 8-K | 10.1 | June 7, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.12 | 10-K | 10.12 | March 23, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.13 | 10-K | 10.17 | March 18, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.14 | 10-K | 10.18 | March 18, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.15† | S-1 | 10.13 | December 22, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.16 | 8-K | 10.1 | January 21, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.17† | S-1 | 10.15 | December 22, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.18† | S-1/A | 10.16 | January 7, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.19† | 8-K | 10.1 | August 1, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.20† | 8-K | 10.1 | May 2, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.21† | S-1/A | 10.18 | January 7, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.22† | 10-K | 10.19 | March 23, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.23† | 10-K | 10.20 | March 23, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.24† | 10-Q | 10.2 | May 9, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.25† | 10-K | 10.21 | March 23, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.26† | S-1/A | 10.19 | January 7, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
108
| 10.27† | S-1/A | 10.20 | January 7, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.28† | 8-K | 10.2 | January 21, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.29† | DEF 14A | Exhibit B | March 27, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.30† | S-1/A | 10.25 | January 7, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.31† | S-1/A | 10.26 | January 7, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.32† | 10-K | 10.31 | February 28, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.33† | 8-K | 10.1 | March 22, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.34† | 8-K | 10.2 | March 22, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.35† | 10-K | 10.34 | February 28, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.36† | 10-K | 10.35 | February 28, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.37 | 10-Q | 10.4 | August 9, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.38 | 10-Q | 10.5 | August 9, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.39† | S-1/A | 10.27 | January 7, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.40† | S-1/A | 10.28 | January 7, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.41† | 10-K | 10.40 | February 28, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.42 | 10-K | 10.37 | March 18, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.43 | 10-K | 10.38 | March 18, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 19.1* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 21.1* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 23.1* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 24.1* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 31.1* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 31.2* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 32.1** | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 32.2** | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 97.1† | 10-K | 97.1 | February 28, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
109
__________________________________________________________________
| * | Filed herewith | ||||
| ** | Furnished herewith | ||||
| † | Indicates management contract or compensatory plan. | ||||
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary
None.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Date: February 26, 2025
| DRIVEN BRANDS HOLDINGS INC. | ||||||||||||||
| By: | /s/ Jonathan Fitzpatrick | |||||||||||||
| Name: | Jonathan Fitzpatrick | |||||||||||||
| Title: | President and Chief Executive Officer | |||||||||||||
111
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. Each of the directors of the registrant whose signature appears below hereby appoints Michael F. Diamond and Scott O’Melia, and each of them severally, as his or her attorney-in-fact to sign in his or her name and behalf, in any and all capacities stated below, and to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission any and all amendments to this report, making such changes in this report as appropriate, and generally to do all such things on their behalf in their capacities as directors and/or officers to enable the registrant to comply with the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and all requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
| Signature | Title | Date | ||||||||||||
| /s/ Jonathan Fitzpatrick | Chief Executive Officer | February 26, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Jonathan Fitzpatrick | (Principal Executive Officer) | |||||||||||||
| /s/ Michael F. Diamond | Chief Financial Officer | February 26, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Michael F. Diamond | (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) | |||||||||||||
| /s/ Neal Aronson | Non-Executive Chairman and Director | February 26, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Neal Aronson | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Jose Tomás | Director | February 26, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Jose Tomás | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Michael Thompson | Director | February 26, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Michael Thompson | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Chadwick Hume | Director | February 26, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Chadwick Hume | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Cathy Halligan | Director | February 26, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Cathy Halligan | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Rick Puckett | Director | February 26, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Rick Puckett | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Karen Stroup | Director | February 26, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Karen Stroup | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Peter Swinburn | Director | February 26, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Peter Swinburn | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Damien Harmon | Director | February 26, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Damien Harmon | ||||||||||||||
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DRIVEN BRANDS HOLDINGS INC. SECURITIES TRADING POLICY Effective January 1, 2025 I. Purpose This Policy describes the guidelines of Driven Brands Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) concerning transactions in the securities of the Company or securities of another public company and the handling of non-public information relating to the Company or another company that the Company’s directors, officers and employees may come into possession in the normal course of business. The Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and the U.S. securities exchanges are extremely effective in detecting insider trading. The SEC and the Department of Justice have prosecuted cases involving trading or tipping by employees at all levels of a business, trading or tipping by family members and friends, trading involving offshore accounts and trading involving only a small amount of stock. The consequences of insider trading violations can be severe: For individuals who trade on inside information (or tip information to others): civil penalties of up to three times the profit gained or loss avoided; criminal fines (no matter how small the profit); and jail terms. For a company (as well as possibly any supervisory person) that fails to take appropriate steps to prevent illegal trading: civil and criminal penalties. If any employee violates this Policy, Company-imposed sanctions, including dismissal for misconduct or cause, could result. II. Persons Subject to the Policy This Policy applies to all directors, executive officers1 and employees of the Company as well as contractors or consultants who may be provided access to material nonpublic information about the Company (collectively, “Company Personnel”). The general prohibitions of this Policy apply to all Company Personnel, while the restrictions set forth in Part VI (blackout periods) and Part VII (pre-clearance) apply only to directors, executive officers and certain designated employees. If you are unsure whether you are 1 Executive Officers for purposes of this Policy are persons meeting the definition of “officer” in Rule 16a-1(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Exhibit 19.1
subject to the restrictions set forth in Parts VI or VII, please contact the Company’s General Counsel or his or her designee. The restrictions described in this Policy that apply to you also apply to your spouse, minor children and anyone else living in your household, partnerships in which you are a general partner, trusts of which you are a trustee, estates of which you are an executor, or other entities controlled, influenced, or managed by you and/or your Family Members (collectively with Family Members, “Related Parties,” and together with Company Personnel, “Insiders”). You are responsible for compliance with this Policy by your Related Parties and should treat all transactions by your Related Parties as if the transactions were for your own account. III. Transactions Subject to the Policy For purposes of this Policy, references to “trading” or to “transactions in securities of the Company” include: purchases or sales of Company stock, bonds, options, puts and calls, derivative securities based on securities of the Company; gifts of Company securities; loans of Company securities; hedging transactions involving or referencing Company securities, contributions of Company securities to a trust, sales of Company stock acquired upon the exercise of stock options, broker-assisted cashless exercises of stock options, market sales to raise cash to fund the exercise of stock options; sales of Company securities obtained through the vesting of restricted stock units or performance stock units awarded by the Company; an election to participate the Company’s employee share purchase plan (or ESPP), any increase or decrease in the amount of periodic contributions to the ESPP and sales of Company stock purchased under the ESPP; . IV. Policy Statement If you possess material nonpublic information (as further discussed below) relating to the Company, neither you nor any Related Party may: effect transactions in securities of the Company (other than pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 Plan (as defined in Part VIII below) or engage in any other action to take advantage of that information; pass that information on to any person (including persons within the Company whose jobs do not require them to have that information), including family or friends; or suggest or otherwise recommend that any such person outside the Company effect a transaction in securities of the Company or engage in any other action to take advantage of that information. This Policy will continue to apply after termination of employment, service or relationship with the Company to the extent that a former director, executive officer or employee is in possession of material nonpublic information at the time of termination. In such case, no transaction in securities of the Company may take place until the information becomes public or ceases to be material. Persons subject to the blackout period restrictions who terminate their employment, service or relationship with the Company during a blackout period will remain subject to the restrictions until the end of such blackout period.
This Policy also applies to material nonpublic information obtained in the course of employment with, or by serving as a director of, the Company, relating to any other company, including: our customers, clients or suppliers, any entity with which we may be negotiating a major transaction or business combination, or any entity as to which we have an indirect or direct control relationship or a designee on the board of directors. Neither you nor any Related Party may effect transactions in the securities of any such other company while in possession of material nonpublic information concerning such company that was obtained in the course of your employment or service with the Company. Transactions that may be necessary or justifiable for independent reasons (such as the need to raise money for an emergency expenditure) are no exception. Even the appearance of an improper transaction must be avoided to preserve our reputation for adhering to the highest standards of conduct. Material Information. “Material information” is any information that a reasonable investor would consider important in a decision to effect a transaction in securities of the Company. In short, any information that could reasonably affect the price of such securities. Either positive or negative information may be material. Common examples of information that will frequently be regarded as material are: projections of future earnings or losses, or other guidance concerning earnings; the fact that earnings are inconsistent with consensus expectations; material changes in ownership or control; a pending or proposed merger, joint venture, acquisition or tender offer; a significant sale of assets or the disposition of a subsidiary or business unit; changes in dividend policies or the declaration of a stock split or the proposed or contemplated issuance, redemption, or repurchase of securities; the establishment of a repurchase program for securities; changes in senior management or other key employees, directors, or auditors; significant new products or services; significant legal or regulatory exposure due to a pending or threatened lawsuit or investigation;
impending bankruptcy or other financial liquidity problems; a material cyber incident that has not been disclosed; major environmental incidents; changes in legislation affecting our business; and the gain or loss of a substantial customer, client or supplier. 20-20 Hindsight. Remember, if your transaction in securities of the Company becomes the subject of scrutiny, it will be viewed after-the-fact with the benefit of hindsight. As a result, before engaging in any transaction you should carefully consider how regulators and others might view your transaction in hindsight. Tipping Information to Others. Whether the information is proprietary information about the Company or other information that could have an impact on the price of the Company’s securities, you must not pass the information on to others. Penalties will apply whether or not you derive, or even intend to derive, any profit or other benefit from another’s actions. When Information is Public. Nonpublic information is information that has not been broadly disclosed to the marketplace, such as through a press release or a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and the marketplace has not had enough time to absorb the information. As a general rule, information should not be considered fully absorbed by the marketplace until the end of the second trading day after the information is released. A “trading day” is a day on which the Nasdaq Stock Market is open for business. Thus, if information is released before the market opens on a Monday, trading should not take place until the market opens on Wednesday by which time two full trading days would have elapsed. If, however, the Company discloses material nonpublic information after the market closes on Monday, you may not trade in the Company securities until the market opens on Thursday. Confidentiality Obligations. The restrictions set forth in this Policy are designed to avoid misuse of material nonpublic information in violation of the securities laws. These restrictions are in addition to, and in no way alter, the general obligations that each Company Personnel has to maintain the confidentiality of all confidential or proprietary information concerning the Company and its business, as well as any other confidential information, that may be learned in the course of service or employment with the Company. No such information is to be disclosed to any other person in the Company, unless that person has a clear need to know that information, and no such information may be disclosed to any third parties, except as required or otherwise contemplated by your function or position. You should take precautions to prevent the unauthorized disclosure or other misuse of such information by maintaining files securely, avoiding discussions of such information in public and taking extra care when distributing such information electronically.
V. Additional Prohibited Transactions Because we believe it is improper and inappropriate for any person to engage in short-term or speculative transactions involving the Company’s securities, it is the policy of the Company that Insiders are prohibited from engaging in any of the following activities with respect to securities of the Company: Purchases of securities of the Company on margin. You may not purchase securities of the Company on margin or pledge, or otherwise grant a security interest in, securities of the Company in margin accounts. Short sales (i.e., selling stock you do not own and borrowing the shares to make delivery). The SEC effectively prohibits directors and executive officers from selling Company securities short. This Policy is simply expanding this prohibition to cover all employees. Options/derivatives trading. Buying or selling puts, calls, options or other derivatives in respect of securities of the Company. Insiders are also prohibited from purchasing any financial instruments (including prepaid variable forward contracts, equity swaps, collars and exchange funds) or otherwise engaging in transactions that are designed to or have the effect of hedging or offsetting any decrease in the market value of the Company’s equity securities. VI. Blackout Periods – For Directors, Officers and Certain Other Personnel with Access to Material Nonpublic Information The Company’s announcement of quarterly financial results has the potential to have a material impact on the market for the Company’s securities. Therefore, in order to avoid any appearance that its Insiders are trading while aware of material nonpublic information, all directors, executive officers and certain other persons who are or may be expected to be aware of quarterly financial results of the Company, and their respective Related Parties, will be subject to quarterly blackouts on trading. The Company has established the following “blackout periods” in relation to the publication of its annual and quarterly results the period commencing two weeks prior to the end of each fiscal quarter and ending at the close of trading on the second trading day after public announcement of the Company’s financial results for such quarter During these blackout periods, the following persons and their Related Parties are prohibited from effecting transactions in securities of the Company (except as otherwise expressly provided below): directors and their secretaries and other assistants; Presidents, Executive Vice Presidents, Senior Vice Presidents, and their secretaries and other assistants;
employees at the Director level and above in the accounting, business development, finance and, information technology, and legal departments; and any other person designated by the General Counsel or his or her designee. You should be aware that the blackout periods described above may be modified by the Company at any time. In addition, the Company may from time to time determine that effecting transactions in securities of the Company is inappropriate at a time that is outside the blackout periods and, accordingly, may notify you of additional blackout periods at any time. For example, a short blackout period may be imposed on certain Company Personnel shortly before issuance of interim earnings guidance, or a temporary blackout period may be imposed on certain Company Personnel because the Company is involved in a highly sensitive transaction. Those subject to blackout period requirements will receive notice of any modification by the Company of the blackout period policy or of any additional prohibition on trading during a non-blackout period. Any person made aware of such a special blackout period shall not trade in the Company’s securities while the blackout period is in effect and shall not disclose the existence of the blackout period to anyone else inside or outside the Company. See Part VIII below for the principles applicable to transactions under Rule 10b5-1 plans. VII. Pre-Clearance of Securities Transactions To provide assistance in preventing inadvertent violations of the law and avoiding even the appearance of an improper transaction (which could result, for example, where an executive officer engages in a trade while unaware of a pending major development), we are implementing the following procedures: All transactions in securities of the Company by the following persons and their Related Parties must be pre-cleared with the Company’s General Counsel or his or her designee: directors and their secretaries and other assistants; executive officers, any other officer who has an obligation to file reports under Section 16 of the Exchange Act, and their secretaries and other assistants; employees at the Director level and above in the accounting, business development, finance, information technology, and legal departments; and any other person designated by the General Counsel or his or her designee. Persons subject to these restrictions should contact the General Counsel or his or her designee using the form attached as Appendix A at least two business days (or such shorter period as the General Counsel or his or her designee may determine) in advance and may not effect any transaction subject to the pre-clearance request unless given clearance to do so, which clearance, if granted, will be valid only for two business days following the approval date. If a transaction for which clearance has been granted is not effected (i.e., the trade is not placed) within such two business day period, the transaction must again be pre-cleared. The General Counsel shall submit pre-clearance requests with respect to his/her transactions to the Chief Financial Officer.
To the extent that a material event or development affecting the Company remains nonpublic, persons subject to pre-clearance will not be given permission to effect transactions in securities of the Company. Such persons may not be informed of the reason why they may not trade. Any person that is made aware of the reason for an event-specific prohibition on trading should in no event disclose the reason for the prohibition to third parties and should avoid disclosing the existence of the prohibition, if possible. Caution should be exercised when telling a broker or other person who suggested a trade that the trade cannot be effected at the time. See Part VIII below for the principles applicable to transactions under Rule 10b5-1 plans. VIII. Rule 10b5-1 Plans Rule 10b5-1(c) under the Exchange Act provides an affirmative defense against insider trading liability for trades that are effected pursuant to a written plan, contract, instruction, or arrangement that meets the specified conditions thereunder (a “Rule 10b5-1 Plan”). Transactions under a Rule 10b5-1 Plan may occur even when the person who has entered into the plan is aware of material nonpublic information. The trading restrictions described in Parts IV, VI and VII do not apply to a Rule 10b5-1 Plan. In addition to complying with requirements of Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act, under this Policy, the adoption, amendment or termination of a Rule 10b5-1 Plan must meet the requirements set forth in Appendix B, “Guidelines for Rule 10b5-1 Plans.” IX. Company Transactions From time to time, the Company may engage in transactions in its own securities. It is the Company’s policy to comply with all applicable securities and state laws (including appropriate approvals by the Board of Directors or appropriate committee, if required) when engaging in transactions in Company securities. X. Certification All Company Personnel subject to this Policy will be required to certify their understanding of and intent to comply with this Policy periodically. XI. Assistance Any person who has any questions about this Policy or about specific transactions may contact the Company’s General Counsel or his or her designee. Remember, however, that the ultimate responsibility for adhering to this Policy and avoiding improper transactions rests with you. In this regard, it is imperative that you use your best judgment and to ask before acting if you are unsure.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND CERTIFICATION I certify that: 1. I have read and understand the Securities Trading Policy (the “Policy”) of Driven Brands Holdings Inc. (the “Company”). 2. I understand that the Company’s General Counsel or his or her designee is available to answer any questions I have regarding the Policy. 3. Since the date this Policy became effective, or such shorter period of time that I have been with the Company, I have complied with the Policy. 4. I will continue to comply with the Policy for as long as I am subject to the Policy. _____________________________ Signature Date: _______________________ _____________________________ Name (Please Print)
Appendix A Email Form for Pre-Clearance Requests RE: Request for Pre-Clearance To: General Counsel & Vice President, Corporate Governance and Securities I am requesting pre-clearance to complete the following transactions on [INSERT DATE] (complete as applicable, if not applicable, leave blank): 1. Purchase shares of DRVN; 2. Sell shares of DRVN; 3. Exercise DRVN options; or 4. Otherwise dispose of DRVN shares (Please explain any gifts of stock, transfers for estate planning/divorce/bequest/loan/ pledge below): By completing and submitting this form, I hereby represent all of the following: 1. I have read and am in compliance with the Driven Brands Holdings Inc. Securities Trading Policy. 2. I am not currently in possession of material non-public information regarding Driven Brands, and at the time I complete the transaction noted above, I will not be in possession of material non-public information regarding Driven Brands. 3. I understand that pre-clearance is good for two trading days (or less if the normal quarterly blackout period starts, a special trading blackout is declared, or I come into possession of material non-public information).
Appendix B Guidelines for Rule 10b5-1 Plans As discussed in the Policy, Rule 10b5-1 provides an affirmative defense from insider trading liability. In order to be eligible to rely on this defense, Insiders must enter into a Rule 10b5-1 Plan for transactions in Company securities that meets certain conditions specified in Rule 10b5-1. Capitalized terms used in these guidelines without definition have the meaning set forth in the Policy. These guidelines are in addition to, and not in lieu of, the requirements and conditions of Rule 10b5-1. The General Counsel or his or her designee will interpret and administer these guidelines for compliance with Rule 10b5-1, the Policy and the requirements below. No personal legal or financial advice is being provided by the General Counsel or his or her designee regarding any Rule 10b5-1 Plan or proposed trades. Insiders remain ultimately responsible for ensuring that their Rule 10b5-1 Plans and contemplated transactions fully comply with applicable securities laws. It is recommended that Insiders consult with their own attorneys or other advisors about any contemplated Rule 10b5-1 Plan. Note that for any director or executive officer (“Section 16 Persons”), the Company is required to disclose the material terms of his or her Rule 10b5-1 Plan (and may be required to disclose the material terms of Rule 10b5-1 Plans of Related Parties of such persons), other than with respect to price, in its periodic report for the quarter in which the Rule 10b5-1 Plan is adopted, modified, or terminated (as described below). 1. Pre-Clearance Requirement. The Rule 10b5-1 Plan must be reviewed and approved in advance by the General Counsel or his or her designee (or, in the case of the General Counsel, by the Chief Financial Officer) at least five business days prior to the entry into the plan in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Policy and these guidelines. The Company may require that Insiders use a standardized form of Rule 10b5-1 Plan. 2. Time of Adoption. Subject to pre-clearance requirements described above, the Rule 10b5- 1 Plan must be adopted at a time: When the Insider is not aware of any material nonpublic information; and If the Insider is subject to Part VI of the Policy, when a blackout period is not in effect. 3. Plan Instructions. Any Rule 10b5-1 Plan adopted by any Insider must be in writing, signed, and either: specify the amount, price and date of the sales (or purchases) of the Company’s securities to be effected; provide a formula, algorithm or computer program for determining when to sell (or purchase) the Company’s securities, the quantity to sell (or purchase) and the price; or delegate decision-making authority with regard to these transactions to a broker or other agent without any material nonpublic information about the Company or its securities.
For the avoidance of doubt, Insiders may not subsequently influence how, when, or whether to effect purchases or sales with respect to the securities subject to an approved and adopted Rule 10b5-1 Plan. 4. No Hedging. Insiders may not have entered into or altered a corresponding or hedging transaction or position with respect to the securities subject to the Rule 10b5-1 Plan and must agree not to enter into any such transaction while the Rule 10b5-1 Plan is in effect. 5. Good Faith Requirements. Insiders must enter into the Rule 10b5-1 Plan in good faith and not as part of a plan or scheme to evade the prohibitions of Rules 10b-5 and 10b5-1. Insiders must act in good faith with respect to the Rule 10b5-1 Plan for the entirety of its duration. 6. Certifications for Section 16 Persons. Section 16 Persons and their Family Members and Controlled Entities that enter into Rule 10b5-1 Plans must certify that they are: (1) not aware of any material nonpublic information about the Company or the Company securities; and (2) adopting the Rule 10b5-1 Plan in good faith and not as part of a plan or scheme to evade the prohibitions of Rules 10b-5 and 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act. 7. Cooling Off Periods. The first trade under the Rule 10b5-1 Plan may not occur until the expiration of a cooling-off period as follows: For Section 16 Persons (as well as their Family Members and Controlled Entities), the later of (1) two business days following the filing of the Company’s Form 10- Q or Form 10-K for the completed fiscal quarter in which the Rule 10b5-1 Plan was adopted and (2) 90 calendar days after adoption of the Rule 10b5-1 Plan; provided, however, that the required cooling-off period shall in no event exceed 120 days. For other Insiders, 30 days after adoption of the Rule 10b5-1 Plan. 8. No Overlapping Rule 10b5-1 Plans. An Insider may not enter into overlapping Rule 10b5-1 Plans (subject to certain exceptions). Please consult the General Counsel or his or her designee with any questions regarding overlapping Rule 10b5-1 plans. 9. Single Transaction Plans. An Insider may not enter into more than one Rule 10b5-1 Plan designed to effect the open-market purchase or sale of the total amount of securities as a single transaction during any rolling 12-month period (subject to certain exceptions). A single-transaction plan is “designed to effect” the purchase or sale of securities as a single transaction when the terms of the plan would, for practical purposes, directly or indirectly require execution in a single transaction. 10. Modifications and Terminations. Modifications/amendments and terminations of an existing Rule 10b5-1 Plan are strongly discouraged due to legal risks, and can affect the validity of trades that have taken place under the plan prior to such modification/amendment or termination. Under Rule 10b5-1 and these guidelines, any modification/amendment to the amount, price, or timing of the purchase or sale of the securities underlying the Rule 10b5-1 Plan (a “Material Modification”) will be deemed to be a termination of the current Rule 10b5-1 Plan and creation of a new Rule 10b5-1 Plan. As such, the modification/amendment of an existing Rule 10b5 1 Trading Plan must be
reviewed and approved in advance by the General Counsel or his or designee in accordance with the pre-clearance procedures set forth in the Policy and these guidelines, and any Material Modification will be subject to all the other requirements set forth in these guidelines regarding the adoption of a new Rule 10b5-1 Trading Plan. If an Insider is considering administerial changes to a Rule 10b5-1 plan, such as changing the account information, the Insider should consult with the General Counsel or his or her designee in advance to confirm that any such change does not constitute an effective termination of the plan. The termination (other than through an amendment or modification) of an existing Rule 10b5-1 Plan must be reviewed and approved in advance by the General Counsel or his or her designee in accordance with pre-clearance procedures set forth in the Policy and these guidelines. The General Counsel or his or her designee will not approve the termination of a Rule 10b5-1 Plan unless: The Insider is not aware of any material nonpublic information; and If the Insider is subject to Part VI of the Policy, a blackout period is not in effect.
Exhibit 21.1 Subsidiaries of the Registrant Entity Jurisdiction of Organization 1198786 B.C. Ltd. British Columbia 12008432 Canada Inc. Canada 12038528 Canada Inc. Canada 1-800 All Parts Holdings, LLC Delaware 1-800 All Parts, LLC California 1-800 Radiator & A/C, LLC California 1-800 Radiator Canada Co. Nova Scotia 1-800-Radiator Franchise, LLC California 1-800-Radiator Franchisor SPV LLC Delaware 1-800-Radiator Product Sourcing LLC Delaware 2373404 Ontario Inc. Ontario 2559275 Ontario Inc.1 Ontario 79411 USA, LLC Delaware A-1 Auto Glass 2019, LLC Delaware ABRA Franchising, LLC Delaware ABRA Franchisor SPV LLC Delaware Advanced Auto Glass, LLC Delaware AGN Glass LLC Delaware All Star Glass, LLC California American Financial, LLC Maryland AML –automobilové mycílinky, spol. s r.o. Czech Republic Anduff Car Wash Limited England and Wales Anduff Holdings Limited England and Wales Artego Auto Wasch-u. Service GmbH Austria Association of Collision Repairers, LLC California Auto Center Auto Body, LLC California Automotive Training Institute, LLC Delaware Boing Acquisitions Limited England and Wales Boing Midco Limited England and Wales Boing US Holdco, Inc. Delaware Brossecar Indústria e Cómercio de Escovas Auto, Lda Portugal Carstar Canada GP Corp. Canada 1 Majority owned by Registrant. 1
Entity Jurisdiction of Organization Ontario Canada Ontario Kansas Delaware Delaware Kansas California Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware England and Wales France Delaware North Carolina Canada Canada Canada Delaware Delaware Delaware Canada Ontario Canada Canada Ontario Carstar Canada Partnership, LP Carstar Canada SPV GP Corporation Carstar Canada SPV LP CARSTAR Franchise Systems, Inc. CARSTAR Franchisor SPV LLC CARSTAR Holdings Corp. CARSTAR, Inc. Caulfield-Bickett, LLC Claim Driver Inc. Clairus Acquisition (2019), LLC Clairus Group USA Holdco, LLC Clairus Group USA Midco, LLC Clairus Group USA, LLC Cleanland Limited Compagnie Parisienne de Services SAS Drive N’ Style, LLC Driven Acquisition LLC Driven Brands Canada Funding Corporation Driven Brands Canada Shared Services Inc. Driven Brands Canada, Inc. Driven Brands Funding, LLC Driven Brands Shared Services, LLC Driven Brands, Inc. Driven Canada Claims Management GP Corporation Driven Canada Claims Management LP Driven Canada Funding HoldCo Corporation Driven Canada Product Sourcing GP Corporation Driven Canada Product Sourcing LP Driven Claims, LLC Driven Funding HoldCo, LLC Driven Glass Inc. Driven Holdings LLC Driven Holdings Parent LLC Driven Product Sourcing LLC Driven Sister Holdings LLC Driven Systems LLC Econo Lube Franchisor SPV LLC Econo-Lube N’ Tune, LLC Express Management Arkansas Inc. FUSA Franchisor SPV LLC FUSA, LLC Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Arkansas Delaware Delaware Delaware 2
Entity Jurisdiction of Organization Gauthier Auto Glass Limited 2 Ontario Go Glass Franchisor SPV GP Corporation Canada Go Glass Franchisor SPV LP Ontario IMO Auto Lavagens, SA Portugal IMO AUTOLAVADOS, S.A.U. Spain IMO Autopflege Beteiligungsverwaltungs GmbH Germany IMO Autopflege GmbH Germany IMO Autopflege Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG Germany IMO Car Wash Australasia Pty Ltd Australia IMO Car Wash Group LTD England and Wales IMO Denmark Holdings Limited England and Wales IMO Deutschland Holding GmbH Germany IMO France SNC France IMO Group Holdings Pty Ltd Australia IMO Holding GmbH Germany IMO Hungary Autómosó Kft Hungary IMO Polska Sp. z o.o. Poland IMO US Alabama, LLC Delaware IMO US Development, LLC Delaware IMO US Georgia, LLC Delaware IMO US Ohio, LLC Delaware IMO US South, LLC Delaware IMO US Utah, LLC Delaware IMO US West, LLC Delaware International Car Wash Group Financing Ltd. England and Wales International Car Wash Group LTD. England and Wales IPIC BV Netherlands IPIC Luxembourg S.àr.l. Luxembourg Le Roseau SA Luxembourg M&M Auto Glass Services, LLC New York Maaco Canada GP Corp. Canada Maaco Canada Partnership, LP Ontario Maaco Canada SPV GP Corporation Canada Maaco Canada SPV LP Ontario Maaco Franchising, LLC Delaware Maaco Franchisor SPV LLC Delaware Manufacture des Brosses du Marais Poitevin SAS France 2 Majority owned by Registrant. 3 Majority-owned joint venture. 3
Entity Jurisdiction of Organization Meineke Advertising Trust Fund North Carolina Meineke Canada GP Corp. Canada Meineke Canada Partnership, LP Ontario Meineke Canada SPV GP Corporation Canada Meineke Canada SPV LP Ontario Meineke Car Care Centers, LLC North Carolina Meineke Discount Muffler Holding, LLC North Carolina Meineke Franchisor SPV LLC Delaware Meineke Realty, LLC Delaware Merlin Franchisor SPV LLC Delaware Mid-South Supply & Development Co. LLC Tennessee Milburn Productions Limited England and Wales Pro Oil Canada GP Corp. Canada Pro Oil Canada Partnership, LP Ontario Radiator Express of Canada, Inc. California Rose FinanceCo Ltd. England and Wales Rose HoldCo Limited England and Wales Rose MidCo Limited England and Wales SBA-TLC, LLC North Carolina Shine Acquisition Co Limited England and Wales Shine Acquisition Co. S.à r.l. Luxembourg Shine Holdco (UK) Limited England and Wales Shine Holdco I Limited England and Wales Shine Holdco II Limited England and Wales Shine Holdco III Limited England and Wales Shine Nominee Limited England and Wales Sodeal SA Belgium Spire Supply LLC Delaware Star Auto Glass Franchisor SPV GP Corporation Canada Star Auto Glass Franchisor SPV LP Ontario T5 Holding, LLC Delaware Take 5 Canada GP Corp. Canada Take 5 Canada Partnership, LP Ontario Take 5 Canada SPV GP Corporation Canada Take 5 Canada SPV LP Ontario Take 5 Express Car Wash Franchisor Inc. Delaware Take 5 Franchising LLC North Carolina 4
Entity Jurisdiction of Organization Take 5 Franchisor SPV LLC Delaware Take 5 LLC North Carolina Take 5 Oil Change LLC Delaware Take 5 Properties SPV LLC Delaware TOMAN Handels-und Beteiligungsverwaltungsgesellschaft GmbH Germany TOMAN Handels-und Beteiligungsgesellschaft GmbH Germany TOPAS Chemie GmbH Germany 5
Exhibit 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-267385) and on Form S-8 (Nos. 333-252122 and 333-281387) of Driven Brands Holdings Inc. of our report dated February 26, 2025 relating to the financial statements and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 10-K. /s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Charlotte, North Carolina February 26, 2025
Exhibit 31.1
Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002
I, Jonathan Fitzpatrick, certify that:
(1)I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024 of Driven Brands Holdings Inc. (the “Registrant”);
(2)Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
(3)Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
(4)The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Registrant and have:
(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
(5)The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Dated: February 26, 2025 | /s/ Jonathan Fitzpatrick | |||||||||||||
Jonathan Fitzpatrick | ||||||||||||||
President and Chief Executive Officer | ||||||||||||||
Exhibit 31.2
Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002
I, Michael F. Diamond, certify that:
(1)I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024 of Driven Brands Holdings Inc. (the “Registrant”);
(2)Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
(3)Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
(4)The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Registrant and have:
(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
(5)The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Dated: February 26, 2025 | /s/ Michael F. Diamond | |||||||||||||
Michael F. Diamond | ||||||||||||||
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | ||||||||||||||
Exhibit 32.1
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
In connection with the Annual Report of Driven Brands Holdings Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2024, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Jonathan Fitzpatrick, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002, that:
1.The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial
condition and results of operations of the Company.
Dated: February 26, 2025 | /s/ Jonathan Fitzpatrick | |||||||||||||
Jonathan Fitzpatrick | ||||||||||||||
President and Chief Executive Officer | ||||||||||||||
Exhibit 32.2
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
In connection with the Annual Report of Driven Brands Holdings Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2024, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Michael F. Diamond, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002, that:
1.The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial
condition and results of operations of the Company.
Dated: February 26, 2025 | /s/ Michael F. Diamond | |||||||||||||
Michael F. Diamond | ||||||||||||||
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | ||||||||||||||