Company Reaffirms Full Year 2021 Guidance and Long-Term Outlook

2022 Expected to Exceed Long-Term Outlook

Krispy Kreme, Inc. (NASDAQ: DNUT) (“Krispy Kreme” or the “Company”) today reported strong financial results for the third quarter ended October 3, 2021 with net revenue growing 18% year-over-year. Organic growth, excluding the now fully exited legacy wholesale business, was 14% year-over-year and 22% on a two-year basis. Including the exited business, organic growth was 6% year-over-year, in line with company expectations after lapping a strong third quarter in 2020.

Growth was driven by the performance and expansion of Krispy Kreme’s signature capital-efficient hub and spoke operating model. Global Points of Access, which reflect all locations where fresh doughnuts and cookies can be purchased, have grown 46% year-over-year, providing customers access to Krispy Kreme in more than 10,000 locations around the world. International Sales per Hub have grown 31% in the quarter year-over-year while U.S. and Canada Sales per Hub have grown 15%. In addition, ecommerce represented 17% of global retail sales in the third quarter.

Adjusted diluted Earnings Per Share was $0.06 in line with our expectations while GAAP diluted Loss Per Share which included IPO and acquisition related expenses was ($0.04). Adjusted EBITDA grew 10% in the quarter, driven by the strength and efficiency of the Company’s fresh doughnut hub and spoke operating model. The economies of scale from adding over 3,000 Global Points of Access in the last 12 months, as well as a successful price increase in September, are already helping to offset wage and commodity inflation, with more of an impact of the price increase to come in the fourth quarter.

Net debt decreased 40% to $681 million from the end of the second quarter as a result of proceeds from the IPO and positive free cash flow generated during the third quarter. Current net leverage is now 3.7x. Including the impact of acquiring the Krispy Kreme Canada franchise operations in the fourth quarter, the company expects net leverage to be under 3.0x in the next 12 months.

Commenting on the performance, CEO Mike Tattersfield stated, “Our third quarter results demonstrate the benefits of our omni-channel and global expansion strategy, which allow us to meet consumer demand with premium, fresh doughnuts, in a capital-efficient manner. We are seeing positive momentum continue into the seasonally strong fourth quarter, as consumers sought out our sweet treats throughout October for Halloween and are expected to do so through the holidays. In addition, our pricing power means that we are able to quickly adapt to this inflationary environment with the full impact of the pricing action we have already taken still to come in the fourth quarter.”

Third Quarter Consolidated Results

Krispy Kreme’s third quarter results showcased strong growth compared to 2019 and 2020. Total company organic revenue grew 6.2% in the quarter, and 14.3% on a two-year stack basis against 2019. Organic revenue growth was driven by our International segment, which delivered results that were stronger than prior to the pandemic, as well as the expansion of our Delivered Fresh Daily (“DFD”) network in the U.S. and Canada business, which is highlighted by weekly average sales per door growing more than 50% higher compared to the prior year. Total Company organic revenue growth, excluding the exit of our legacy wholesale business, grew 14.1% and was up 22.2% on a two-year stack basis with high growth from both the U.S. and Canada and International segments.

Adjusted EBITDA grew 9.6% to $41.4 million, with a 12.1% Adjusted EBITDA margin, as a result of strength in our International segment and economies of scale gained as we continue to grow our DFD doors globally. Adjusted Net Income grew 7.1% to $12.6 million in the quarter. We saw a GAAP net loss of $3.8 million, but net income would have been positive excluding IPO and acquisition related expenses in the quarter. GAAP diluted loss per share was ($0.04) for the third quarter of 2021, with Adjusted Diluted EPS decreasing to $0.06 from $0.08 in the third quarter of 2020 as a result of increased share count following the IPO. Weighted average shares outstanding for the third quarter of 2021 increased to 166 million, compared to 125 million in the third quarter of 2020 as a result of the IPO, with an additional 2 million of dilutive shares included when calculating Adjusted Diluted EPS, for a total of 168 million shares.

Net debt decreased from $1,133 million in the second quarter to $681 million in the third quarter due to IPO proceeds and $11 million of positive free cash flow generated in the quarter.

Third Quarter Market Segment Results

U.S. and Canada: In the U.S. and Canada segment, GAAP net revenue grew 11.5% to $225.8 million from $202.6 million the previous year, driven by the continued execution of our omni-channel strategy. Organic revenue declined 2.3% as we lapped the pipeline fill of the Branded Sweet Treat launch in the third quarter of 2020 and the now fully discontinued legacy wholesale business. Excluding the impact of exiting the legacy wholesale business, U.S. and Canada organic growth was 8.9%, with a two-year stack of 27.7% when compared to 2019. Growth was driven by the expansion of both DFD points of access and higher DFD sales per door as well as ecommerce sales which accounted for 16.8% of retail sales in the quarter. Over 150 DFD doors were added in the third quarter despite nationwide driver shortages with additional listings at leading national retailers in several key markets around the country including Chicago, Dallas and Los Angeles. A record 2,100 Krispy Kremers were hired in the quarter, despite the tight labor market. According to Nielsen, consumer demand for Krispy Kreme Branded Sweet Treats also remained very strong with a 33% increase in scan sales in the third quarter compared to the second quarter of 2021. However, production shortages resulted in fulfillment shortfalls in the quarter impacting net revenue. Branded Sweet Treats production capacity has now increased with the commission of three new production lines.

U.S. and Canada Adjusted EBITDA of $19.9 million remained relatively consistent with the prior year with the efficiency benefits of DFD to the hub and spoke model being offset by short term supply challenges on Branded Sweet Treats as well as commodity cost pressures following the expiration of some forward contracts. Price increases were implemented on fresh doughnuts during September to manage these cost pressures, as well as the growing impact of wage inflation in the marketplace.

International: In the International segment, GAAP net revenue grew 37.4% to $87.3 million from $63.5 million the previous year, with organic growth of 29.1%. Organic growth in the quarter was driven by successful limited time offerings, substantial expansion of DFD, and lapping a previous period which was negatively impacted by COVID-19. Our businesses in the United Kingdom, Ireland and Mexico in particular saw strong organic growth during the third quarter, with a greater number of points of access and higher ecommerce sales than prior to the pandemic. Our businesses in Australia and New Zealand also contributed to organic growth even with significantly heavier impacts from COVID-19 restrictions there, including temporary shop closures.

International Adjusted EBITDA grew 43.4% to $21.7 million from $15.1 million the previous year, driven primarily by revenue growth from expansion of points of access and some recovery from COVID-19 restrictions, which led to $8.6 million sales per hub over the trailing twelve months driving efficiencies from our hub and spoke model.

Market Development: In the Market Development segment, GAAP net revenue grew 23.1% to $29.7 million from $24.2 million the previous year, with organic growth of 18.1%. GAAP net revenue growth was driven mainly by the acquisition of Krispy Kreme Japan in the fourth quarter of 2020, while organic growth was primarily driven by continued improvement in market conditions for international franchise locations as COVID-19 restrictions in certain key markets continued to ease.

Market Development Adjusted EBITDA declined 3.6% to $9.0 million from $9.4 million the previous year, driven by the impact of U.S. and Canada franchise acquisitions over the last year, but partially offset by strengthening of the international franchise business as evidenced by the organic growth.

Balance Sheet

As of October 3, 2021, we had $44.9 million of cash and cash equivalents, $700.0 million of bank debt and $25.5 million of other debt-like items, for a total net debt of $680.6 million. This compared to $1,132.7 million at the end of the second quarter 2021. Using a trailing four quarters Adjusted EBITDA of $181.9 million, current net leverage is 3.7x, which is substantially below pre-IPO levels. Excluding IPO related expenses net leverage would have been 3.6x. Free cash flow in the third quarter was positive with the EBITDA generated from operating activities in excess of capital expenditures reflecting the capital efficient hub and spoke growth model. Operating cash flow was $41.9 million of which the Company invested $30.6 million primarily in growth-oriented capital, including in the U.S. to make the transition from our now exited legacy wholesale model to our Hub and Spoke strategy, which is now largely complete.

With the acquisition of the Krispy Kreme Canadian franchisee in the fourth quarter of 2021, we now expect total net leverage to be under 3.0x in the next 12 months. Our long-term net leverage policy is 2.0x.

Financial Outlook

Krispy Kreme reaffirmed the following guidance for the full year 2021:

• Net Revenue of $1.34 billion to $1.38 billion (growth of 19.4% to 23.0%)
• Organic Revenue growth of 10% to 12%
• Adjusted EBITDA of $178 million to $185 million (growth of 22.4% to 27.2%)
• Adjusted Net Income of $62 million to $68 million (growth of 46.4% to 60.6%)

Krispy Kreme also reiterated the following long-term outlook:

• Organic Revenue growth of 9% to 11%
• Adjusted EBITDA growth of 12% to 14%
• Adjusted Net Income growth of 18% to 22%

We anticipate exceeding these long-term targets in the full year 2022 as we will no longer be lapping the exit of our legacy wholesale business in the U.S.

Definitions

The following definitions apply to terms used throughout this press release:

• Global Points of Access: Reflects all locations at which fresh doughnuts or cookies can be purchased. We define global points of access to include all Hot Light Theater Shops, Fresh Shops, Carts and Food Trucks, DFD doors and Cookie Shops, at both Company-owned and franchise locations as of the end of the respective reporting period. We monitor global points of access as a metric that informs the growth of our omni-channel presence over time and believe this metric is useful to investors to understand our footprint in each of our segments.
• Hubs: Reflects locations where fresh doughnuts are produced and processed for sale at any point of access. We define Hubs to include self-sustaining Hot Light Theater Shops and Doughnut Factories, at both Company-owned and franchise locations as of the end of the respective reporting period.
• Sales Per Hub: Sales per Hub equals Fresh Revenues from Hubs with Spokes, divided by the average number of Hubs with Spokes at the end of the five most recent quarters.
• Fresh Revenues from Hubs with Spokes: Fresh Revenues include product sales generated from our Doughnut Shop business (including ecommerce and delivery), as well as DFD sales, but excluding sales from our legacy wholesale business and our Branded Sweet Treat Line. It also excludes all Insomnia Cookies revenues as the measure is focused on the Krispy Kreme business. Fresh Revenues from Hubs with Spokes equals the Fresh Revenues derived from those Hubs currently producing product for other shops, Carts and Food Trucks, and/or DFD doors, but excluding Fresh Revenues derived from those Hubs not currently producing product for other shops, Carts and Food Trucks, and/or DFD doors.
• Total Net Leverage Ratio: Calculated using Net Debt (including both bank debt and financing leases as part of debt) divided by Adjusted EBITDA.
• Free Cash Flow: Defined as cash provided by operating activities less purchases of property and equipment.

Conference Call

Krispy Kreme will host a public conference call at 5:00 PM Eastern Time today to discuss its results for the third quarter of 2021. The conference call can be accessed by dialing (877) 312-1907, or (470) 495-9529 for international participants, and entering the conference ID 6086266. To listen to the live audio webcast and Q&A, visit the Krispy Kreme investor relations website at investors.krispykreme.com. A replay and transcript of the webcast will be available on the website within 24 hours after the call. Krispy Kreme’s earnings press release and related materials will also be available on the investor relations section of the Company’s website.

About Krispy Kreme

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Krispy Kreme is one of the most beloved and well-known sweet treat brands in the world. Our iconic Original Glazed® doughnut is universally recognized for its hot-off-the-line, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Krispy Kreme operates in over 30 countries through its unique network of doughnut shops, partnerships with leading retailers, and a rapidly growing ecommerce and delivery business. Our purpose of touching and enhancing lives through the joy that is Krispy Kreme guides how we operate every day and is reflected in the love we have for our people, our communities and the planet. Connect with Krispy Kreme Doughnuts at www.KrispyKreme.com, or on one of its many social media channels, including www.Facebook.com/KrispyKreme, and www.Twitter.com/KrispyKreme.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The words “believe,” “may,” “could,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “objective,” “seek,” “strive” or similar words, or the negative of these words, identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and estimates that we consider reasonable but are subject to various risks and uncertainties and assumptions relating to our operations, financial results, financial conditions, business, prospects, growth strategy and liquidity. Accordingly, there are, or will be, important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. The inclusion of this forward-looking information should not be regarded as a representation by us that the future plans, estimates or expectations contemplated by us will be achieved. Our actual results could differ materially from the forward-looking statements included herein. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this document, and we do not undertake any obligation, other than as may be required by applicable law, to update or revise any forward-looking or cautionary statement to reflect changes in assumptions, the occurrence of events, unanticipated or otherwise, or changes in future operating results over time or otherwise.

Non-GAAP Measures

This press release includes certain non-GAAP financial measures including organic revenue growth, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income, Fresh Revenue from Hubs with Spokes and Sales per Hub, which differ from results using U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”). These non-GAAP financial measures are not universally consistent calculations, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures. Other companies may calculate similarly titled financial measures differently than we do or may not calculate them at all. Additionally, these non-GAAP financial measures are not measurements of financial performance under GAAP. In order to facilitate a clear understanding of our consolidated historical operating results, you should examine our non-GAAP financial measures in conjunction with our historical consolidated financial statements and notes thereto filed with the SEC.

To the extent that the Company provides guidance, it does so only on a non-GAAP basis. The Company does not provide reconciliations of such forward-looking non-GAAP measures to GAAP due to the inability to predict the amount and timing of impacts outside of the Company’s control on certain items, such as net income and other charges reflected in our reconciliation of historic numbers, the amount of which, based on historical experience, could be significant.

1. Consists of interest expense related to the Related Party Notes which were paid off in full during the quarter ended July 4, 2021.
2. Primarily foreign translation gains and losses in each period.
3. Consists of pre-opening costs related to our New York City flagship Hot Light Theater Shop opening, including shop design, rent, and additional consulting and training costs incurred and reflected in selling, general and administrative expenses.
4. The quarter and three quarters ended September 27, 2020 consists mainly of consulting and advisory fees, personnel transition costs, and network conversion and set-up costs related to the transformation of the Company’s legacy wholesale business in the United States.
5. Consists of acquisition and integration-related costs in connection with the Company’s business and franchise acquisitions, including legal, due diligence, consulting and advisory fees incurred in connection with acquisition-related activities for the applicable period.
6. Includes lease termination costs, impairment charges, and loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment.
7. Consists of severance and related benefits costs associated with the Company’s realignment of the Company Shop organizational structure to better support the DFD and Branded Sweet Treat Line businesses.
8. Includes consulting and advisory fees incurred in connection with preparation for and execution of the Company’s IPO. Due to the timing of the IPO, certain costs were incurred in the quarter ended October 3, 2021 that are not expected to recur in future quarters.
9. The quarter and three quarters ended October 3, 2021 consist primarily of legal expenses incurred. The quarter and three quarters ended September 27, 2020 consists primarily of fixed asset and impairment expenses, net of a gain on the sale of land.
10. Consists of amortization related to acquired intangible assets as reflected within depreciation and amortization in the consolidated statements of operations.
11. Includes interest expense and debt issuance costs incurred and recognized as expenses in connection with the extinguishment of the KKI Term Loan Facility within four business days of receipt of the net proceeds from the IPO.
12. Tax impact of adjustments calculated applying the applicable statutory rates. The three quarters ended October 3, 2021 also includes the impact of disallowed executive compensation expense incurred in connection with the IPO.
13. The three quarters ended October 3, 2021 consists primarily of the effect of the U.K. 2023 statutory tax rate change from 19.0% to 25.0% on existing temporary differences.

1. Includes legacy wholesale business revenues and Branded Sweet Treat Line revenues.
2. Includes Insomnia Cookies revenues and Fresh Revenues generated by Hubs without Spokes.
3. Total International net revenues is equal to sales from Hubs with Spokes for that business segment.