QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are exposed to various market risks. Market risk is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in market prices and rates. We have not
entered into derivative or other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
Interest Rate Risk
We are exposed to market risk from fluctuations in interest rates. Borrowing under our Amended Credit Facility bears interest at floating rates
which is based on CORRA plus a CORRA adjustment and a spread depending on the Companys excess availability levels. Borrowing under our Amended Term Loan also bears interest at floating rates which is based on CORRA plus a CORRA adjustment
depending on the Companys compliance with certain financial covenants. As of September 28, 2024, we have not hedged these interest rate risks. As of September 28, 2024, we had $84.0 million of floating-rate debt. Accordingly,
our net income will be affected by changes in interest rates. Assuming a 100 basis point increase or decrease in the interest rate under our floating rate debt, our interest expense on an annualized basis would have increased or decreased,
respectively, by approximately $0.8 million.
Currency Risk
As of September 28, 2024, we had $46.3 million of net liabilities subject to foreign exchange rate risk related to changes in the
exchange rate between the U.S. dollar, the Euro, the Swiss Franc and the Canadian dollar, which would impact the level of our earnings if there were fluctuations in the U.S. and Canadian dollar exchange rate. Assuming a 100 basis point strengthening
or weakening of the Canadian dollar in relationship to the U.S. dollar, as of September 28, 2024, our earnings would have increased or decreased, respectively, by approximately $0.5 million.
Commodity Risk
The nature of our
operations results in exposure to fluctuations in commodity prices, specifically diamonds, platinum, gold and silver. We do not currently use derivatives to hedge these risks. Our retail sales and gross margin could be materially impacted if prices
of diamonds, platinum, gold or silver rise so significantly that our consumers behavior changes or if price increases cannot be passed onto our customers.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This interim
report and other written reports and releases and oral statements made from time to time by the Company contain forward- looking statements which can be identified by their use of words like plans, expects,
believes, will, anticipates, intends, projects, estimates, could, would, may, planned, goal, and other words of
similar meaning. All statements that address expectations, possibilities or projections about the future, including without limitation, any statements about anticipated economic conditions, availability under our Amended Credit Facility and Amended
Term Loan, anticipated distributions of profits, and our strategies for growth, performance drivers, expansion plans, sources or adequacy of capital, expenditures and financial results are forward-looking statements.
One must carefully consider such statements and understand that many factors could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking
statements, such as inaccurate assumptions and other risks and uncertainties, some known and some unknown. No forward-looking statement is guaranteed and actual results may vary materially. Such statements are made as of the date provided, and we
assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect future developments or circumstances.
One should carefully
evaluate such statements by referring to the factors described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), especially on our Forms 20-F and our Forms 6-K. Information concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ materially is set forth under the captions Risk Factors and Operating and Financial Review and Prospects and
elsewhere in the Companys Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on July 16, 2024, as amended on July 18, 2024, and subsequent filings with the SEC. All written or oral forward-looking
statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. Since it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors, the identified items are not a complete statement of all risks or
uncertainties. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this statement or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events,
except as required by law.
Because such statements include various risks and uncertainties, actual results might differ materially from
those projected in the forward- looking statements and no assurance can be given that the Company will meet the results projected in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to the following:
(i) heightened inflationary pressure, a decline in consumer discretionary spending, increased cost of borrowing or deterioration in consumer financial position; (ii) the Companys ability to maintain its listing on the NYSE American
or to list its securities on another national securities exchange, (iii) economic, political and market conditions, including the economies of Canada and the U.S., which could adversely affect the Companys business, operating results or
financial condition, including its revenue and profitability, through the impact of changes in the real estate markets, changes in the equity markets and decreases in consumer confidence and the related changes in consumer spending patterns, the
impact on store traffic, tourism and sales; (iv) the impact of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, increases in commodity prices and borrowing costs and their related impact on the Companys costs and expenses; (v) the
Companys ability to maintain and obtain sufficient sources of liquidity to fund its operations, to achieve planned sales, gross margin and net income, to keep costs low, to implement its business strategy, maintain relationships with its
primary vendors, to source raw materials, to mitigate fluctuations in the availability and prices of the Companys merchandise, to compete with other jewelers, to succeed in its marketing initiatives (including with respect to Birks branded
products), and to have a successful customer service program; (vi) the Companys plan to evaluate the productivity of existing stores, close unproductive stores and open new stores in new prime retail locations, renovate existing stores
and invest in its website and e-commerce platform; (vii) the Companys ability to execute its strategic vision; (viii) the Companys ability to invest in and finance capital expenditures;
and (ix) the Companys ability to continue as a going concern.
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