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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 27, 2016

Registration No. 333-            

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM S-1

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

Planet Fitness, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware		7997		38-3942097
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

26 Fox Run Road

Newington, NH 03801

(603) 750-0001

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

 

 

Chris Rondeau

Chief Executive Officer

Planet Fitness, Inc.

26 Fox Run Road

Newington, NH 03801

(603) 750-0001

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

 

 

Copies to:

 

David A. Fine Ropes & Gray LLP Prudential Tower 800 Boylston Street Boston, MA 02199 (617) 951-7000		Dorvin Lively Chief Financial Officer Planet Fitness, Inc. 26 Fox Run Road Newington, NH 03801 (603) 750-0001		John C. Ericson Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP 425 Lexington Avenue New York, NY 10017 (212) 455-2000

 

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to public: As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement is declared effective.

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box.  ¨

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ¨

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ¨

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ¨

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

 

Large accelerated filer ¨		Accelerated filer ¨		Non-accelerated filer x (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)		Smaller reporting company ¨

 

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

Title of Each Class of Securities to be Registered		Amount to Be  Registered(1)		Proposed Maximum  Offering Price   per Share(2)		Proposed Maximum Aggregate  Offering Price(1)(2)		Amount of Registration Fee
Class A common stock, $0.0001 par value per share		11,500,000		$17.51		$201,365,000		$20,278

(1)

Includes 1,500,000 shares of Class A common stock that may be sold if the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares granted by the Registrant is exercised. See “Underwriting.”

(2)

Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(a) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. In accordance with Rule 457(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the price shown is the average of the high and low prices on May 24, 2016, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange.

 

 

The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine

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The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

Subject to completion, dated May 27, 2016

Preliminary prospectus

10,000,000 shares

 

Planet Fitness, Inc.

Class A Common Stock

$        per share

The selling stockholders identified in this prospectus are offering 10,000,000 shares of our Class A common stock. We are not selling any shares of Class A common stock under this prospectus, and we will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of the shares being sold by the selling stockholders.

Our Class A common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “PLNT.” On May 26, 2016, the last sale price of our Class A common stock as reported on the NYSE was $17.85 per share.

The selling stockholders have granted the underwriters an option to purchase up to 1,500,000 additional shares of our Class A common stock.

We are an “emerging growth company” as that term is used in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 and, as such, have elected to comply with certain reduced public company reporting requirements for this prospectus and future filings.

 

		Per share				Total
Public offering price		$				$
Underwriting discounts and commissions		$				$
Proceeds to selling stockholders before expenses(1)		$				$

 

(1)

We have agreed to reimburse the underwriters for certain expenses in connection with this offering. See “Underwriting” for additional information regarding underwriting compensation.

Investing in our Class A common stock involves risk. See “Risk factors” beginning on page 16 to read about factors you should consider before buying shares of our Class A common stock.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed on the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The underwriters expect to deliver the shares of Class A common stock to investors on or about                     , 2016.

 

J.P. Morgan		BofA Merrill Lynch		Jefferies

Prospectus dated                     , 2016

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		Page
Prospectus summary			1
Risk factors			16
Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements			42
Use of proceeds			43
Dividend policy			44
Price range of our Class A common stock			45
Capitalization			46
Unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information			47
Selected consolidated financial and other data			57
Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations			62
Business			95
Management			114
Executive compensation			122
Certain relationships and related party transactions			127
Principal and selling stockholders			134
Description of certain indebtedness			138
Description of capital stock			141
Shares eligible for future sale			145
Material U.S. federal income tax considerations for Non-U.S. Holders			147
Underwriting			152
Legal matters			160
Experts			160
Where you can find more information			160
Index to consolidated financial statements			F-1

 

We are responsible for the information contained in this prospectus and in any free writing prospectus we prepare or authorize. Neither we nor the selling stockholders nor the underwriters have authorized anyone to provide you with different information, and neither we nor the selling stockholders nor the underwriters take responsibility for any other information others may give you. Neither we nor the selling stockholders nor the underwriters are making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than its date.

 

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Industry and market data

This prospectus includes market data with respect to the health club industry. Although we are responsible for all of the disclosure contained in this prospectus, in some cases we rely on and refer to market data and certain industry forecasts that were obtained from third-party surveys, market research, consultant surveys, publicly available information and industry publications and surveys, including the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association, which we believe to be reliable. In some cases, the information has been developed by us for purposes of this offering based on our existing data and is believed by us to have been prepared in a reasonable manner. Other industry and market data included in this prospectus are from internal analyses based upon data available from known sources or other proprietary research and analysis. We believe this data to be accurate as of the date of this prospectus. However, this information may prove to be inaccurate because it cannot always be verified with complete certainty due to the limitations on the availability and reliability of raw data, the voluntary nature of the data gathering process and other limitations and uncertainties. As a result, you should be aware that market and other similar industry data included in this prospectus, and estimates and beliefs based on that data, may not be reliable.

Trademarks, trade names and service marks

We own or have rights to trademarks, trade names and service marks that we use in connection with the operation of our business, including “Planet Fitness,” “Judgement Free Zone,” “We’re Not a Gym. We’re Planet Fitness.,” “PE@PF,” “No Lunks,” “PF Black Card,” “No Gymtimidation,” “You Belong,” “Judgement Free Generation” and various other marks. Solely for convenience, the trademarks, trade names and service marks referred to in this prospectus are listed without the ^®, ^SM and ^TM symbols, but we will assert our rights to our trademarks, trade names and service marks to the fullest extent under applicable law.

 

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Risk factors

This offering and investing in our Class A common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below together with all of the other information contained in this prospectus, including our consolidated financial statements and the related notes appearing at the end of this prospectus, before deciding to invest in our Class A common stock. If any of the following risks actually occurs, our business, prospects, operating results and financial condition could suffer materially, the trading price of our Class A common stock could decline and you could lose all or part of your investment.

Risks related to our business and industry

Our financial results are affected by the operating and financial results of and our relationships with our franchisees.

A substantial portion of our revenues come from royalties, which are generally based on a percentage of monthly membership dues and annual fees at our franchise stores, other fees and commissions generated from activities associated with our franchisees and equipment sales to our franchisees. As a result, our financial results are largely dependent upon the operational and financial results of our franchisees. As of March 31, 2016, we had approximately 200 franchisee groups operating 1,113 stores. Negative economic conditions, including inflation, increased unemployment levels and the effect of decreased consumer confidence or changes in consumer behavior, could materially harm our franchisees’ financial condition, which would cause our royalty and other revenues to decline and materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition as a result. In addition, if our franchisees fail to renew their franchise agreements, these revenues may decrease, which in turn could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Our franchisees could take actions that harm our business.

Our franchisees are contractually obligated to operate their stores in accordance, with the operational, safety and health standards set forth in our agreements with them. However, franchisees are independent third parties and their actions are outside of our control. In addition, we cannot be certain that our franchisees will have the business acumen or financial resources necessary to operate successful franchises in their approved locations, and certain state franchise laws may limit our ability to terminate or modify these franchise agreements. The franchisees own, operate and oversee the daily operations of their stores. As a result, the ultimate success and quality of any franchise store rests with the franchisee. If franchisees do not successfully operate stores in a manner consistent with required standards and comply with local laws and regulations, franchise fees and royalties paid to us may be adversely affected, and our brand image and reputation could be harmed, which in turn could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Moreover, although we believe we generally maintain positive working relationships with our franchisees, disputes with franchisees could damage our brand image and reputation and our relationships with our franchisees, generally.

Our success depends substantially on the value of our brand.

Our success is dependent in large part upon our ability to maintain and enhance the value of our brand, our store members’ connection to our brand and a positive relationship with our franchisees. Brand value can be severely damaged even by isolated incidents, particularly if the incidents receive considerable negative publicity or result in litigation. Some of these incidents may relate to our policies, the way we manage our

 

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relationships with our franchisees, our growth strategies, our development efforts or the ordinary course of our, or our franchisees’, businesses. Other incidents that could be damaging to our brand may arise from events that are or may be beyond our ability to control, such as:

 

•

actions taken (or not taken) by one or more franchisees or their employees relating to health, safety, welfare or otherwise;

 

•

data security breaches or fraudulent activities associated with our and our franchisees’ electronic payment systems and other information systems;

 

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litigation and legal claims;

 

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third-party misappropriation, dilution or infringement of our intellectual property;

 

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regulatory, investigative or other actions relating to our and our franchisees’ provision of indoor tanning services; and

 

•

illegal activity targeted at us or others.

Consumer demand for our stores and our brand’s value could diminish significantly if any such incidents or other matters erode consumer confidence in us or our stores, which would likely result in fewer memberships sold or renewed and, ultimately, lower royalty revenue, which in turn could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

If we fail to successfully implement our growth strategy, which includes new store development by existing and new franchisees, our ability to increase our revenues and operating profits could be adversely affected.

Our growth strategy relies in large part upon new store development by existing and new franchisees. Our franchisees face many challenges in opening new stores, including:

 

•

availability and cost of financing;

 

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selection and availability of suitable store locations;

 

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competition for store sites;

 

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negotiation of acceptable lease and financing terms;

 

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securing required domestic or foreign governmental permits and approvals;

 

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health and fitness trends in new geographic regions and acceptance of our offerings;

 

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employment, training and retention of qualified personnel;

 

•

ability to open new stores during the timeframes we and our franchisees expect; and

 

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general economic and business conditions.

In particular, because the majority of our new store development is funded by franchisee investment, our growth strategy is dependent on our franchisees’ (or prospective franchisees’) ability to access funds to finance such development. If our franchisees (or 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 new stores, and our future growth could be adversely affected.

Our growth strategy also relies on our ability to identify, recruit and enter into agreements with a sufficient number of franchisees. In addition, our ability and the ability of our franchisees to successfully open and

 

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operate new stores in new markets may be adversely affected by a lack of awareness or acceptance of our brand as well as a lack of existing marketing efforts and operational execution in these new markets. To the extent that we are unable to implement effective marketing and promotional programs and foster recognition and affinity for our brand in new markets, our and our franchisees’ new stores may not perform as expected and our growth may be significantly delayed or impaired. In addition, franchisees of new stores may have difficulty securing adequate financing, particularly in new markets, where there may be a lack of adequate history and brand familiarity. New stores may not be successful or our average store membership sales may not increase at historical rates, which could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

To the extent our franchisees are unable to open new stores as we anticipate, we will not realize the revenue growth that we hope or expect. Our failure to add a significant number of new stores would adversely affect our ability to increase our revenues and operating income and could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our planned growth could place strains on our management, employees, information systems and internal controls, which may adversely impact our business.

Over the past several years, we have experienced growth in our business activities and operations, including a significant increase in the number of system-wide stores. Our past expansion has placed, and our planned future expansion may place, significant demands on our administrative, operational, financial and other resources. Any failure to manage growth effectively could seriously harm our business. To be successful, we will need to continue to implement management information systems and improve our operating, administrative, financial and accounting systems and controls. We will also need to train new employees and maintain close coordination among our executive, accounting, finance, legal, human resources, risk management, marketing, technology, sales and operations functions. These processes are time-consuming and expensive, increase management responsibilities and divert management attention, and we may not realize a return on our investment in these processes. In addition, we believe the culture we foster at our and our franchisees’ stores is an important contributor to our success. However, as we expand we may have difficulty maintaining our culture or adapting it sufficiently to meet the needs of our operations. These risks may be heightened as our growth accelerates. In 2015, our franchisees opened 206 stores, compared to 169 stores in 2014, 148 stores in 2013 and 118 stores in 2012. Our failure to successfully execute on our planned expansion of stores could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Changes in the industry could place strains on our management, employees, information systems and internal controls, which may adversely impact our business.

Changes in the industry affecting gym memberships and payment for gym memberships may place significant demands on our administrative, operational, financial and other resources or require us to obtain different or additional resources. Any failure to manage such changes effectively could seriously harm our business. To be successful, we will need to continue to implement management information systems and improve our operating, administrative, financial and accounting systems and controls in order to adapt quickly to such changes. These changes may be time-consuming and expensive, increase management responsibilities and divert management attention, and we may not realize a return on our investment in these changes.

We and our franchisees rely heavily on information systems, and any material failure, interruption or weakness may prevent us from effectively operating our business and damage our reputation.

We and our franchisees increasingly rely on information systems, including point-of-sale processing systems in our stores and other information systems managed by third parties, to interact with our franchisees and

 

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members and collect, maintain and store member information, billing information and other personally identifiable information, including for the operation of stores, collection of cash, legal and regulatory compliance, management of our supply chain, accounting, staffing, payment of obligations, Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) transactions, credit and debit card transactions and other processes and procedures. Furthermore, in 2015, we migrated our point-of-sale system from a proprietary, third-party hosted system to a commercially available, third-party hosted system. Although the migration is complete, in the future there may be unforeseen issues, bugs, data inconsistencies, outages, changes in business processes, and other interruptions that could impact our business. If we would need to move to a different third-party system, our operations, including EFT drafting, could be interrupted. Our ability to efficiently and effectively manage our franchisee and corporate-owned stores depends significantly on the reliability and capacity of these systems, and any potential failure of these third parties to provide quality uninterrupted service is beyond our control.

Our and our franchisees’ operations depend upon our ability, and the ability of our franchisees and third-party service providers (as well as their third-party service providers), to protect our computer equipment and systems against damage from physical theft, fire, power loss, telecommunications failure or other catastrophic events, as well as from internal and external security breaches, viruses, denial-of-service attacks and other disruptions. The failure of these systems to operate effectively, stemming from maintenance problems, upgrading or transitioning to new platforms, expanding our systems as we grow, a breach in security or other unanticipated problems, could result in interruptions to or delays in our business and member service and reduce efficiency in our operations. If our information systems, or those of our franchisees and third-party service providers (as well as their third-party service providers), fail and our or our partners’ third-party back-up or disaster recovery plans are not adequate to address such failures, our revenues and profits could be reduced and the reputation of our brand and our business could be materially adversely affected.

If we fail to properly maintain the confidentiality and integrity of our data, including member credit, debit card and bank account information, our reputation and business could be materially and adversely affected.

In the ordinary course of business, we and our franchisees collect, transmit and store member and employee data, including credit and debit card numbers, bank account information, driver’s license numbers, dates of birth and other highly sensitive personally identifiable information, in information systems that we maintain and in those maintained by franchisees and third parties with whom we contract to provide services. Some of this data is sensitive and could be an attractive target of a criminal attack by malicious third parties with a wide range of motives and expertise, including lone wolves, organized criminal groups, “hacktivists,” disgruntled current or former employees, and others. The integrity and protection of member and employee data is critical to us.

Despite the security measures we have in place to comply with applicable laws and rules, our facilities and systems, and those of our franchisees and third-party service providers (as well as their third-party service providers), may be vulnerable to security breaches, acts of cyber terrorism or sabotage, vandalism or theft, computer viruses, loss or corruption of data or programming or human errors or other similar events. Furthermore, the size and complexity of our information systems, and those of our franchisees and our third-party vendors (as well as their third-party service providers), make such systems potentially vulnerable to security breaches from inadvertent or intentional actions by our employees, franchisees or vendors, or from attacks by malicious third parties. Because such attacks are increasing in sophistication and change frequently in nature, we, our franchisees and our third-party service providers may be unable to anticipate these attacks or implement adequate preventative measures, and any compromise of our systems, or those of our franchisees and third-party vendors (as well as their third-party service providers), may not be discovered and remediated promptly. Changes in consumer behavior following a security breach, act of cyber terrorism or sabotage, vandalism or theft, computer viruses, loss or corruption of data or programming or human error or other similar event affecting a competitor, large retailer or financial institution may materially and adversely affect our business.

 

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Additionally, the collection, maintenance, use, disclosure and disposal of personally identifiable information by our, or our franchisees’, businesses is regulated at the federal, state and provincial levels as well as by certain industry groups, such as the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council, National Automated Clearing House Association (“NACHA”), Canadian Payments Association and individual credit card issuers. Federal, state, provincial and industry groups may also consider and implement from time to time new privacy and security requirements that apply to our businesses. Compliance with evolving privacy and security laws, requirements and regulations may result in cost increases due to necessary systems changes, new limitations or constraints on our business models and the development of new administrative processes. They also may impose further restrictions on our collection, disclosure and use of personally identifiable information that are housed in one or more of our franchisees’ databases or those of our third-party service providers. Noncompliance with privacy laws, industry group requirements or a security breach involving the misappropriation, loss or other unauthorized disclosure of personal, sensitive or confidential information, whether by us or by one of our franchisees or vendors, could have material adverse effects on our and our franchisees’ business, operations, brand, reputation and financial condition, including decreased revenue, material fines and penalties, litigation, increased financial processing fees, compensatory, statutory, punitive or other damages, adverse actions against our licenses to do business and injunctive relief by court or consent order. We maintain and we require our franchisees to maintain cyber risk insurance, but in the event of a significant data security breach, this insurance may not cover all of the losses that we would be likely to suffer.

Changes in legislation or requirements related to electronic fund transfer, or our failure to comply with existing or future regulations, may adversely impact our business.

We primarily accept payments for our memberships through electronic fund transfers from members’ bank accounts and, therefore, we are subject to federal, state and provincial legislation and certification requirements governing EFT, including the Electronic Funds Transfer Act. Some states, such as New York, Massachusetts and Tennessee, have passed or have considered legislation requiring gyms and health clubs to offer a prepaid membership option at all times and/or limit the duration for which gym memberships can auto-renew through EFT payments, if at all. Our business relies heavily on the fact that our memberships continue on a month-to-month basis after the completion of any initial term requirements, and compliance with these laws and regulations and similar requirements may be onerous and expensive. In addition, variances and inconsistencies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction may further increase the cost of compliance and doing business. States that have such health club statutes provide harsh penalties for violations, including membership contracts being void or voidable. Our failure to comply fully with these rules or requirements may subject us to fines, higher transaction fees, penalties, damages and civil liability and may result in the loss of our ability to accept EFT payments, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, any such costs, which may arise in the future as a result of changes to the legislation and regulations or in their interpretation, could individually or in the aggregate cause us to change or limit our business practice, which may make our business model less attractive to our franchisees and our and their members.

We are subject to a number of risks related to ACH, credit card and debit card payments we accept.

We accept payments through ACH, credit card and debit card transactions. For ACH, credit card and debit card payments, we pay interchange and other fees, which may increase over time. An increase in those fees would require us to either increase the prices we charge for our memberships, which could cause us to lose members or suffer an increase in our operating expenses, either of which could harm our operating results.

If we or any of our processing vendors have problems with our billing software, or the billing software malfunctions, it could have an adverse effect on our member satisfaction and could cause one or more of the

 

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major credit card companies to disallow our continued use of their payment products. In addition, if our billing software fails to work properly and, as a result, we do not automatically charge our members’ credit cards, debit cards or bank accounts on a timely basis or at all, we could lose membership revenue, which would harm our operating results.

If we fail to adequately control fraudulent ACH, credit card and debit card transactions, we may face civil liability, diminished public perception of our security measures and significantly higher ACH, credit card and debit card related costs, each of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. The termination of our ability to process payments through ACH transactions or on any major credit or debit card would significantly impair our ability to operate our business.

Our and our franchisees’ stores may be unable to attract and retain members, which would materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our target market is average people seeking regular exercise and people who are new to fitness. The success of our business depends on our and our franchisees’ ability to attract and retain members. Our and our franchisees’ marketing efforts may not be successful in attracting members to stores, and membership levels may materially decline over time, especially at stores in operation for an extended period of time. Members may cancel their memberships at any time after giving proper advance written notice, subject to an initial minimum term applicable to certain memberships. We may also cancel or suspend memberships if a member fails to provide payment for an extended period of time. In addition, we experience attrition and must continually engage existing members and attract new members in order to maintain membership levels. A portion of our member base does not regularly use our stores and may be more likely to cancel their membership. Some of the factors that could lead to a decline in membership levels include changing desires and behaviors of consumers or their perception of our brand, changes in discretionary spending trends and general economic conditions, market maturity or saturation, a decline in our ability to deliver quality service at a competitive price, an increase in monthly membership dues due to inflation, direct and indirect competition in our industry, and a decline in the public’s interest in health and fitness, among other factors. In order to increase membership levels, we may from time to time offer promotions or lower monthly dues or annual fees. If we and our franchisees are not successful in optimizing price or in adding new memberships in new and existing stores, growth in monthly membership dues or annual fees may suffer. Any decrease in our average dues or fees or higher membership costs may adversely impact our results of operation and financial condition.

If we and our franchisees are unable to identify and secure suitable sites for new franchise stores, our revenue growth rate and profits may be negatively impacted.

To successfully expand our business, we and our franchisees must identify and secure sites for new franchise stores and, to a lesser extent, new corporate-owned stores that meet our established criteria. In addition to finding sites with the right demographic and other measures we employ in our selection process, we also need to evaluate the penetration of our competitors in the market. We face significant competition for sites that meet our criteria, and as a result we may lose those sites, our competitors could copy our format or we could be forced to pay significantly higher prices for those sites. If we and our franchisees are unable to identify and secure sites for new stores, our revenue growth rate and profits may be negatively impacted. Additionally, if our or our franchisees’ analysis of the suitability of a store site is incorrect, we or our franchisees may not be able to recover the capital investment in developing and building the new store.

As we increase our number of stores, we and our franchisees may also open stores in higher-cost geographies, which could entail greater lease payments and construction costs, among others. The higher level of invested capital at these stores may require higher operating margins and higher net income per store to produce the

 

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level of return we or our franchisees and potential franchisees expect. Failure to provide this level of return could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Opening new stores in close proximity may negatively impact our existing stores’ revenues and profitability.

We and our franchisees currently operate stores in 47 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada and the Dominican Republic, and we and our franchisees plan to open many new stores in the future, some of which will be in existing markets. We intend to continue opening new franchise stores in our existing markets as part of our growth strategy, some of which may be located in close proximity to stores already in those markets. Opening new stores in close proximity to existing stores may attract some memberships away from those existing stores, which may lead to diminished revenues and profitability for us and our franchisees rather than increased market share. In addition, as a result of new stores opening in existing markets and because older stores will represent an increasing proportion of our store base over time, our same store sales increases may be lower in future periods than they have been historically.

We are subject to a variety of additional risks associated with our franchisees.

Our franchise business model subjects us to a number of risks, any one of which may impact our royalty revenues collected from our franchisees, may harm the goodwill associated with our brand, and may materially and adversely impact our business and results of operations.

Bankruptcy of franchisees.    A franchisee bankruptcy could have a substantial negative impact on our ability to collect payments due under such franchisee’s franchise agreement(s). In a franchisee bankruptcy, the bankruptcy trustee may reject its franchise agreement(s), ADA(s) and/or franchisee lease/sublease pursuant to Section 365 under the U.S. bankruptcy code, in which case there would be no further royalty payments from such franchisee, and we may not ultimately recover those payments in a bankruptcy proceeding of such franchisee in connection with a damage claim resulting from such rejection.

Franchisee changes in control.    Our franchises are operated by independent business owners. Although we have the right to approve franchise owners, and any transferee owners, it can be difficult to predict in advance whether a particular franchise owner will be successful. If an individual franchise owner is unable to successfully establish, manage and operate the store, the performance and quality of service of the store could be adversely affected, which could reduce memberships and negatively affect our royalty revenues and brand image. Although our agreements prohibit “changes in control” of a franchisee without our prior consent as the franchisor, a franchise owner may desire to transfer a store to a transferee franchisee. In addition, in the event of the death or disability of a franchisee (if a natural person) or a principal of a franchisee entity, the executors and representatives of the franchisee are required to transfer the relevant franchise agreements to a successor franchisee approved by the franchisor. In any transfer situation, the transferee may not be able to perform the former franchisee’s obligations under such franchise agreements and successfully operate the store. In such a case the performance and quality of service of the store could be adversely affected, which could also reduce memberships and negatively affect our royalty revenues and brand image.

Franchisee insurance.    Our franchise agreements require each franchisee to maintain certain insurance types and levels. Losses arising from certain extraordinary hazards, however, 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 franchisees may not be made on a timely basis. Any such loss or delay in payment could have a material adverse effect on a franchisee’s ability to satisfy its obligations under its franchise agreement or other contractual obligations, which could cause a franchisee to terminate its franchise agreement and, in turn, negatively affect our operating and financial results.

 

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Some of our franchisees are operating entities.    Franchisees may be natural persons or legal entities. Our franchisees that are operating companies (as opposed to limited purpose entities) are subject to business, credit, financial and other risks, which may be unrelated to the operation of their stores. These unrelated risks could materially and adversely affect a franchisee that is an operating company and its ability to service its members and maintain store operations while making royalty payments, which in turn may materially and adversely affect our business and operating results.

Franchise agreement termination; nonrenewal.    Each franchise agreement is subject to termination by us as the franchisor in the event of a default, generally after expiration of applicable cure periods, although under certain circumstances a franchise agreement may be terminated by us upon notice without an opportunity to cure. The default provisions under the franchise agreements are drafted broadly and include, among other things, any failure to meet operating standards and actions that may threaten the licensed intellectual property. Moreover, a franchisee may have a right to terminate its franchise agreement in certain circumstances.

In addition, each franchise agreement has an expiration date. Upon the expiration of a franchise agreement, we or the franchisee may, or may not, elect to renew the franchise agreement. If the franchise agreement is renewed, the franchisee will receive a “successor” franchise agreement for an additional term. Such option, however, is contingent on the franchisee’s execution of the then-current form of franchise agreement (which may include increased royalty revenues, advertising fees and other fees and costs), the satisfaction of certain conditions (including re-equipment and remodeling of the store and other requirements) and the payment of a renewal fee. If a franchisee is unable or unwilling to satisfy any of the foregoing conditions, the expiring franchise agreement will terminate upon expiration of its term.

Franchisee litigation; effects of regulatory efforts.    We and our franchisees are subject to a variety of litigation risks, including, but not limited to, member claims, personal injury claims, vicarious liability claims, litigation with or involving our relationship with franchisees, litigation alleging that the franchisees are our employees or that we are the co-employer of our franchisees’ employees, employee allegations against the franchisee or us of improper termination and discrimination, landlord/tenant disputes and intellectual property claims, among others. Each of these claims may increase costs, reduce the execution of new franchise agreements and affect the scope and terms of insurance or indemnifications we and our franchisees may have. In addition, we and our franchisees are subject to various regulatory efforts to enforce employment laws, such as efforts to categorize franchisors as the co-employers of their franchisees’ employees; legislation to categorize individual franchised businesses as large employers for the purposes of various employment benefits; and other legislation or regulations that may have a disproportionate impact on franchisors and/or franchised businesses. These changes may impose greater costs and regulatory burdens on franchising and negatively affect our ability to sell new franchises.

Franchise agreements and franchisee relationships.    Our franchisees develop and operate their stores under terms set forth in our ADAs and franchise agreements, respectively. These agreements give rise to long-term relationships that involve a complex set of mutual obligations and mutual cooperation. We have a standard set of agreements that we typically use with our franchisees, but various franchisees have negotiated specific terms in these agreements. Furthermore, we may from time to time negotiate terms of our franchise agreements with individual franchisees or groups of franchisees (e.g., a franchisee association). We seek to have positive relationships with our franchisees, based in part on our common understanding of our mutual rights and obligations under our agreements, to enable both the franchisees’ business and our business to be successful. However, we and our franchisees may not always maintain a positive relationship or always interpret our agreements in the same way. Our failure to have positive relationships with our franchisees could individually or in the aggregate cause us to change or limit our business practices, which may make our business model less attractive to our franchisees or our members.

 

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While our franchisee revenues are not concentrated among one or a small number of parties, the success of our business does depend in large part on our ability to maintain contractual relationships with franchisees in profitable stores. A typical franchise agreement has a ten-year term. While our largest franchisee group accounts for less than 5% of our total stores, certain of our franchisee groups account for 4%, or close to 4%, of our total stores. If we fail to maintain or renew our contractual relationships on acceptable terms, or if one or more of these significant franchisees were to become insolvent or otherwise were unwilling to pay amounts due to us, our business, reputation, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

The high level of competition in the health and fitness industry could materially and adversely affect our business.

We compete with the following industry participants: other health and fitness clubs; physical fitness and recreational facilities established by non-profit organizations and businesses for their employees; private studios and other boutique fitness offerings; racquet, tennis and other athletic clubs; amenity and condominium/apartment clubs; country clubs; online personal training and fitness coaching; the home-use fitness equipment industry; local tanning salons; businesses offering similar services; and other businesses that rely on consumer discretionary spending. We may not be able to compete effectively in the markets in which we operate in the future. Competitors may attempt to copy our business model, or portions thereof, which could erode our market share and brand recognition and impair our growth rate and profitability. Competitors, including companies that are larger and have greater resources than us, may compete with us to attract members in our markets. Non-profit organizations in our markets may be able to obtain land and construct stores at a lower cost and collect membership dues and fees without paying taxes, thereby allowing them to charge lower prices. Luxury fitness companies may attempt to enter our market by lowering prices or creating lower price brand alternatives. Furthermore, due to the increased number of low-cost health and fitness club alternatives, we may face increased competition if we increase our price or if discretionary spending declines. This competition may limit our ability to attract and retain existing members and our ability to attract new members, which in each case could materially and adversely affect our results of operation and financial condition.

Our dependence on a limited number of suppliers for equipment and certain products and services could result in disruptions to our business and could adversely affect our revenues and gross profit.

Equipment and certain products and services used in our stores, including our exercise equipment and point-of-sale software and hardware, are sourced from third-party suppliers. In addition, we rely on third-party suppliers to manage and maintain our websites and online join processes, and in 2015 over 20% of our new members joined online through our websites. Although we believe that adequate substitutes are currently available, we depend on these third-party suppliers to operate our business efficiently and consistently meet our business requirements. The ability of these third-party suppliers to successfully provide reliable and high-quality services is subject to technical and operational uncertainties that are beyond our control, including, for our overseas suppliers, vessel availability and port delays or congestion. Any disruption to our suppliers’ operations could impact our supply chain and our ability to service our existing stores and open new stores on time or at all and thereby generate revenue. If we lose such suppliers or our suppliers encounter financial hardships unrelated to the demand for our equipment or other products or services, we may not be able to identify or enter into agreements with alternative suppliers on a timely basis on acceptable terms, if at all. Transitioning to new suppliers would be time consuming and expensive and may result in interruptions in our operations. If we should encounter delays or difficulties in securing the quantity of equipment we or our franchisees require to open new and refurbish existing stores, our suppliers encounter difficulties meeting our

 

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and our franchisees’ demands for products or services, our websites experience delays or become impaired due to errors in the third-party technology or there is a deficiency, lack or poor quality of products or services provided, our ability to serve our members and grow our brand would be interrupted. If any of these events occur, it could have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results.

Our franchisees may incur rising costs related to construction of new stores and maintenance of existing stores, which could adversely affect the attractiveness of our franchise model, and in turn our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our stores require significant upfront and ongoing investment, including periodic remodeling and equipment replacement. If our franchisees’ costs are greater than expected, franchisees may need to outperform their operational plan to achieve their targeted return. In addition, increased costs may result in lower profits to the franchisees, which may cause them to terminate their franchise agreement or make it harder for us to attract new franchisees, which in turn could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

In addition, if a franchisee is unwilling or unable to acquire the necessary financing to invest in the maintenance and upkeep of its stores, including periodic remodeling and replacement of equipment, the quality of its stores could deteriorate, which may have a negative impact on our brand image and our ability to attract and maintain members, which in turn may have a negative impact on our revenues.

We and our franchisees could be subject to claims related to health and safety risks to members that arise while at both our corporate-owned and franchise stores.

Use of our and our franchisees’ stores poses some potential health and safety risks to members or guests through physical exertion and use of our services and facilities, including exercise and tanning equipment. Claims might be asserted against us and our franchisees for injuries suffered by or death of members or guests while exercising and using the facilities at a store. We may not be able to successfully defend such claims. We also may not be able to maintain our general liability insurance on acceptable terms in the future or maintain a level of insurance that would provide adequate coverage against potential claims. Depending upon the outcome, these matters may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

If we cannot retain our key employees and hire additional highly qualified employees, we may not be able to successfully manage our businesses and pursue our strategic objectives.

We are highly dependent on the services of our senior management team and other key employees at our corporate headquarters and our corporate-owned stores, and on our and our franchisees’ ability to recruit, retain and motivate key employees. Competition for such employees can be intense, and the inability to attract and retain the additional qualified employees required to expand our activities, or the loss of current key employees, could adversely affect our and our franchisees’ operating efficiency and financial condition.

Our intellectual property rights, including trademarks and trade names, may be infringed, misappropriated or challenged by others.

We believe our brand and related intellectual property are important to our continued success. We seek to protect our trademarks, trade names, copyrights and other intellectual property by exercising our rights under applicable state, provincial, federal and international laws. Policing unauthorized use and other violations of our intellectual property rights is difficult and the steps we take may not prevent misappropriation,

 

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infringement or other violations of our intellectual property. If we were to fail to successfully protect our intellectual property rights for any reason, or if any third party misappropriates, dilutes or infringes our intellectual property, the value of our brands may be harmed, which could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Any damage to our reputation could cause membership levels to decline or make it more difficult to attract new members.

We may also from time to time be required to initiate litigation to enforce our trademarks, service marks and other intellectual property. Third parties may also assert that we have infringed, misappropriated or otherwise violated their intellectual property rights, which could lead to litigation against us. Litigation is inherently uncertain and could divert the attention of management, result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and could negatively affect our membership sales and profitability regardless of whether we are able to successfully enforce or defend our rights.

Use of email marketing and social media may adversely impact our reputation or subject us to fines or other penalties.

There has been a substantial increase in the use of email and social media platforms, including blogs, social media websites and other forms of internet-based communication, which allow access to a broad audience of consumers and other interested persons. Negative commentary about us may be posted on social media platforms or similar devices at any time and may harm our reputation or business. Consumers value readily available information about health clubs and often act on such information without further investigation and without regard to its accuracy. The harm may be immediate without affording us an opportunity for redress or correction. In addition, social media platforms provide users with access to such a broad audience that collective action against our stores, such as boycotts, can be more easily organized. If such actions were organized, we could suffer reputational damage as well as physical damage to our stores.

We also use email and social medial platforms as marketing tools. For example, we maintain Facebook and Twitter accounts and may occasionally email members to inform them of certain offers or promotions. As laws and regulations rapidly evolve to govern the use of these platforms and devices, the failure by us, our employees, our franchisees or third parties acting at our direction to abide by applicable laws and regulations in the use of these platforms and devices could adversely impact our and our franchisees’ business, financial condition and results of operations or subject us to fines or other penalties.

If we fail to obtain and retain high-profile strategic partnership arrangements, or if the reputation of any of our partners is impaired, our business may suffer.

A principal component of our marketing program has been to partner with high-profile marketing partners, such as NBC’s “The Biggest Loser” and the opportunity to be featured on ABC’s “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest,” as the presenting sponsor in Times Square, to help us extend the reach of our brand. Although we have partnered with several well-known partners in this manner, we may not be able to attract and partner with new marketing partners in the future. In addition, if the actions of our partners were to damage their reputation, our partnerships may be less attractive to our current or prospective members. Any of these failures by us or our partners could adversely affect our business and revenues.

We are subject to risks associated with leasing property subject to long-term non-cancelable leases.

We do not own any real property, and all of our corporate-owned stores are located on leased premises. The leases for our stores generally have initial terms of 10 years and typically provide for two renewal options in five-year increments as well as for rent escalations.

 

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Generally, our leases are net leases that require us to pay our share of the costs of real estate taxes, utilities, building operating expenses, insurance and other charges in addition to rent. We generally cannot terminate these leases before the end of the initial lease term. Additional sites that we lease are likely to be subject to similar long-term, non-terminable leases. If we close a store, we nonetheless may be obligated to perform our monetary obligations under the applicable lease, including, among other things, payment of the base rent for the balance of the lease term. In addition, if we fail to negotiate renewals, either on commercially acceptable terms or at all, as each of our leases expire we could be forced to close stores in desirable locations. We depend on cash flows from operations to pay our lease expenses and to fulfill our other cash needs. If our business does not generate sufficient cash flow from operating activities, and sufficient funds are not otherwise available to us from borrowings under our senior secured credit facility or other sources, we may not be able to service our lease expenses or fund our other liquidity and capital needs, which would materially affect our business.

Our business is subject to various laws and regulations and changes in such laws and regulations, or failure to comply with existing or future laws and regulations, could adversely affect our business.

We are subject to the FTC Franchise Rule, which is a trade regulation imposed on franchising promulgated by the Federal Trade Commission (the “FTC”) that regulates the offer and sale of franchises in the United States and that requires us to provide to all prospective franchisees certain mandatory disclosure in FDD. In addition, we are subject to state franchise sales laws in approximately 14 states that regulate the offer and sale of franchises by requiring us to make a franchise filing or obtain franchise registration prior to our making any offer or sale of a franchise in those states and to provide a FDD to prospective franchisees in accordance with such laws. We are subject to franchise sales laws in five provinces in Canada that regulate the offer and sale of franchises by requiring us to provide a FDD in a prescribed format to prospective franchisees in accordance with such laws, and that regulate certain aspects of the franchise relationship. Failure to comply with such laws may result in a franchisee’s right to rescind its franchise agreement and damages, and may result in investigations or actions from federal or state franchise authorities, civil fines or penalties, and stop orders, among other remedies. We are also subject to franchise relationship laws in over 20 states that regulate many aspects of the franchisor-franchisee relationship, including renewals and terminations of franchise agreements, franchise transfers, the applicable law and venue in which franchise disputes must be resolved, discrimination and franchisees’ right to associate, among others. Our failure to comply with such franchise relationship laws could result in fines, damages and our inability to enforce franchise agreements where we have violated such laws. Although we believe that our FDDs, franchise sales practices and franchise activities comply with such franchise sales laws and franchise relationship laws, our non-compliance could result in liability to franchisees and regulatory authorities (as described above), inability to enforce our franchise agreements and a reduction in our anticipated royalty revenue, which in turn may materially and adversely affect our business and results of operating.

We and our franchisees are also subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, and various other laws in the United States, Canada and the Dominican Republic governing such matters as minimum-wage requirements, overtime and other working conditions. A significant number of our and our franchisees’ employees are paid at rates related to the U.S. federal or state minimum wage, and past increases in the U.S. federal and/or state minimum wage have increased labor costs, as would future increases. Any increases in labor costs might result in our and our franchisees inadequately staffing stores. Such increases in labor costs and other changes in labor laws could affect store performance and quality of service, decrease royalty revenues and adversely affect our brand.

Our and our franchisees’ operations and properties are subject to extensive U.S., Canadian and Dominican federal, state, provincial and local laws and regulations, including those relating to environmental, building and zoning requirements. Our and our franchisees’ development of properties depends to a significant extent on the

 

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selection and acquisition of suitable sites, which are subject to zoning, land use, environmental, traffic and other regulations and requirements. Failure to comply with these legal requirements could result in, among other things, revocation of required licenses, administrative enforcement actions, fines and civil and criminal liability, which could adversely affect our business.

We and our franchisees are responsible at stores we each operate for compliance with state and provincial laws that regulate the relationship between stores and their members. Many states and provinces have consumer protection regulations that may limit the collection of membership dues or fees prior to opening, require certain disclosures of pricing information, mandate the maximum length of contracts and “cooling off” periods for members (after the purchase of a membership), set escrow and bond requirements for stores, govern member rights in the event of a member relocation or disability, provide for specific member rights when a store closes or relocates, or preclude automatic membership renewals. Our or our franchisees’ failure to comply fully with these rules or requirements may subject us or our franchisees to fines, penalties, damages, and civil liability, or result in membership contracts being void or voidable. In addition, states may update these laws and regulations. Any additional costs which may arise in the future as a result of changes to the legislation and regulations or in their interpretation could individually or in the aggregate cause us to change or limit our business practices, which may make our business model less attractive to our franchisees or our members.

Regulatory restrictions placed on indoor tanning services and negative opinions about the health effects of indoor tanning services could harm our reputation and our business.

Although our business model does not place an emphasis on indoor tanning, the vast majority of our corporate-owned and franchise stores offer indoor tanning services. We offer tanning services as one of many amenities available to our PF Black Card members. Many states and provinces where we and our franchisees operate have health and safety regulations that apply to health clubs and other facilities that offer indoor tanning services. In addition to regulations imposed on the indoor tanning industry, medical opinions and opinions of commentators in the general public regarding negative health effects of indoor tanning services could adversely impact the value of our PF Black Card memberships and our future revenues and profitability. Although the tanning industry is regulated by U.S., Canadian and Dominican federal, state and provincial government agencies, negative publicity regarding the potentially harmful health effects of the tanning services we offer at our stores could lead to additional legislation or further regulation of the industry. The potential increase in cost of complying with these regulations could have a negative impact on our profit margins.

The continuation of our tanning services is dependent upon the public’s sustained belief that the benefits of utilizing tanning services outweigh the risks of exposure to ultraviolet light. Any significant change in public perception of tanning equipment or any investigative or regulatory action by a government agency or other regulatory authority could impact the appeal of indoor tanning services to our PF Black Card members, and could in turn have an adverse effect on our and our franchisees’ reputation, business, results of operations and financial condition as well as our ability to profit from sales of tanning equipment to our franchisees.

In addition, from time to time, government agencies and other regulatory authorities have shown an interest in taking investigative or regulatory action with respect to tanning services. For example, we reached a settlement with the New York Office of the Attorney General (“OAG”) last year in connection with allegations that in the spring of 2013, seven of the approximately 80 independently owned and operated Planet Fitness franchise locations in New York at the time had violated certain state laws related to tanning advertising, signage, paperwork, and eyewear. Upon being alerted to these alleged violations, we re-emphasized to all franchisees that they are contractually required to operate their businesses in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Although we understand that the OAG’s investigation was part of a larger initiative with respect to tanning salons and other providers of tanning services and do not believe that the settlement will have a

 

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material adverse effect on us, publicity regarding the OAG’s initiative could influence public perception of the tanning services we offer and of the benefits of our PF Black Card membership.

Risks related to our indebtedness

As of March 31, 2016, we had total indebtedness of $491.0 million, and our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our financial condition and limit our ability to pursue our growth strategy.

We have a substantial amount of debt, which requires significant interest payments. As of March 31, 2016, we had total indebtedness of $491.0 million, gross of deferred financing costs. Subject to the restrictions contained in our senior secured credit facility applicable to our subsidiary Planet Fitness Holdings, LLC, as borrower, and its restricted subsidiaries and its parent Planet Intermediate, LLC, as guarantors, we may be able to incur substantial additional debt from time to time to finance working capital, capital expenditures, investments or acquisitions, or for other purposes. These restrictions will not prevent us from incurring obligations that do not constitute indebtedness, may be waived by certain votes of debt holders and, if we refinance our existing indebtedness, such refinancing indebtedness may contain fewer restrictions on our activities. To the extent new indebtedness or other financial obligations are added to our and our subsidiaries’ currently anticipated indebtedness levels, the related risks that we and our subsidiaries face could intensify.

Our substantial level of indebtedness could adversely affect our financial condition and increase the possibility that we may be unable to generate cash sufficient to pay, when due, the principal of, interest on or other amounts due in respect of our indebtedness. Our substantial indebtedness, combined with our other existing and any future financial obligations and contractual commitments, could have important consequences. For example, it could:

 

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make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to our indebtedness, and any failure to comply with the obligations under our senior secured credit facility, including restrictive covenants, could result in an event of default under such facility;

 

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require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our indebtedness, thereby reducing funds available for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, selling and marketing efforts, research and development and other purposes;

 

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increase our vulnerability to adverse economic and industry conditions, which could place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have proportionately less indebtedness;

 

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increase our cost of borrowing and cause us to incur substantial fees from time to time in connection with debt amendments or refinancings;

 

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increase our exposure to rising interest rates because a portion of our borrowings is at variable interest rates;

 

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limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industries in which we operate; and

 

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limit our ability to borrow additional funds, or to dispose of assets to raise funds, if needed, for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, selling and marketing efforts, research and development and other corporate purposes.

By the nature of their relationship to our enterprise, debt holders may have different points of view on the use of company resources as compared to our management. The financial and contractual obligations related to our debt also represent a natural constraint on any intended use of company resources.

 

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Restrictions imposed by our outstanding indebtedness and any future indebtedness may limit our ability to operate our business and to finance our future operations or capital needs or to engage in other business activities.

The terms of our outstanding indebtedness restrict us from engaging in specified types of transactions. These covenants restrict our ability, among other things, to:

 

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incur indebtedness or guarantees or engage in sale-leaseback transactions;

 

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incur liens;

 

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engage in mergers, acquisitions and asset sales;

 

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alter the business conducted by Planet Intermediate, LLC, Planet Fitness Holdings, LLC and its restricted subsidiaries;

 

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make investments and loans;

 

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declare dividends or other distributions;

 

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enter into agreements limiting restricted subsidiary distributions; and

 

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engage in certain transactions with affiliates.

In addition, the credit agreement governing our senior secured credit facility requires us to comply with a financial maintenance covenant, which covenant is solely for the benefit of the revolving credit facility. Our ability to comply with this financial covenant can be affected by events beyond our control, and we may not be able to satisfy it. See “Description of certain indebtedness.”

A breach of any of the restrictive covenants in the credit agreement governing our senior secured credit facility could result in an event of default, which could trigger acceleration of our indebtedness and may result in the acceleration of or default under any other debt we may incur in the future to which a cross-acceleration or cross-default provision applies, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. In the event of any default under our credit facilities, the applicable lenders could elect to terminate borrowing commitments and declare all borrowings and loans outstanding, together with accrued and unpaid interest and any fees and other obligations, to be due and payable. In addition, or in the alternative, the applicable lenders could exercise their rights under the security documents entered into in connection with our credit facilities. We have pledged a significant portion of our assets as collateral under our senior secured credit facility.

If we were unable to repay or otherwise refinance these borrowings and loans when due, the applicable lenders could proceed against the collateral granted to them to secure that indebtedness, which could force us into bankruptcy or liquidation. In the event the applicable lenders accelerate the repayment of our borrowings, we and our subsidiaries may not have sufficient assets to repay that indebtedness. Any acceleration of amounts due under the agreements governing our credit facilities or the exercise by the applicable lenders of their rights under the security documents would likely have a material adverse effect on our business. As a result of these restrictions, we may be:

 

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limited in how we conduct our business;

 

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unable to raise additional debt or equity financing to operate during general economic or business downturns; or

 

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unable to compete effectively or to take advantage of new business opportunities.

These restrictions may affect our ability to grow in accordance with our strategy.

 

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We will require a significant amount of cash to service our indebtedness. The ability to generate cash or refinance our indebtedness as it becomes due depends on many factors, some of which are beyond our control.

We are a holding company, and as such have no independent operations or material assets other than our ownership of equity interests in our subsidiaries and our subsidiaries’ contractual arrangements with customers, and we will depend on our subsidiaries to distribute funds to us so that we may pay our obligations and expenses. Our ability to make scheduled payments on, or to refinance our respective obligations under, our indebtedness and to fund planned capital expenditures and other corporate expenses will depend on the ability of our subsidiaries to make distributions, dividends or advances to us, which in turn will depend on our subsidiaries’ future operating performance and on economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors and any legal and regulatory restrictions on the payment of distributions and dividends to which they may be subject. Many of these factors are beyond our control. We can provide no assurance that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations, that currently anticipated cost savings and operating improvements will be realized or that future borrowings will be available to us in an amount sufficient to enable us to satisfy our respective obligations under our indebtedness or to fund our other needs. In order for us to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness and fund planned capital expenditures, we must continue to execute our business strategy. If we are unable to do so, we may need to reduce or delay our planned capital expenditures or refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness on or before maturity. Significant delays in our planned capital expenditures may materially and adversely affect our future revenue prospects. In addition, we can provide no assurance that we will be able to refinance any of our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all.

Our variable rate indebtedness subjects us to interest rate risk, which could cause our indebtedness service obligations to increase significantly.

Borrowings under our senior secured credit facility are at variable rates of interest and expose us to interest rate risk. If interest rates increase, our debt service obligations on variable rate indebtedness would increase even though the amount borrowed remained the same, and our net income and cash flows, including cash available for servicing our indebtedness, would correspondingly decrease.

Our senior secured credit facility includes a London Inter-Bank Offered Rates (“LIBOR”) floor of 1.00%, which at March 31, 2016 was in excess of LIBOR. If the three-month LIBOR spot rate were to increase or decrease by 0.125% from current rates, interest expense would not change due to application of the 1.00% floor previously mentioned. If the specified LIBOR rate were to increase above 1.00%, our debt service obligations on the variable rate indebtedness would increase even though the amount borrowed remained the same, and our net income and cash flows, including cash available for servicing our indebtedness, would correspondingly decrease. An increase of 0.125% over the 1.00% floor previously mentioned would result in an approximate increase of $0.6 million in our annual interest expense associated with our senior secured credit facilities.

We have entered into and may continue to enter into interest rate swaps, caps or other derivative financial instruments that involve the exchange of floating for fixed rate interest payments in order to reduce interest rate volatility. However, we may not maintain derivative financial instruments with respect to all of our variable rate indebtedness, and any swaps we enter into may not fully mitigate our interest rate risk.

Risks related to our organizational structure

We will be required to pay certain of our existing owners for certain tax benefits we may claim, and we expect that the payments we will be required to make will be substantial.

Future and certain past exchanges of Holdings Units for shares of our Class A common stock (or cash) are expected to produce and have produced favorable tax attributes for us. We are a party to two tax receivable

 

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agreements. Under the first of those agreements, we are generally required to pay to the Continuing LLC Owners 85% of the applicable cash savings, if any, in U.S. federal and state income tax that we are deemed to realize as a result of certain tax attributes of their Holdings Units sold to us (or exchanged in a taxable sale) and that are created as a result of (i) the sales of their Holdings Units for shares of our Class A common stock and (ii) tax benefits attributable to payments made under the tax receivable agreement (including imputed interest). Under the second tax receivable agreement, we are generally required to pay to the Direct TSG Investors 85% of the amount of cash savings, if any, that we are deemed to realize as a result of the tax attributes of the Holdings Units that we hold in respect of the Direct TSG Investors’ interest in us, which resulted from the Direct TSG Investors’ purchase of interests in the 2012 acquisition (the “2012 Acquisition”), by investment funds affiliated with TSG and certain other tax benefits. Under both agreements, we generally retain the benefit of the remaining 15% of the applicable tax savings.

The payment obligations under the tax receivable agreements are obligations of Planet Fitness, Inc., and we expect that the payments we will be required to make under the tax receivable agreements will be substantial. Assuming no material changes in the relevant tax law and that we earn sufficient taxable income to realize all tax benefits that are subject to the tax receivable agreements, we expect that the reduction in tax payments for us associated with sales of the corresponding Holdings Units as described above would aggregate to approximately $         million over the applicable period under the tax receivable agreements based on a price of $         per share of our Class A common stock (the last closing price of our Class A common stock on                     , 2016), and assuming all future sales had occurred on March 31, 2016. Under such scenario, we would be required to pay the other parties to the tax receivable agreements 85% of such amount, or $         million, over the applicable period under the tax receivable agreements. The actual amounts may materially differ from these hypothetical amounts, as potential future reductions in tax payments for us, and tax receivable agreement payments by us, will be calculated using the market value of our Class A common stock at the time of the sale and the prevailing tax rates applicable to us over the life of the tax receivable agreements and will be dependent on us generating sufficient future taxable income to realize the benefit. See “Certain relationships and related party transactions—Tax receivable agreements.” Payments under the tax receivable agreements are not conditioned on the Continuing LLC Owners’ ownership of our shares.

The actual increase in tax basis, as well as the amount and timing of any payments under these agreements, will vary depending upon a number of factors, including the timing of sales by the Continuing LLC Owners, the price of our Class A common stock at the time of the sales, whether such sales are taxable, the amount and timing of the taxable income we generate in the future, the tax rate then applicable and the portion of our payments under the tax receivable agreements constituting imputed interest. Payments under the tax receivable agreements are expected to give rise to certain additional tax benefits attributable to either further increases in basis or in the form of deductions for imputed interest (generally calculated using one-year LIBOR), depending on the tax receivable agreements and the circumstances. Any such benefits are covered by the tax receivable agreements and will increase the amounts due thereunder. The tax receivable agreements provide for interest, at a rate equal to one-year LIBOR, accrued from the due date (without extensions) of the corresponding tax return to the date of payment specified by the tax receivable agreements. In addition, under certain circumstances where we are unable to make timely payments under the tax receivable agreements, the tax receivable agreements provide for interest to accrue on unpaid payments, at a rate equal to one-year LIBOR plus 500 basis points.

Payments under the tax receivable agreements will be based on the tax reporting positions that we determine. Although we are not aware of any issue that would cause the IRS to challenge a tax basis increase or other tax attributes subject to the tax receivable agreements, we will not be reimbursed for any payments previously made under the tax receivable agreements if such basis increases or other benefits are subsequently disallowed. As a result, in certain circumstances, payments could be made under the tax receivable agreements in excess of the benefits that we are deemed to realize in respect of the attributes to which the tax receivable agreements relate.

 

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Our ability to pay taxes and expenses, including payments under the tax receivable agreements, may be limited by our structure.

We have no material assets other than our ownership of Holdings Units in Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC. As such, we have no independent means of generating revenue. Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, as such, is not subject to U.S. federal income tax. Instead, taxable income is allocated to holders of its Holdings Units, including us. Accordingly, we incur income taxes on our allocable share of any taxable income of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC, and also incur expenses related to our operations. Pursuant to the New LLC Agreement, Pla-Fit Holdings makes cash distributions to the owners of Holdings Units for purposes of funding their tax obligations in respect of the income of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC that is allocated to them, to the extent other distributions from Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC have been insufficient. In addition to tax expenses, we also incur expenses related to our operations, including payment obligations under the tax receivable agreements, which are significant. We have caused Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC to make distributions in an amount sufficient to allow us to pay our taxes and operating expenses, including ordinary course payments due under the tax receivable agreements. However, its ability to make such distributions in the future will be subject to various limitations and restrictions, including contractual restrictions under our senior secured credit facility. If, as a consequence of these various limitations and restrictions, we do not have sufficient funds to pay tax or other liabilities or to fund our operations (including as a result of an acceleration of our obligations under the tax receivable agreements), we may have to borrow funds and thus our liquidity and financial condition could be materially adversely affected. To the extent that we are unable to make payments under the tax receivable agreements for any reason, such payments will be deferred and will accrue interest at a rate equal to one-year LIBOR plus 500 basis points until paid.

In certain cases, payments under the tax receivable agreements to our existing owners may be accelerated and/or significantly exceed the actual benefits we realize in respect of the tax attributes subject to the tax receivable agreements.

The tax receivable agreements provide that (i) in the event that we materially breach such tax receivable agreements, (ii) if, at any time, we elect an early termination of the tax receivable agreements, or (iii) upon certain mergers, asset sales, other forms of business combinations or other changes of control, our (or our successor’s) obligations under the tax receivable agreements (with respect to all Holdings Units, whether or not they have been sold before or after such transaction) would accelerate and become payable in a lump sum amount equal to the present value of the anticipated future tax benefits calculated based on certain assumptions, including that we would have sufficient taxable income to fully utilize the deductions arising from the tax deductions, tax basis and other tax attributes subject to the tax receivable agreements.

As a result of the foregoing, (i) we could be required to make payments under the tax receivable agreements that are greater than or less than the specified percentage of the actual tax savings we realize in respect of the tax attributes subject to the agreements and (ii) we may be required to make an immediate lump sum payment equal to the present value of the anticipated tax savings, which payment may be made years in advance of the actual realization of such future benefits, if any such benefits are ever realized. In these situations, our obligations under the tax receivable agreements could have a substantial negative impact on our liquidity and could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing certain mergers, asset sales, other forms of business combinations or other changes of control. There can be no assurance that we will be able to finance our obligations under the tax receivable agreements in a manner that does not adversely affect our working capital and growth requirements. For example, if we had elected to terminate the tax receivable agreements as of March 31, 2016, based on a share price of $         per share of our Class A common stock (the last sale price of our Class A common stock on                     , 2016) and a discount rate equal to     %, we estimate that we would have been required to pay $         million in the aggregate under the tax receivable agreements. See “Certain relationships and related party transactions—Tax receivable agreements.”

 

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In certain circumstances, Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC will be required to make distributions to us and the Continuing LLC Owners, and the distributions that Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC will be required to make may be substantial.

Funds used by Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC to satisfy its tax distribution obligations will not be available for reinvestment in our business. Moreover, the tax distributions that Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC will be required to make may be substantial and will likely exceed (as a percentage of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC’s net income) the overall effective tax rate applicable to a similarly situated corporate taxpayer.

As a result of potential differences in the amount of net taxable income allocable to us and to the Continuing LLC Owners, as well as the use of an assumed tax rate in calculating Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC’s distribution obligations, we may receive distributions significantly in excess of our tax liabilities and obligations to make payments under the tax receivable agreements. To the extent, as currently expected, we do not distribute such cash balances as dividends on our Class A common stock and instead, for example, hold such cash balances or lend them to Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC, the Continuing LLC Owners would benefit from any value attributable to such accumulated cash balances as a result of their ownership of Class A common stock following an exchange of their Holdings Units.

We will not be reimbursed for any payments made to the Continuing LLC Owners or the Direct TSG Investors under the tax receivable agreements in the event that any tax benefits are disallowed.

If the IRS or a state or local taxing authority challenges the tax basis adjustments and/or deductions that give rise to payments under the tax receivable agreements and the tax basis adjustments and/or deductions are subsequently disallowed, the recipients of payments under the agreements will not reimburse us for any payments we previously made to them. Any such disallowance would be taken into account in determining future payments under the tax receivable agreements and would, therefore, reduce the amount of any such future payments. Nevertheless, if the claimed tax benefits from the tax basis adjustments and/or deductions are disallowed, our payments under the tax receivable agreements could exceed our actual tax savings, and we may not be able to recoup payments under the tax receivable agreements that were calculated on the assumption that the disallowed tax savings were available.

Unanticipated changes in effective tax rates or adverse outcomes resulting from examination of our income or other tax returns could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

We are subject to income taxes in the United States and Canada, and our domestic and foreign tax liabilities will be subject to the allocation of expenses in differing jurisdictions. Our future effective tax rates could be subject to volatility or adversely affected by a number of factors, including:

 

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changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities;

 

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expected timing and amount of the release of any tax valuation allowances;

 

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tax effects of stock-based compensation;

 

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costs related to intercompany restructurings;

 

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changes in tax laws, regulations or interpretations thereof; or

 

•

lower than anticipated future earnings in jurisdictions where we have lower statutory tax rates and higher than anticipated future earnings in jurisdictions where we have higher statutory tax rates.

In addition, we may be subject to audits of our income, sales and other transaction taxes by U.S. federal and state and foreign authorities. Outcomes from these audits could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

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Risks related to our Class A common stock and this offering

We are eligible to be treated as an emerging growth company, and we cannot be certain that the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies will not make our ordinary shares less attractive to investors.

We are an emerging growth company, as defined in the JOBS Act. For as long as we continue to be an emerging growth company, we may take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies, including (1) not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), (2) reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in this prospectus and our periodic reports and proxy statements and (3) exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. We could be an emerging growth company for up to another four years, although circumstances could cause us to lose that status earlier, including if the market value of our Class A common stock held by non-affiliates exceeds $700.0 million as of the end of the second fiscal quarter in any fiscal year before that time or if we have total annual gross revenues of $1.0 billion or more during any fiscal year before that time, in which case we would no longer be an emerging growth company as of the following fiscal year end, or if we issue more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt during any three-year period before that time we would cease to be an emerging growth company immediately. If some investors find our Class A common stock less attractive as a result of our being an emerging growth company, there may be a less active trading market for our Class A common stock, and our share price may be more volatile.

TSG has 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.

We are currently controlled, and after this offering is completed will continue to be controlled, by investment funds affiliated with TSG. Upon completion of this offering, investment funds affiliated with TSG will control     % of the voting power of our common stock (or     % if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares). As long as TSG owns or controls at least a majority of our outstanding voting power, it 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 certificate of incorporation or bylaws, or the approval of any merger or other significant corporate transaction, including a sale of substantially all of our assets. Even if its ownership falls below 50%, TSG will continue to be able to strongly influence or effectively control our decisions.

Additionally, TSG’s interests may not align with the interests of our other stockholders. TSG is in the business of making investments in companies and may acquire and hold interests in businesses that compete directly or indirectly with us. TSG may also pursue acquisition opportunities that may be complementary to our business, and, as a result, those acquisition opportunities may not be available to us.

Certain of our directors have relationships with TSG, which may cause conflicts of interest with respect to our business.

Four of our eight directors are affiliated with TSG. Our TSG-affiliated directors have fiduciary duties to us and, in addition, have duties to TSG. As a result, these directors may face real or apparent conflicts of interest with respect to matters affecting both us and TSG, whose interests may be adverse to ours in some circumstances.

 

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We are a “controlled company” under NYSE rules and, as a result, qualify for, and intend to rely on, exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements; you do not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to such requirements.

Because TSG controls a majority of the voting power of our outstanding Class A common stock, we are a “controlled company” within the meaning of the NYSE corporate governance standards. Under these rules, a company of which more than 50% of the voting power for the election of directors is held by an individual, group or another company is a “controlled company” and may elect not to comply with certain corporate governance requirements, including the requirements that, within one year of the date of the listing of our Class A common stock:

 

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we have a board of directors that is composed of a majority of “independent directors,” as defined under NYSE rules;

 

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we have a compensation committee that is composed entirely of independent directors; and

 

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we have a nominating and corporate governance committee that is composed entirely of independent directors.

We are currently utilizing all of these exemptions. Accordingly, for so long as we are a “controlled company,” you will not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of the NYSE corporate governance requirements. Our status as a controlled company could make our Class A common stock less attractive to some investors or otherwise harm our stock price.

Provisions of our corporate governance documents could make an acquisition of our Company more difficult and may prevent attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our current management, even if beneficial to our stockholders.

In addition to TSG’s beneficial ownership of a controlling percentage of our common stock, our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) contain provisions that could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us, even if doing so might be beneficial to our stockholders. These provisions include:

 

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the division of our board of directors into three classes and the election of each class for three-year terms;

 

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advance notice requirements for stockholder proposals and director nominations;

 

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the ability of the board of directors to fill a vacancy created by the expansion of the board of directors;

 

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the ability of our board of directors to issue new series of, and designate the terms of, preferred stock, without stockholder approval, which could be used to, among other things, institute a rights plan that would have the effect of significantly diluting the stock ownership of a potential hostile acquirer, likely preventing acquisitions that have not been approved by our board of directors;

 

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limitations on the ability of stockholders to call special meetings and to take action by written consent following the date that investment funds affiliated with TSG no longer beneficially own a majority of our common stock; and

 

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the required approval of holders of at least 75% of the voting power of the outstanding shares of our capital stock to adopt, amend or repeal certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws or remove directors for cause, in each case following the date that investment funds affiliated with TSG no longer beneficially own a majority of our common stock.

 

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In addition, Section 203 of the DGCL may affect the ability of an “interested stockholder” to engage in certain business combinations, for a period of three years following the time that the stockholder becomes an “interested stockholder.” While we have elected in our certificate of incorporation not to be subject to Section 203 of the DGCL, our certificate of incorporation contains provisions that have the same effect as Section 203 of the DGCL, except that they provide that investment funds affiliated with TSG will not be deemed to be an “interested stockholder,” and accordingly will not be subject to such restrictions.

Because our board of directors is responsible for appointing the members of our management team, these provisions could in turn affect any attempt to replace current members of our management team. As a result, you may lose your ability to sell your stock for a price in excess of the prevailing market price due to these protective measures, and efforts by stockholders to change the direction or management of the Company may be unsuccessful. See “Description of capital stock.”

Our organizational structure, including the tax receivable agreements, confers certain benefits upon the Continuing LLC Owners that do not benefit Class A common stockholders to the same extent as it will benefit the Continuing LLC Owners.

Our organizational structure, including the tax receivable agreements, confers certain benefits upon the Continuing LLC Owners that do not benefit the holders of our Class A common stock to the same extent as it benefits the Continuing LLC Owners. The tax receivable agreement with the Direct TSG Investors also confers benefits upon the Direct TSG Investors that are not shared with other holders of Class A common stock. Although we retain 15% of the amount of tax benefits conferred under the tax receivable agreements, this and other aspects of our organizational structure may adversely impact the future trading market for the Class A common stock.

We previously identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting. While management has concluded that we have remediated this material weakness and no new material weaknesses have been identified to date, we cannot provide assurance that additional material weaknesses or significant deficiencies will not occur in the future. If our internal control over financial reporting or our disclosure controls and procedures are not effective, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results, prevent fraud or file our periodic reports in a timely manner, which may cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information and may lead to a decline in our stock price. In addition, because of our status as an emerging growth company, you will not be able to depend on any attestation from our independent registered public accountants as to our internal control over financial reporting for the foreseeable future.

We are not currently required to comply with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) implementing Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and are therefore not required to make a formal assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting for that purpose. We are required to comply with the SEC’s rules implementing Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which requires management to certify financial and other information in our quarterly and annual reports. However, although we are required to disclose significant changes made in our internal controls and procedures on a quarterly basis, we are not required to make our first annual assessment of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 until the year following the filing of our first annual report with the SEC. Further, as an emerging growth company, our independent registered public accounting firm will not be required to attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 until the later of our second annual report or the first annual report required to be filed with the SEC following the date we are no longer an emerging growth company. At such time, if our independent registered public accounting firm

 

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concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective due to the existence of one or more material weaknesses in internal control, it would issue an adverse opinion on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.

As we approach the dates for compliance with the requirements of Section 404, we may need to undertake various actions, such as implementing new internal controls and procedures and hiring internal audit or additional accounting staff. Testing and maintaining internal controls can divert our management’s attention from other matters related to the operation of our business. In addition, when evaluating our internal control over financial reporting, we may identify material weaknesses that we may not be able to remediate in time to meet the applicable deadline imposed upon us for compliance with the requirements of Section 404.

In the first half of 2015, management identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting relating to our controls over the authorization of IT hardware purchases and the processing of related invoices. The internal controls in place during this time were not adequate to detect fraudulent purchases being made. Since identifying this material weakness, we have implemented processes and controls designed to remediate this material weakness by revising existing, and implementing new, procedures and systems regarding (i) authorizing purchases, (ii) receiving invoices, (iii) receiving IT hardware products and (iv) processing invoices. As a result of the successful implementation of the remediation actions noted, as well as subsequent successful testing of the design and operation of the enhanced control procedures, management has concluded that this material weakness has been remediated as of March 31, 2016.

If we identify additional material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting or are unable to comply with the requirements of Section 404 in a timely manner or assert that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, or if our independent registered public accounting firm is unable to express an unqualified opinion as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting in future periods, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, the market price of our Class A common stock could be negatively affected, and we could become subject to investigations by the NYSE, on which our securities are listed, the SEC or other regulatory authorities, which could require additional financial and management resources.

Your percentage ownership in us may be diluted by future issuances of capital stock, which could reduce your influence over matters on which stockholders vote.

Pursuant to our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, our board of directors has the authority, without action or vote of our stockholders, to issue all or any part of our authorized but unissued shares of common stock, including shares issuable upon the exercise of options, or shares of our authorized but unissued preferred stock. Issuances of Class A common stock or voting preferred stock would reduce your influence over matters on which our stockholders vote and, in the case of issuances of preferred stock, would likely result in your interest in us being subject to the prior rights of holders of that preferred stock.

Our stock price could be extremely volatile, and, as a result, you may not be able to resell your shares at or above the price you paid for them.

Since our IPO, the price of our Class A common stock, as reported by the NYSE, has ranged from a low of $13.23 on February 11, 2016 to a high of $20.68 on August 10, 2015. In addition, in recent years the stock market in general has been highly volatile. As a result, the market price and trading volume of our Class A common stock is likely to be similarly volatile, and investors in our Class A common stock may experience a decrease, which could be substantial, in the value of their stock, including decreases unrelated to our results of operations or

 

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prospects, and could lose part or all of their investment. The price of our Class A common stock could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to a number of factors, including those described elsewhere in this report and others such as:

 

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variations in our operating performance and the performance of our competitors;

 

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actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly or annual operating results;

 

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publication of research reports by securities analysts about us or our competitors or our industry;

 

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the public’s reaction to our press releases, our other public announcements and our filings with the SEC;

 

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our failure or the failure of our competitors to meet analysts’ projections or guidance that we or our competitors may give to the market;

 

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additions and departures of key personnel;

 

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strategic decisions by us or our competitors, such as acquisitions, divestitures, spin-offs, joint ventures, strategic investments or changes in business strategy;

 

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the passage of legislation or other regulatory developments affecting us or our industry;

 

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speculation in the press or investment community;

 

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changes in accounting principles;

 

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terrorist acts, acts of war or periods of widespread civil unrest;

 

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natural disasters and other calamities; and

 

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changes in general market and economic conditions.

In the past, securities class action litigation has often been initiated against companies following periods of volatility in their stock price. This type of litigation could result in substantial costs and divert our management’s attention and resources, and could also require us to make substantial payments to satisfy judgments or to settle litigation.

Our future ability to repurchase shares is subject to the discretion of management and our board of directors and may be limited by our ability to generate sufficient earnings and cash flows.

In May 2016, the board of directors authorized the Company to purchase, from time to time, as market conditions warrant, $20 million of our Class A common stock. The share repurchase program does not obligate us to repurchase any particular amount of common stock, and it could be modified, suspended or discontinued at any time. The timing and amount of repurchases will be determined by management at its discretion based on a variety of factors such as the market price of its common stock, corporate and legal requirements, and general market and economic conditions. Actual repurchases of shares will also depend on our ability to generate sufficient earnings and cash flows. In addition, our ability to repurchase shares is subject to limitations under our senior secured credit facility. See “Description of certain indebtedness—Senior secured credit facility—Covenants and other matters.”

Because we do not currently anticipate that we will pay any cash dividends on our Class A common stock in the foreseeable future, you may not receive any return on investment unless you sell your Class A common stock for a price greater than that which you paid for it.

We may retain future earnings, if any, for future operations, expansion and debt repayment and do not currently anticipate that we will pay any cash dividends on our Class A common stock in the foreseeable future.

 

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Any decision to declare and pay dividends in the future will be made at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on, among other things, our results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant. In addition, our ability to pay dividends may be limited by covenants of any existing and future outstanding indebtedness we or our subsidiaries incur, including our senior credit facility. As a result, you may not receive any return on an investment in our Class A common stock unless you sell our Class A common stock for a price greater than that which you paid for it.

A significant portion of our total outstanding shares are restricted from immediate resale but may be sold into the market in the near future. This could cause the market price of our Class A common stock to drop significantly, even if our business is doing well.

Sales of a substantial number of shares of our Class A common stock in the public market could occur at any time. These sales, or the perception in the market that the holders of a large number of shares intend to sell shares, could reduce the market price of our Class A common stock. In connection with this offering, our officers, directors and the selling stockholders will enter into 90-day lock-up agreements with the underwriters. These shares will, however, be able to be resold after the expiration of the lock-up agreement as described in the “Shares eligible for future sale” section of this prospectus. We have also filed a Form S-8 under the Securities Act to register all shares of Class A common stock that we may issue under our equity compensation plans. In addition, TSG has certain demand registration rights that could require us in the future to file registration statements in connection with sales of our stock by TSG. See “Certain relationships and related party transactions—Registration rights agreement.” Such sales by TSG could be significant. Once we register these shares, they can be freely sold in the public market upon issuance, subject to the lock-up agreements described in the “Underwriting” section of this prospectus. As restrictions on resale end, the market price of our stock could decline if the holders of currently restricted shares sell them or are perceived by the market as intending to sell them.

If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about our business, if they adversely change their recommendations regarding our shares or if our results of operations do not meet their expectations, our share price and trading volume could decline.

The trading market for our shares will be influenced by the research and reports that industry or securities analysts publish about us or our business. We do not have any control over these analysts. In the event one or more securities analysts cease coverage of our Company or fail to publish reports on us regularly, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which in turn could cause our share price or trading volume to decline. Moreover, if one or more of the analysts who cover us downgrade our stock, or if our results of operations do not meet their expectations, our share price could decline.

A credit ratings downgrade or other negative action by a credit ratings organization could adversely affect the trading price of the shares of our Class A common stock.

Credit rating agencies continually revise their ratings for companies they follow. The condition of the financial and credit markets and prevailing interest rates have fluctuated in the past and are likely to fluctuate in the future. In addition, developments in our business and operations could lead to a ratings downgrade for us or our subsidiaries. Any such fluctuation in the rating of us or our subsidiaries may impact our ability to access debt markets in the future or increase our cost of future debt which could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial condition, which in return may adversely affect the trading price of shares of our Class A common stock.

 

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Our certificate of incorporation designates courts in the State of Delaware as the sole and exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by 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, subject to limited exceptions, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the sole and exclusive forum for:

 

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any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf;

 

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any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors, officers or other employees to us or our stockholders;

 

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any action asserting a claim against us arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, our certificate of incorporation or our bylaws;

 

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any action to interpret, apply, enforce or determine the validity of our certificate of incorporation or bylaws; or

 

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any other action asserting a claim against us that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine (each, a “Covered Proceeding”).

In addition, our certificate of incorporation provides that if any action the subject matter of which is a Covered Proceeding is filed in a court other than the specified Delaware courts without the approval of our board of directors (each, a “Foreign Action”), the claiming party will be deemed to have consented to (i) the personal jurisdiction of the specified Delaware courts in connection with any action brought in any such courts to enforce the exclusive forum provision described above and (ii) having service of process made upon such claiming party in any such enforcement action by service upon such claiming party’s counsel in the Foreign Action as agent for such claiming party.

Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of our capital stock shall be deemed to have notice of and to have consented to these provisions. These provisions may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers or other employees, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and our directors, officers and employees. Alternatively, if a court were to find these provisions of our certificate of incorporation inapplicable to, or unenforceable in respect of, one or more of the specified types of actions or proceedings, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such matters in other jurisdictions, which could adversely affect our business and financial condition.

Financial forecasting may differ materially from actual results.

Due to the inherent difficulty of predicting future events and results, our forecasted financial and operational results may differ materially from actual results. Discrepancies between forecasted and actual results could cause a decline in the price of our stock.

 

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Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements

This prospectus contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies and other future conditions. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “potential,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “continue,” “contemplate” and other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words.

We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements, and you should not place significant reliance on our forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements we make. Important factors that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following:

 

•

our dependence on the operational and financial results of, and our relationships with, our franchisees and the success of their new and existing stores;

 

•

our ability to protect our brand and reputation;

 

•

our ability to execute our growth strategy, including through development of new stores by new and existing franchisees;

 

•

our ability to manage our growth and associated strain on our resources;

 

•

our ability to successfully identify and secure appropriate franchisees and sites, and timely develop and expand our operations;

 

•

data security and the vulnerability of our information systems;

 

•

our and our franchisees’ ability to attract and retain members;

 

•

the high level of competition in the health and fitness industry;

 

•

our dependence on a small number of equipment suppliers;

 

•

our ability to maintain sufficient levels of cash flow, or access to capital, to meet growth expectations;

 

•

our dependence on key executive management;

 

•

our ability to identify qualified individuals for our workforce;

 

•

our ability to adequately protect our intellectual property;

 

•

risks related to franchisees generally;

 

•

share repurchases and dividends;

 

•

our business model being susceptible to litigation;

 

•

the substantial indebtedness of our subsidiary, Planet Fitness Holdings, LLC;

 

•

TSG’s significant influence over us and our status as a “controlled company” under the rules of the NYSE;

 

•

risks relating to our corporate structure and tax receivable agreements; and

 

•

the other factors identified under the heading “Risk factors” elsewhere in this prospectus.

The forward-looking statements in this prospectus represent our views as of the date of this prospectus. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

 

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Use of proceeds

The selling stockholders will receive all of the net proceeds from this offering. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of shares of Class A common stock offered by the selling stockholders. We will, however, bear the costs associated with the sale of shares by the selling stockholders, other than underwriting discounts and commissions. For more information, see “Certain relationships and related party transactions—Registration rights agreement,” “Principal and selling stockholders” and “Underwriting.”

 

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Dividend policy

Our board of directors does not currently intend to pay dividends on our Class A common stock. However, we expect to re-evaluate our dividend policy on a regular basis and may, subject to compliance with the covenants contained in our senior secured credit facility and other considerations, determine to pay dividends in the future. Holders of our Class B common stock are not entitled to participate in any dividends declared by our board of directors. The declaration, amount and payment of any future dividends on shares of our Class A common stock will be at the sole discretion of our board of directors, which may take into account general economic conditions, our financial condition and results of operations, our available cash and current and anticipated cash needs, capital requirements, contractual, legal, tax and regulatory restrictions, the implications of the payment of dividends by us to our stockholders or by our subsidiaries to us, and any other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant. See “Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations—Liquidity and capital resources” and “Description of certain indebtedness” included elsewhere in this prospectus regarding restrictions on our ability to pay dividends.

 

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Price range of our Class A common stock

Shares of our Class A common stock have been listed and traded on the NYSE under the symbol “PLNT” since August 6, 2015. Prior to that date, there was no public market for our stock. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low intra-day sale prices in dollars on the NYSE for our Class A common stock.

 

		High				Low
Third quarter of fiscal year 2015		$	20.68			$	13.65
Fourth quarter of fiscal year 2015		$	17.34			$	14.50
First quarter of fiscal year 2016		$	16.38			$	13.23
Second quarter of fiscal year 2016 (through May 24, 2016)		$	17.79			$	14.86

There is no trading market for shares of our Class B common stock.

On May 24, 2016, the last reported sale price of our Class A common stock on the NYSE was $17.55 per share. As of May 24, 2016, there were four stockholders of record of our Class A common stock and 16 stockholders of record of our Class B common stock. These figures do not reflect the beneficial ownership or shares held in nominee name.

 

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Capitalization

The following table sets forth our cash, cash equivalents and capitalization as of March 31, 2016 on a historical basis and on a pro forma basis giving effect to this offering and the other transactions described under “Unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information.”

You should read this information together with our audited and unaudited financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus and the information set forth under the headings “Unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information,” “Selected consolidated financial and other data” and “Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations.”

 

		As of March 31,  2016
(in thousands)		Historical				Pro forma
Cash and cash equivalents		$	38,268			$
Long-term debt, including current portion:
Senior secured credit facility			491,000
Deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization			(7,025	)
Total debt(1)		$	483,975
Stockholders’ equity (deficit):
Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share; 300,000 shares authorized and 36,598 shares issued and outstanding on a historical basis; 300,000 shares authorized and                  shares issued and outstanding on a pro forma basis			4
Class B common stock, par value $0.0001 per share; 100,000 shares authorized and 62,067 shares issued and outstanding on a historical basis; 100,000 shares authorized and             shares issued and outstanding on a pro forma basis			6
Additional paid-in capital			577
Accumulated deficit			(11,805	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(2,387	)
Stockholders’ deficit attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc.			(13,605	)
Noncontrolling interests			20,866
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)			7,261
Total capitalization		$	491,236			$

 

(1)

Total debt consists of borrowings under our senior secured credit facility as described in “Description of certain indebtedness,” less deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization.

 

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Unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information

The following unaudited pro forma information reflects the impact of this offering, after giving effect to the recapitalization transactions and the IPO discussed under “Prospectus summary—Our initial public offering and organizational structure.” The unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2015 and the quarter ended March 31, 2016 give effect to the recapitalization transactions, the IPO and this offering as if they had occurred on January 1, 2015. The unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2016 gives effect to this offering as if it had occurred on March 31, 2016.

We derived the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information set forth below by applying the pro forma adjustments to the audited and unaudited historical consolidated financial statements of Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries included elsewhere in this prospectus. The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information reflects pro forma adjustments that are described in the accompanying notes and are based on available information and certain assumptions we believe are reasonable but are subject to change.

The pro forma adjustments related to the recapitalization and IPO transactions reflect the impacts of those transactions on our historical statements of operations and include the following:

 

•

the reversal of cash-based and equity-based compensation expense related to our 2013 Performance Incentive Plan and the Class M units of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC, respectively, recorded in connection with the IPO, the reversal of costs and expenses incurred and recorded in connection with the recapitalization transactions and the IPO, and the reversal of management fee expense resulting from the termination of the management services agreement with TSG in connection with the IPO;

 

•

a provision for income taxes reflecting Planet Fitness, Inc. as a taxable corporation; and

 

•

the allocation of net income between non-controlling interests and Planet Fitness Inc. based on Planet Fitness, Inc.’s 37.1% ownership of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC following the recapitalization and IPO transactions.

The pro forma adjustments related to this offering reflect the impact of this offering on our historical balance sheet and statements of operations and include the following:

 

•

the exchange by Continuing LLC Owners, prior to this offering, of             Holdings Units (together with a corresponding number of shares of Class B common stock) for a corresponding number of shares of Class A common stock. The shares of Class A common stock received in the exchange will be sold by the former Continuing LLC Owners in this offering, together with              shares of Class A common stock held by Direct TSG Investors;

 

•

the effects of (1) the tax receivable agreement entered into with the Continuing LLC Owners, which provides for the payment by us to the Continuing LLC Owners of 85% of the amount of the cash savings, if any, in U.S. federal and state income tax that we are deemed to realize as a result of (i) certain tax attributes that are created as a result of their exchange of Holdings Units for shares of our Class A common stock, (ii) certain other tax attributes we acquire from the acquisitions of their Holdings Units and (iii) tax benefits attributable to payments made under the tax receivable agreement (including imputed interest), and (2) the exchange agreement, under which to the extent an exchange results in Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC incurring a current tax liability relating to the New Hampshire business profits tax, the Continuing LLC Owners have agreed that they will contribute to Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC an amount sufficient to pay such tax liability (up to 3.5% of the value received upon exchange). If and when we subsequently realize a related tax benefit, Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC will distribute the amount of any such tax benefit to the relevant Continuing LLC Owner in respect of its contribution;

 

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•

adjustments to the provision for income taxes and deferred income taxes reflecting the increased ownership of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC by Planet Fitness, Inc.; and

 

•

the allocation of net income between non-controlling interests and Planet Fitness Inc. based on Planet Fitness, Inc.’s     % ownership of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC following this offering.

The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information presented assumes no exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock from the selling stockholders. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of shares of Class A common stock by the selling stockholders in connection with this offering.

The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information is presented for informational purposes only and should not be considered indicative of the actual financial position or results of operations that would have been achieved had the recapitalization and IPO transactions or this offering been consummated on the dates indicated, and does not purport to be indicative of the financial condition or results of operations as of any future date or for any future period. You should read our unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information and the accompanying notes in conjunction with the historical consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus and the financial and other information appearing elsewhere in this prospectus, including information contained in the sections entitled “Risk factors,” “Selected consolidated financial and operating data,” “Use of proceeds,” “Capitalization” and “Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations.”

 

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Planet Fitness, Inc.

Unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet

as of March 31, 2016

 

(in thousands)		Historical				Offering adjustments				Pro forma
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$	38,268					(1)
Accounts receivable, net			10,446
Due from related parties			1,005
Inventory			1,476
Restricted assets—NAF			5,300
Other current assets			12,318
Total current assets			68,813
Property and equipment, net			54,302
Intangible assets, net			268,679
Goodwill			176,981
Deferred income taxes			115,523				(2	)
Other assets, net			1,368
Total assets		$	685,666
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)
Current maturities of long-term debt		$	5,100
Accounts payable			10,090
Accrued expenses			9,853
Equipment deposits			5,253
Deferred revenue, current			15,477
Payable to related parties pursuant to tax benefit arrangements, current			5,870				(2	)
Other current liabilities			253
Total current liabilities			51,896
Long-term debt, net of current maturities			478,875
Deferred rent, net of current portion			4,665
Deferred revenue, net of current portion			10,277
Payable to related parties pursuant to tax benefit arrangements, net of current portion			132,208				(2	)
Deferred tax liabilities—non current							(2	)
Other liabilities			484
Total noncurrent liabilities			626,509
Stockholders’ equity (deficit):
Class A common stock			4
Class B common stock			6
Additional paid in capital			577				(2	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(2,387	)
Accumulated deficit			(11,805	)			(1	)(2)(3)
Stockholders’ equity (deficit) attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc.			(13,605	)
Non-controlling interests			20,866				(3	)
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)			7,261
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)		$	685,666

 

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Notes to unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2016

 

(1)

Represents expenses of $             million related to this offering that will be paid by us subsequent to March 31, 2016. This adjustment is reflected as a decrease in cash and an increase in accumulated deficit. Since we will not retain any proceeds from the offering, these amounts are expensed as incurred prior to and at the time of the offering.

 

(2)

Planet Fitness, Inc. is subject to U.S. federal and state income taxes and files consolidated income tax returns for U.S. federal and certain state jurisdictions. These adjustments reflect the recognition of additional deferred taxes in connection with this offering related to temporary differences in the book basis as compared to the tax basis of our investment in Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC, resulting in unaudited pro forma deferred tax liability adjustments of $             million related to this offering as of March 31, 2016.

In addition, we are a party to two tax receivable agreements. Under the first of those agreements, we generally are required to pay to our Continuing LLC Owners 85% of the applicable cash savings, if any, in U.S. federal and state income tax that we are deemed to realize in certain circumstances as a result of certain tax attributes of their Holdings Units sold to us (or exchanged in a taxable sale) and that are created as a result of (i) the sales of their Holdings Units for shares of our Class A common stock, and (ii) tax benefits attributable to payments made under this tax receivable agreement. See “Certain relationships and related party transactions—Tax receivable agreements.”

Also, pursuant to the exchange agreement, to the extent an exchange results in Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC incurring a current tax liability relating to the New Hampshire business profits tax, the Continuing LLC Owners have agreed that they will contribute to Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC an amount sufficient to pay such tax liability (up to 3.5% of the value received upon exchange). If and when we subsequently realize a related tax benefit, Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC will distribute the amount of any such tax benefit to the relevant Continuing LLC Owner in respect of its contribution. See “Certain relationships and related party transactions—Exchange agreement.”

The deferred tax asset adjustment of $         million, resulting from this offering, and the $         million adjustment related to the tax receivable agreements and the exchange agreement liability are assuming: (1) only exchanges associated with this offering, (2) a share price equal to $         per share (the last closing sale price of our Class A common stock on             , 2016), (3) a constant federal income tax rate of 35.0% and a state tax rate net of federal benefit for the deductibility of state taxes of 4.4%, (4) no material changes in tax law, (5) the ability to utilize tax attributes and (6) future tax receivable agreement and exchange agreement payments.

The net impact of the adjustments to deferred tax assets and liabilities and the liability for the tax receivable of $         million have been recorded as a reduction in additional paid in capital of $        , reducing additional paid in capital to $0, and then as a reduction to accumulated deficit of $         million as these adjustments arise from equity transactions of the Company.

We anticipate that we will account for the income tax effects resulting from future taxable exchanges of Holdings Units by Continuing LLC Owners for shares of our Class A common stock or cash by recognizing an increase in our deferred tax assets, based on enacted tax rates at the date of each exchange. Further, we will evaluate the likelihood that we will realize the benefit represented by the deferred tax asset, and, to the extent that we estimate that it is more likely than not that we will not realize the benefit, we will reduce the carrying amount of the deferred tax asset with a valuation allowance.

The amounts to be recorded for both the deferred tax assets and liabilities and the liability for our obligations under the tax receivable agreements and the exchange agreement have been estimated. All of

 

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the effects of changes in any of our estimates after the date of the purchase will be included in net income. Similarly, the effect of subsequent changes in the enacted tax rates will be included in net income.

 

(3)

Planet Fitness, Inc. is the sole managing member of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC. As sole managing member, Planet Fitness, Inc. exclusively operates and controls the business and affairs of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC. As the Continuing LLC Owners control both Planet Fitness, Inc. and Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC, we consolidate Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC. The Holdings Units owned by the Continuing LLC Owners are considered noncontrolling interests in the consolidated financial statements of Planet Fitness, Inc.

Immediately prior to this offering,              Holdings Units, together with the related shares of Class B common stock, will be acquired by Planet Fitness, Inc. from certain Continuing LLC Owners in exchange for an equal number of shares of Class A common stock. These Continuing LLC Owners, along with the Direct TSG investors, will sell a total of              shares of Class A common stock in this offering.

Following this offering, Planet Fitness, Inc. will hold              Holdings Units, and the Continuing LLC Owners will hold              Holdings Units, representing     % and     %, respectively, of the outstanding Holdings Units of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC. The adjustment to noncontrolling interests of $             million reflects the proportional interest in the pro forma consolidated total equity of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC owned by the Continuing LLC Owners.

The Continuing LLC Owners, from time to time, may require us to exchange all or a portion of their Holdings Units for newly issued shares of our Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis or, at our discretion, for cash. Shares of our Class B common stock will be cancelled on a one-for-one basis if we, at the election of a Continuing LLC Owner, redeem or exchange Holdings Units of such Continuing LLC Owner pursuant to the terms of the exchange agreement. The decision whether to tender Holdings Units to us will be made solely at the discretion of the Continuing LLC Owners. We will exercise discretion regarding the form of consideration in any such exchange. Pursuant to the exchange agreement, any such decisions will be made on our behalf by a majority of the disinterested members of our board of directors.

 

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Planet Fitness, Inc.

Unaudited pro forma consolidated statement of operations

for the quarter ended March 31, 2016

 

(in thousands, except per share data)		Historical				Offering adjustments				Pro forma
Revenue:
Franchise		$	21,491			$
Commission income			6,186
Corporate—owned stores			25,697
Equipment			29,969
Total revenues			83,343
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue			23,639
Store operations			14,732
Selling, general and administrative			11,845
Depreciation and amortization			7,703
Other (gain) loss			(186	)
Total operating costs and expenses			57,733
Income from operations			25,610
Other income (expense), net:
Interest expense, net			(6,367	)
Other income (expense)			393
Total other expense, net			(5,974	)
Income before taxes			19,636
Provision for income taxes			3,291				(1	)
Net income			16,345
Less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests			12,977				(2	)
Net income attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc.		$	3,368			$
Net income per share data(3):
Net income per share:
Basic and diluted		$	0.09							$
Weighted average shares of Class A common stock outstanding:
Basic and diluted			36,598

 

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Notes to unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of operations for the quarter ended March 31, 2016

 

(1)

Planet Fitness, Inc. is subject to U.S. federal income taxes, in addition to state and local taxes, with respect to our allocable share of any net taxable income of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC. The adjustment of $         million to the provision for income taxes resulting from this offering reflects our effective tax rate of 39.4% applied to the additional     % of income before taxes that represents our additional economic interest in Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC that will be held by Planet Fitness, Inc. upon completion of the exchange of Holdings Units for shares of Class A common stock by certain Continuing LLC Owners in connection with this offering. The unaudited pro forma provision for income taxes upon completion of this offering also reflects an effective state tax rate of 2.5% applied to noncontrolling interests, representing the remaining     % of income before taxes, excluding income from variable interest entities, related to Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC.

 

(2)

The Holdings Units of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC owned by the Continuing LLC Owners are considered noncontrolling interests in the consolidated financial statements of Planet Fitness, Inc. The pro forma adjustment reflects the reduction in the allocation of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC net income to the noncontrolling interests. Immediately following the completion of this offering, the noncontrolling interests held by the Continuing LLC Owners will have     % economic ownership of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC, and as such,     % of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC’s net income will be attributable to the noncontrolling interests. The remaining economic ownership of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC will be held by Planet Fitness, Inc. following the completion of this offering.

 

(3)

The pro forma net income per share is calculated based on pro forma net income reflecting the adjustments discussed above divided by the             shares of Class A common stock that will be issued and outstanding following this offering. The shares of Class B common stock have no rights to dividends or distributions, whether in cash or stock, and therefore are excluded from this calculation. We have determined that the assumed conversion of Holdings Units into Class A common stock under the if-converted method of calculating earnings per share does not result in a dilutive impact and therefore that basic and dilutive pro forma net income per share are the same.

 

(in thousands except share and per share amounts)		Quarter ended March 31, 2016
Basic and diluted net income per share:
Numerator
Net income		$
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests
Net income attributable to Class A common stockholders—basic and diluted		$
Denominator
Shares of Class A common stock outstanding prior to the offering			36,597,985
Incremental shares of Class A common stock issued in connection with this offering
Weighted-average shares of Class A common stock outstanding—basic and diluted
Basic and diluted net income per share		$

 

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Planet Fitness, Inc.

Unaudited pro forma consolidated statement of operations

for the year ended December 31, 2015

 

(in thousands, except per share data)		Historical				Recapitalization transaction and IPO adjustments				As adjusted before offering				Offering adjustments				Pro forma
Revenue:
Franchise		$	71,762			$	—			$	71,762			$				$
Commission income			16,323				—				16,323
Corporate-owned stores			98,390				—				98,390
Equipment			144,062				—				144,062
Total revenues			330,537								330,537
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue			113,492				—				113,492
Store operations			57,485				—				57,485
Selling, general and administrative			55,573				(13,365	)(2)(3)(4)			42,208
Depreciation and amortization			32,158				—				32,158
Other (gain) loss			(273	)			—				(273	)
Total operating costs and expenses			258,435				(13,365	)			245,070
Income from operations			72,102				13,365				85,467
Other income (expense), net:
Interest expense, net			(24,549	)							(24,549	)
Other income (expense)			(275	)			1,899	(1)			1,624
Total other expense, net			(24,824	)			1,899				(22,925	)
Income before taxes			47,278				15,264				62,542
Provision for income taxes			9,148				3,363	(5)			12,511				(5	)
Net income			38,130				11,901				50,031
Less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests			19,612				20,586	(6)			40,198				(7	)
Net income attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc.		$	18,518			$	(8,685	)		$	9,833
Net income per share data(8):
Net income per share:
Basic and diluted		$	0.11															$
Weighted average shares of Class A common stock outstanding:
Basic and diluted			36,244

 

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Notes to unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2015

 

(1)

For the year ended December 31, 2015, we recognized expenses totaling $1.9 million related to management fees paid to TSG. In connection with the IPO, this management services agreement was terminated. This pro forma adjustment removes this expense from the Planet Fitness, Inc. historical financial statements as such amounts are no longer incurred following the IPO.

 

(2)

For the year ended December 31, 2015, we recognized expenses totaling $7.7 million related to various costs incurred in conjunction with the recapitalization transactions and the IPO. As we did not retain any proceeds from the IPO, we were required to record these costs in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2015. This pro forma adjustment removes these expenses from the Planet Fitness, Inc. historical financial statements as they were directly related to the recapitalization transactions and the IPO.

 

(3)

For the year ended December 31, 2015, we recognized cash-based compensation expense totaling $1.7 million in conjunction with the IPO. This pro forma adjustment removes this expense from the Planet Fitness, Inc. historical financial statements as such amounts were incurred as a direct result of the IPO.

 

(4)

For the year ended December 31, 2015, we recognized equity-based compensation expense totaling $4.5 million in conjunction with the IPO. This pro forma adjustment removes this expense from the Planet Fitness, Inc. historical financial statements as such amounts were incurred as a direct result of the IPO.

This pro forma adjustment also adds $0.5 million of equity-based compensation expense related to equity awards previously granted which met vesting requirements upon completion of the IPO. The expense represents the amount that would have vested on such awards during the period assuming the IPO had been effective January 1, 2015.

 

(5)

Planet Fitness, Inc. is subject to U.S. federal income taxes, in addition to state and local taxes, with respect to our allocable share of any net taxable income of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC. The adjustment of $3.4 million to the provision for income taxes resulting from the recapitalization and IPO is the result of additional income tax expense from the pro forma offering adjustments as well as the increased ownership of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC by Planet Fitness, Inc. The unaudited pro forma provision for income taxes reflects our effective tax rate of 39.4% applied to income apportioned to each state and local jurisdiction. This tax rate has been applied to the 37.1% portion of income before taxes that represents the economic interest in Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC held by Planet Fitness, Inc. following the recapitalization transactions and the IPO. The unaudited pro forma provision for income taxes also reflects an effective state tax rate of 2.5% applied to noncontrolling interests representing the remaining 62.9% portion of income before taxes, excluding income from variable interest entities, related to Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC following the recapitalization transactions and the IPO.

The adjustment of $         million to the provision for income taxes resulting from this offering reflects our effective tax rate of 39.4% applied to the additional     % of income before taxes that represents our additional economic interest in Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC that will be held by Planet Fitness, Inc. upon completion of the exchange of Holdings Units for shares of Class A common stock by certain Continuing LLC Owners in connection with this offering. The unaudited pro forma provision for income taxes upon completion of this offering also reflects an effective state tax rate of 2.5% applied to noncontrolling interests, representing the remaining     % of income before taxes, excluding income from variable interest entities, related to Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC.

 

(6)

The Holdings Units of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC owned by the Continuing LLC Owners are considered noncontrolling interests in the consolidated financial statements of Planet Fitness, Inc. As a result of the

 

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recapitalization transactions and IPO, the non controlling interests held by the Continuing LLC Owners have a 62.9% economic ownership of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC, and as such 62.9% of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC’s net income is attributable to the non controlling interests. The remaining economic ownership of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC is held by Planet Fitness, Inc. following the completion of the recapitalization transactions and the IPO. The pro forma adjustment reflects the allocation of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC net income to the noncontrolling interests for the period presented assuming the IPO had been effective as of January 1, 2015.

 

(7)

Upon consummation of this offering, the noncontrolling interests’ ownership of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC will be diluted from 62.9% to     %, and, therefore, net income will be attributable to the noncontrolling interests based on their     % ownership interest, and to Planet Fitness, Inc., which owns the remaining     % of the Holdings Units of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC. The adjustment of $         million reflects the adjustment to the allocation of income to the noncontrolling interests.

 

(8)

The pro forma net income per share is calculated based on pro forma net income reflecting the adjustments discussed above divided by the             shares of Class A common stock that will be issued and outstanding following this offering. The shares of Class B common stock have no rights to dividends or distributions, whether in cash or stock, and therefore are excluded from this calculation. We have determined that the assumed conversion of Holdings Units to Class A common stock under the if-converted method of calculating earnings per share does not result in a dilutive impact and therefore that basic and dilutive pro forma net income per share are the same.

 

(in thousands except share and per share amounts)		Year ended December 31, 2015
Basic and diluted net income per share:
Numerator
Net income		$
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests
Net income attributable to Class A common stockholders—basic and diluted		$
Denominator
Shares of Class A common stock issued and outstanding prior to the offering			36,597,985
Incremental shares of Class A common issued in connection with this offering
Weighted-average shares of Class A common stock outstanding—basic and diluted
Basic and diluted net income per share		$

 

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Selected consolidated financial and other data

The following selected consolidated financial and other data of Planet Fitness, Inc. and its subsidiaries should be read in conjunction with “Capitalization,” “Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations” and our audited and unaudited consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC is considered our predecessor for accounting purposes, and its consolidated financial statements are our historical financial statements. The terms “Predecessor” and “Successor” used below and throughout this prospectus refer to the periods prior and subsequent to the 2012 Acquisition, respectively.

The selected historical consolidated financial data in the following table as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The selected historical consolidated financial data as of March 31, 2016 and for the quarters ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 are derived from our unaudited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. In the opinion of our management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the results for those periods have been reflected. The selected consolidated financial data set forth below as of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 and for the year ended December 31, 2011 and for the periods from January 1, 2012 to November 7, 2012 (Predecessor) and November 8, 2012 to December 31, 2012 (Successor) are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements not included in this prospectus. The selected consolidated financial data set forth below as of March 31, 2015 is derived from our unaudited balance sheet not included in this prospectus.

The unaudited combined results of operations and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2012 represent the mathematical addition of our Predecessor’s results of operations from January 1, 2012 to November 7, 2012, and the Successor’s results of operations from November 8, 2012 to December 31, 2012. We have included the unaudited combined financial information in order to facilitate a comparison with our other years.

 

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		Year ended December 31,												Combined year ended December 31, 2012				Period from November 8, 2012 through December 31, 2012						Period from January 1, 2012 through November 7, 2012				Year ended December 31,				Quarter ended March 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)		2015				2014				2013																		2011				2016				2015
Consolidated statement of operations data:														(Unaudited)(1)				(Successor)						(Predecessor)				(Predecessor)				(Unaudited)
Revenue:
Franchise revenue(2)		$	71,762			$	58,001			$	33,684			$	25,709			$	4,420					$	21,289			$	14,903			$	21,491			$	16,967
Commission income			16,323				13,805				10,473				9,026				1,837						7,189				6,917				6,186				4,790
Franchise segment			88,085				71,806				44,157				34,735				6,257						28,478				21,820				27,677				21,757
Corporate-owned stores segment			98,390				85,041				67,364				49,182				8,822						40,360				39,395				25,697				23,546
Equipment segment(2)			144,062				122,930				99,488				75,770				26,708						49,062				75,221				29,969				31,619
Total revenue			330,537				279,777				211,009				159,687				41,787						117,900				136,436				83,343				76,922
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue			113,492				100,306				81,353				62,544				21,480						41,064				58,032				23,639				25,946
Store operations			57,485				49,476				41,692				34,331				5,950						28,381				27,790				14,732				14,341
Selling, general and administrative			55,573				35,121				23,118				22,108				2,633						19,475				15,005				11,845				14,138
Depreciation and amortization			32,158				32,341				28,808				12,635				6,959						5,676				4,205				7,703				8,201
Other (gain) loss			(273	)			994				—				(1,921	)			—						(1,921	)			(234	)			(186	)			(6	)
Total operating costs and expenses			258,435				218,238				174,971				129,697				37,022						92,675				104,798				57,733				62,620
Income from operations			72,102				61,539				36,038				29,990				4,765						25,225				31,638				25,610				14,302
Other income (expense), net:
Interest expense, net(3)			(24,549	)			(21,800	)			(8,912	)			(3,782	)			(2,430	)					(1,352	)			(1,891	)			(6,367	)			(4,756	)
Other income (expense)			(275	)			(1,261	)			(694	)			(96	)			(125	)					29				288				393				(736	)
Total other expense, net			(24,824	)			(23,061	)			(9,606	)			(3,878	)			(2,555	)					(1,323	)			(1,603	)			(5,974	)			(5,492	)
Income before income taxes			47,278				38,478				26,432				26,112				2,210						23,902				30,035				19,636				8,810
Provision for income taxes			9,148				1,183				633				712				56						656				747				3,291				272
Net income			38,130				37,295				25,799				25,400				2,154						23,246				29,288				16,345				8,538
Less net income attributable to non-controlling interests			19,612				487				361				1,047				32						1,015				2,350				12,977				113
Net income attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc.		$	18,518			$	36,808			$	25,438			$	24,353			$	2,122					$	22,231			$	26,938			$	3,368			$	8,425
Net income per share of Class A common stock:
Basic and diluted		$	0.11																													$	0.09
Pro forma net income per share data (unaudited)(5)
Pro forma net income per share:
Basic and diluted		$																														$
Pro forma weighted average shares of Class A common stock outstanding:
Basic and diluted
Consolidated statement of cash flows data:
Net cash provided by operating activities		$	81,663			$	79,405			$	66,943			$	43,058			$	12,481					$	30,577			$	37,954			$	15,262			$	12,039
Net cash used in investing activities			(19,161	)			(54,362	)			(7,137	)			(232,900	)			(216,156	)					(16,744	)			(6,699	)			(845	)			(5,320	)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			(74,240	)			(12,952	)			(37,994	)			186,643				192,441						(5,798	)			(33,963	)			(7,698	)			(22,501	)
Consolidated balance sheet data:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	31,430			$	43,291			$	31,267				n/a			$	9,455						n/a			$	12,986			$	38,268			$	27,532
Property and equipment, net			56,139				49,579				33,766				n/a				32,747						n/a				28,150				54,302				51,587
Total assets(4)			699,177				601,982				556,573				n/a				552,564						n/a				66,920				685,666				570,880
Total debt and capital lease obligations, excluding deferred financing costs			492,320				387,496				184,460				n/a				201,819						n/a				24,254				491,034				506,349
Total equity (deficit)			(1,080	)			151,749				321,915				n/a				316,639						n/a				1,761				7,261				12,425

 

(1)

The table above sets forth our results of operations for the period from January 1, 2012 to November 7, 2012 (Predecessor), and the period November 8, 2012 to December 31, 2012 (Successor). The unaudited combined results of operations and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2012 represent the mathematical addition of our Predecessor’s results of operations from January 1, 2012 to November 7, 2012, and the Successor’s results of operations from November 8, 2012 to December 31, 2012. We have included the unaudited combined financial information in order to facilitate a comparison with our other years. Each of the Predecessor and Successor results for the period from January 1, 2012 to November 7, 2012, and the period from November 8, 2012 to December 31, 2012, respectively, have been audited and are consistent with GAAP. However, the presentation of unaudited combined financial information for the year ended December 31, 2012 is not consistent with GAAP or with the pro forma requirements of Article 11 of Regulation S-X, and may yield results that are not comparable on a period-to-period basis primarily due to (i) the impact of required

 

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purchase accounting adjustments and (ii) the new basis of accounting established in connection with the 2012 Acquisition. Such results are not necessarily indicative of what the results for the respective periods would have been had the 2012 Acquisition not occurred. All references to the year ended December 31, 2012 in this prospectus are based on this unaudited combined information.

 

(2)

Effective January 1, 2012, we began to report placement revenue within franchise revenue. Prior to January 1, 2012, this revenue was reported within equipment revenue. Placement revenue includes amounts we charge our franchisees for assembling and placing cardio and strength equipment at franchisee-owned stores. Placement revenue was $9.8 million, $8.5 million, $6.3 million and $4.9 million in 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Prior to 2012, we did not separately track these amounts.

 

(3)

Interest expense in 2014 included $4.7 million for the loss on extinguishment of debt.

 

(4)

Reflects the reclassification of deferred financing costs of $7.3 million, $5.5 million, $7.1 million, and $0.6 million in connection with the adoption of ASU No. 2015-03 as of December 31, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

(5)

Pro forma net income per share is computed by dividing pro forma net income available to Class A common stockholders by the weighted-average shares of Class A common stock outstanding during the period. For more information regarding the pro forma presentation of these measures, see “Unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information.”

 

		Year ended December 31,																				Quarter ended March 31,
		2015				2014				2013				2012				2011				2016				2015
														(Combined)				(Predecessor)				(unaudited)
Other operating data: (unaudited)(1)
Number of stores at end of period:(2)
Franchisee-owned			1,066				863				704				562				457				1,113				919
Corporate-owned			58				55				45				44				31				58				57
System-wide			1,124				918				749				606				488				1,171				976
Same store sales growth:(3)
Franchisee-owned			8.3%				11.5%				9.1%				8.7%				3.8%				7.0%				11.7%
Corporate-owned			1.9%				5.4%				6.1%				4.8%				3.3%				4.9%				4.6%
System-wide			7.7%				10.8%				8.4%				8.1%				3.6%				6.8%				10.9%
Number of members at end of period (in millions)(4)			7.3				6.1				4.8				3.7				2.9				8.3				7.1
System-wide sales (in millions)(5)		$	1,507			$	1,190			$	891			$	694			$	520			$	415			$	328
($ in thousands, except per share data)
EBITDA(6)		$	103,985			$	92,619			$	64,152			$	42,529			$	36,131			$	33,706			$	21,767
Adjusted EBITDA(6)		$	123,486			$	100,549			$	71,198			$	51,320			$	38,099			$	34,268			$	28,471
Pro forma adjusted net income(7)		$	53,235			$	42,183			$	34,006											$	15,175			$	12,595
Pro forma adjusted net income per share, diluted(7)		$	0.54			$	0.43			$	0.34											$	0.15			$	0.13
Pro forma shares outstanding(8)			98,710				98,710				98,710												98,707				98,710

 

(1)

For the other operating data shown in the table above, we have combined the Predecessor and the Successor periods to present 2012 on a combined basis only.

 

(2)

We classify a store as open on the date the store receives its occupancy certificate, which is typically the date the store is first available for use by its members.

 

(3)

Same store sales refers to year-over-year sales comparisons for the same store sales base. We define the same store sales base to include those stores that have been open and for which membership dues have been billed for longer than 12 months. We measure same store sales based solely on monthly dues billed to members of our corporate-owned stores and franchisee-owned stores.

 

(4)

We define members as all active members, which includes both monthly billing members, prepay members and all pre-sale members. Pre-sale members include those that have joined a store prior to the store opening. This data is system-wide, which includes members of corporate-owned and franchisee-owned stores.

 

(5)

We define system-wide sales as the monthly dues and annual fees from members of both corporate-owned and franchisee-owned stores.

 

(6)

EBITDA is defined as net income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, adjusted for the impact of certain non-cash and other items that we do not consider in our evaluation of ongoing operating performance. These items include certain purchase accounting adjustments, management fees, certain IT system upgrade costs, acquisition transaction fees, IPO-related costs, pre-opening costs and certain other charges and gains that we do not believe reflect our underlying business performance. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as presented in this prospectus are supplemental measures of our performance that are neither required by, nor presented in accordance with, GAAP. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as substitutes for GAAP metrics such as net income or any other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP. Also, in the future we may incur expenses or charges such as those added back to

 

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calculate Adjusted EBITDA. Our presentation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or nonrecurring items. See “Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations—Non-GAAP financial measures.”

 

(7)

Our presentation of pro forma adjusted net income and pro forma adjusted net income per diluted share gives effect to the consolidation of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC with Planet Fitness, Inc. resulting from the recapitalization transactions described in “Prospectus summary—Our initial public offering and organizational structure” and the amended and restated Pla-Fit Holdings LLC Agreement as if they had occurred as of January 1, 2013. In addition, Pro forma adjusted net income assumes that all net income is attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc., which assumes the full exchange of all outstanding Holdings Units for shares of Class A common stock of Planet Fitness, Inc., adjusted for certain items that we do not believe directly reflect our core operations. Pro forma adjusted net income per diluted share is calculated by dividing Pro forma adjusted net income by the total shares of Class A common stock outstanding as though the IPO had occurred and those shares were outstanding for each period presented and assuming the full exchange of all outstanding Holdings Units and corresponding Class B common shares as of the beginning of each period presented. Pro forma adjusted net income and pro forma adjusted net income per diluted share are supplemental measures of operating performance that do not represent, and should not be considered, alternatives to net income and earnings per share, as calculated in accordance with GAAP.

 

(8)

Assumes the full exchange of all outstanding Holdings Units and corresponding Class B common shares for shares of Class A common stock of Planet Fitness, Inc. for all periods presented.

The following table reconciles net income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and for the quarters ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

		Year ended December 31,																				Quarter ended March 31,
(in thousands)		2015				2014				2013				2012				2011				2016				2015
(unaudited)														(Combined)				(Predecessor)				(unaudited)
Net income		$	38,130			$	37,295			$	25,799			$	25,400			$	29,288			$	16,345			$	8,538
Interest expense, net(1)			24,549				21,800				8,912				3,782				1,891				6,367				4,756
Provision for income taxes			9,148				1,183				633				712				747				3,291				272
Depreciation and amortization			32,158				32,341				28,808				12,635				4,205				7,703				8,201
EBITDA			103,985				92,619				64,152				42,529				36,131				33,706				21,767
Purchase accounting adjustments(2)			1,606				2,814				2,819				782				—				182				426
Management fees(3)			1,899				1,211				1,136				147				—				—				284
IT system upgrade costs(4)			3,901				1,228				2,516				451				762				—				3,633
Transaction fees(5)			—				552				280				1,989				202				—				—
IPO-related costs(6)			7,697				687				—				—				—				—				1,757
IPO related compensation expense(7)			6,155				—				—				—				—				—				—
Pre-opening costs(8)			793				1,676				295				144				604				—				604
Severance costs(9)			—				—				—				—				—				380				—
Legacy bonus(10)			—				—				—				4,542				—				—				—
Other(11)			(2,550	)			(238	)			—				736				400				—				—
Adjusted EBITDA		$	123,486			$	100,549			$	71,198			$	51,320			$	38,099			$	34,268			$	28,471

 

(1)

Includes $4.7 million of loss on extinguishment of debt in 2014.

 

(2)

Represents the impact of certain purchase accounting adjustments associated with the 2012 Acquisition of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC on November 8, 2012 and our acquisition of eight franchisee-owned stores during 2014. These are primarily related to fair value adjustments to deferred revenue and deferred rent.

 

(3)

Represents management fees and expenses paid to a management company affiliated with TSG pursuant to a management services agreement that terminated in connection with the IPO. See “Certain relationships and related party transactions—Management services agreement.”

 

(4)

Represents costs associated with certain IT system upgrades, primarily related to our point-of-sale systems.

 

(5)

Represents transaction fees and expenses primarily related to business acquisitions and dispositions.

 

(6)

Represents legal, accounting and other costs incurred in connection with the IPO.

 

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(7)

Represents cash-based and equity-based compensation expense recorded in connection with the IPO.

 

(8)

Represents costs associated with new corporate-owned stores incurred prior to the store opening, including payroll-related costs, rent and occupancy expenses, marketing and other store operating supply expenses.

 

(9)

Represents severance expense recorded in connection with an equity award modification.

 

(10)

Relates primarily to bonuses for certain employees at the time of the 2012 Acquisition that were paid by the members of the Predecessor, which according to accounting rules applicable to us must be reported in our GAAP results.

 

(11)

Represents certain other charges and gains that we do not believe reflect our underlying business performance. These charges consisted primarily of severance in 2011, severance offset by the gain from the sale of two stores to a franchisee in 2012 and the net gain recorded from the receipt of insurance proceeds related to restoration and business interruption costs from the flood that occurred in our Bayshore, New York store in October 2014.

 

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Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations

You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and consolidated results of operations in conjunction with the “Selected consolidated financial and other data” section of this prospectus and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. In addition to historical information, this discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including, but not limited to, those set forth in the “Risk factors” section and elsewhere in this prospectus.

Overview

We are one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the United States by number of members and locations, with a highly recognized national brand. Our mission is to enhance people’s lives by providing a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment, which we call the Judgement Free Zone, where anyone—and we mean anyone—can feel they belong. Our bright, clean stores are typically 20,000 square feet, with a large selection of high-quality, purple and yellow Planet Fitness-branded cardio, circuit- and weight-training equipment and friendly staff trainers who offer unlimited free fitness instruction to all our members in small groups through our PE@PF program. We offer this differentiated fitness experience at only $10 per month for our standard membership. This exceptional value proposition is designed to appeal to a broad population, including occasional gym users and the approximately 80% of the U.S. and Canadian populations over age 14 who are not gym members, particularly those who find the traditional fitness club setting intimidating and expensive. We and our franchisees fiercely protect Planet Fitness’ community atmosphere—a place where you do not need to be fit before joining and where progress toward achieving your fitness goals (big or small) is supported and applauded by our staff and fellow members.

As of March 31, 2016, we had more than 8.3 million members and 1,171 stores in 47 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada and the Dominican Republic. Of our 1,171 stores, 1,113 are franchised and 58 are corporate-owned. As of March 31, 2016, we had commitments from franchisees to open more than 1,000 new stores under existing ADAs.

Composition of revenues, expenses and cash flows

Revenues

We generate revenue from three primary sources:

 

•

Franchise segment revenue:    Franchise segment revenue relates to services we provide to support our franchisees and includes royalty revenue, franchise fees, placement revenue, other fees and commission income associated with our franchisee-owned stores. Franchise segment revenue does not include the sale of tangible products by us to our franchisees. Our franchise segment revenue comprised 27%, 26% and 21% of our total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and 33% and 28% of our total revenue for the quarters ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Royalty revenue, which represents royalties paid by franchisees based on the franchisee-owned stores’ monthly and annual membership billings, is recognized on a monthly basis over the term of the franchise agreement. Franchise fees, which include fees under ADAs, are recognized when we have substantially completed all of our performance obligations, which is generally at or near the store opening date. Placement revenue includes amounts we charge our franchisees for assembling and placing cardio and strength equipment at franchisee-

 

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owned stores. Placement revenue is recognized upon completion and acceptance of the services at the franchisee stores. Other fees includes online member join fees we receive from franchisees related to processing transactions for new members joining franchisee-owned stores through the Company’s website and billing transaction fees we receive from franchisees related to franchisee membership billing processing through our third-party hosted point-of-sale system. Through our point-of-sale system, we oversee the processing of membership billings for franchisee-owned stores through EFT transactions and the billing transaction fees we receive are based upon the number of transactions processed. Our royalties and other fees are deducted from these membership billings and remitted to us by the processor prior to the net billings being remitted to the franchisees. Commission income is generated from activities related to our franchisees, including purchases of merchandise, promotional materials and store fixtures by our franchisees from third-party vendors. Beginning in 2015, commission income also included commissions earned on equipment sales by third-party vendors to franchisees in international locations. These commissions are recognized when amounts have been earned and collectability from the vendor is reasonably assured.

 

•

Corporate-owned store segment revenue:    Includes monthly membership dues, enrollment fees, annual fees and prepaid fees paid by our members as well as retail sales. This source of revenue comprised 30%, 30% and 32% of our total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and 31% and 31% of our total revenue for the quarters ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. As of March 31, 2016, 95% of our members paid their monthly dues by EFT, while the remainder prepaid annually in advance. Membership dues and fees are earned and recognized over the membership term. Enrollment fees are recognized ratably over the estimated duration of the membership. Annual fees are recognized ratably over the 12-month membership period. Retail sales are recognized at the point of sale.

 

•

Equipment segment revenue:    Includes equipment revenue for new U.S. franchisee-owned stores as well as replacement equipment for U.S. existing franchisee-owned stores. Franchisee-owned stores are required to replace their equipment every four to seven years based on the life of the specific equipment. This source of revenue comprised 43%, 44% and 47% of our total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and 36% and 41% of our total revenue for the quarters ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Equipment revenue is recognized when the equipment is delivered, assembled, placed and accepted by the franchisee.

Expenses

We primarily incur the following expenses:

 

•

Cost of revenue:    Primarily includes the direct costs associated with equipment sales to new and existing franchisee-owned stores in the U.S. as well as direct costs related to our point-of-sale system. Cost of revenue also includes the cost of retail sales at our corporate-owned stores, which is immaterial. Our cost of revenue changes primarily based on equipment sales volume.

 

•

Store operations:    Includes the direct costs associated with our corporate-owned stores, primarily rent, utilities, payroll, marketing, maintenance and supplies. The components of store operations remain relatively stable for each store and change primarily based on the number of corporate-owned stores. Our statements of operations do not include, and we are not responsible for, any costs associated with operating franchisee-owned stores.

 

•

Selling, general and administrative expenses:    Consists of costs associated with administrative and franchisee support functions related to our existing business as well as growth and development activities, including costs to support equipment placement services. These costs primarily consist of payroll, IT-related, marketing, legal and accounting expenses.

 

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Cash flows

We generate a significant portion of our cash flows from monthly membership dues, royalties and various fees and commissions related to transactions involving our franchisee-owned stores. We oversee the membership billing process, as well as the collection of our royalties and certain other fees, through our third-party hosted system-wide point-of-sale system. We collect monthly dues from our corporate-owned store members on or around the 17th of each month, while annual fees are collected in February, June or October, depending on when the membership agreement was signed. Through our point-of-sale system, we oversee the processing of membership billings for franchisee-owned stores. Our royalties and certain other fees are deducted on or around the 17th of each month from these membership billings by the processor prior to the net billings being remitted to the franchisees. Our franchisees are responsible for maintaining the membership billing records and collection of member dues for their respective stores through the point-of-sale system. Our royalties are based on monthly and annual membership billings for the franchisee-owned stores without regard to the collections of those billings by our franchisees. The amount and timing of the collection of royalties and membership dues and fees at corporate-owned stores is, therefore, generally fairly predictable.

As new corporate-owned stores open, or existing stores generate positive same store sales, future corporate-owned store revenues are expected to grow. Our corporate-owned stores also generate strong operating margins and cash flows, as a significant portion of our costs are fixed or semi-fixed such as rent and labor.

Equipment sales to new and existing franchisee-owned stores also generate significant cash flows. Franchisees either pay in advance or provide evidence of a committed financing arrangement.

Recent transactions

In May 2016, the board of directors authorized the Company to purchase, from time to time, as market conditions warrant, $20 million of the Company’s Class A common stock. The share repurchase program does not obligate us to repurchase any particular amount of common stock, and it could be modified, suspended or discontinued at any time. The timing and amount of repurchases will be determined by management, at its discretion, based on a variety of factors such as the market price of our common stock, corporate and legal requirements, general market and economic conditions, and compliance with the terms of agreements governing our outstanding indebtedness. Purchases of our common stock may be made in open market transactions effected through a broker-dealer at prevailing market prices, in block trades, in privately negotiated transactions or by other means in accordance with federal securities laws. The share repurchase program does not have a specified expiration date.

Seasonality

Our results are subject to seasonality fluctuations in that member joins are typically higher in January as compared to other months of the year. In addition, our quarterly results may fluctuate significantly because of several factors, including the timing of store openings, timing of price increases for enrollment fees and monthly membership dues and general economic conditions. See Note 21 to our consolidated financial statements included in this prospectus for our total revenues, income from operations and net income for each of the quarters during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.

 

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Our segments

We operate and manage our business in three business segments: Franchise, Corporate-owned stores and Equipment. Our Franchise segment includes operations related to our franchising business in the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada and the Dominican Republic. Our Corporate-owned stores segment includes operations with respect to all corporate-owned stores throughout the United States and Canada. The Equipment segment includes the sale of equipment to franchisee-owned stores in the U.S. We evaluate the performance of our segments and allocate resources to them based on revenue and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, referred to as Segment EBITDA. Revenue and Segment EBITDA for all operating segments include only transactions with unaffiliated customers and do not include intersegment transactions. The tables below summarize the financial information for our segments for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, and for the quarters ended March 31, 2016 and 2015. “Corporate and other,” as it relates to Segment EBITDA, primarily includes corporate overhead costs, such as payroll and related benefit costs and professional services that are not directly attributable to any individual segment.

 

		Year ended December 31,												Quarter ended March 31,
(in thousands)		2015				2014				2013				2016				2015
														(unaudited)
Revenue
Franchise segment		$	88,085			$	71,806			$	44,157			$	27,677			$	21,757
Corporate-owned stores segment			98,390				85,041				67,364				25,697				23,546
Equipment segment			144,062				122,930				99,488				29,969				31,619
Total revenue		$	330,537			$	279,777			$	211,009			$	83,343			$	76,922
Segment EBITDA
Franchise		$	66,030			$	53,109			$	30,123			$	23,813			$	13,578
Corporate-owned stores			36,070				31,705				21,742				10,162				7,798
Equipment			31,936				26,447				19,791				6,318				6,763
Corporate and other			(30,051	)			(18,642	)			(7,504	)			(6,587	)			(6,372	)
Total Segment EBITDA		$	103,985			$	92,619			$	64,152			$	33,706			$	21,767

 

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A reconciliation of income from operations to Segment EBITDA is set forth below:

 

(in thousands)		Franchise				Corporate- owned stores				Equipment				Corporate and other				Total
Quarter ended March 31, 2016:
Income from operations		$	21,691			$	5,877			$	4,767			$	(6,725	)		$	25,610
Depreciation and amortization			2,118				3,902				1,551				132				7,703
Other income (expense)			4				383				—				6				393
Segment EBITDA		$	23,813			$	10,162			$	6,318			$	(6,587	)		$	33,706
Quarter ended March 31, 2015:
Income from operations		$	11,264			$	3,929			$	5,210			$	(6,101	)		$	14,302
Depreciation and amortization			2,314				4,321				1,553				13				8,201
Other income (expense)			—				(452	)			—				(284	)			(736	)
Segment EBITDA		$	13,578			$	7,798			$	6,763			$	(6,372	)		$	21,767
Year ended December 31, 2015
Income from operations		$	57,442			$	19,738			$	25,725			$	(30,803	)		$	72,102
Depreciation and amortization			8,544				17,232				6,211				171				32,158
Other income (expense)			44				(900	)			—				581				(275	)
Segment EBITDA		$	66,030			$	36,070			$	31,936			$	(30,051	)		$	103,985
Year ended December 31, 2014
Income from operations		$	44,500			$	14,154			$	20,235			$	(17,350	)		$	61,539
Depreciation and amortization			8,609				17,388				6,212				132				32,341
Other income (expense)			—				163				—				(1,424	)			(1,261	)
Segment EBITDA		$	53,109			$	31,705			$	26,447			$	(18,642	)		$	92,619
Year ended December 31, 2013
Income from operations		$	22,528			$	7,894			$	12,093			$	(6,477	)		$	36,038
Depreciation and amortization			7,595				13,407				7,698				108				28,808
Other income (expense)			—				441				—				(1,135	)			(694	)
Segment EBITDA		$	30,123			$	21,742			$	19,791			$	(7,504	)		$	64,152

How we assess the performance of our business

In assessing the performance of our business, we consider a variety of performance and financial measures. The key measures for determining how our business is performing include total monthly dues and annual fees from members (which we refer to as system-wide sales), the number of new store openings, same store sales for both corporate-owned and franchisee-owned stores, net member growth per store, average royalty fee percentages for franchisee-owned stores, monthly PF Black Card membership penetration percentage, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Segment EBITDA, four-wall EBITDA, pro forma adjusted net income, and pro forma adjusted net income per diluted share. See “—Non-GAAP financial measures” below for our definition of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, four-wall EBITDA, pro forma adjusted net income, and pro forma adjusted net income per diluted share and why we present EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, four-wall EBITDA, pro forma adjusted net income, and pro forma adjusted net income per diluted share, and for a reconciliation of our EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, and pro forma adjusted net income to net income, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP.

 

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Total monthly dues and annual fees from members (system-wide sales)

We review the total amount of dues we collect from our members on a monthly basis, which allows us to assess changes in the performance of our corporate-owned stores from period to period, any competitive pressures, local or regional membership traffic patterns and general market conditions that might impact our store performance. We collect monthly dues on or around the 17th of every month. We collect annual fees once per year from each member in February, June or October, depending upon when the member signed his or her membership agreement.

Number of new store openings

The number of new store openings reflects stores opened during a particular reporting period for both corporate-owned and franchisee-owned stores. Opening new stores is an important part of our growth strategy and we expect the majority of our future new stores will be franchisee-owned. Before we obtain the certificate of occupancy or report any revenue for new corporate-owned stores, we incur pre-opening costs, such as rent expense, labor expense and other operating expenses. Some of our stores open with an initial start-up period of higher than normal marketing and operating expenses, particularly as a percentage of monthly revenue. New stores may not be profitable and their revenue may not follow historical patterns. The following table shows the growth in our corporate-owned and franchisee-owned store base for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 and for the quarters ended March 31, 2016 and 2015:

 

		Year ended December 31,												Quarter ended March 31,
		2015				2014				2013				2016				2015
Franchisee-owned stores:
Stores operated at beginning of period			863				704				562				1,066				863
New stores opened			206				169				148				48				59
Stores debranded, sold or consolidated(1)			(3	)			(10	)			(6	)			(1	)			(3	)
Stores operated at end of period			1,066				863				704				1,113				919
Corporate-owned stores:
Stores operated at beginning of period			55				45				44				58				55
New stores opened			3				2				1				—				2
Stores acquired from franchisees			—				8				—				—				—
Stores operated at end of period			58				55				45				58				57
Total stores:
Stores operated at beginning of period			918				749				606				1,124				918
New stores opened			209				171				149				48				61
Stores debranded, sold or consolidated(1)			(3	)			(2	)			(6	)			(1	)			(3	)
Stores operated at end of period			1,124				918				749				1,171				976

 

(1)

The term “debranded” refers to a franchisee-owned store whose right to use the Planet Fitness brand and marks has been terminated in accordance with the franchise agreement. We retain the right to prevent debranded stores from continuing to operate as fitness centers. The term “consolidated” refers to the combination of a franchisee’s store with another store located in close proximity with our prior approval. This often coincides with an enlargement, re-equipment and/or refurbishment of the remaining store.

 

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Same store sales

Same store sales refers to year-over-year sales comparisons for the same store sales base of both corporate-owned and franchisee-owned stores. We define the same store sales base to include those stores that have been open and for which monthly membership dues have been billed for longer than 12 months. We measure same store sales based solely upon monthly dues billed to members of our corporate-owned and franchisee-owned stores.

Several factors affect our same store sales in any given period, including the following:

 

•

the number of stores that have been in operation for more than 12 months;

 

•

the percentage mix of PF Black Card and standard memberships in any period;

 

•

growth in total memberships per store;

 

•

consumer recognition of our brand and our ability to respond to changing consumer preferences;

 

•

overall economic trends, particularly those related to consumer spending;

 

•

our and our franchisees’ ability to operate stores effectively and efficiently to meet consumer expectations;

 

•

marketing and promotional efforts;

 

•

local competition;

 

•

trade area dynamics; and

 

•

opening of new stores in the vicinity of existing locations.

Consistent with common industry practice, we present same store sales as compared to the same period in the prior year for all stores that have been open and for which monthly membership dues have been billed for longer than 12 months, beginning with the thirteenth month and thereafter, as applicable. Same store sales of our international stores are calculated on a constant currency basis, meaning that we translate the current year’s same store sales of our international stores at the same exchange rates used in the prior year. Since opening new stores will be a significant component of our revenue growth, same store sales is only one measure of how we evaluate our performance.

In March of 2015, we completed a migration to a new point-of-sale and billing system (“POS system”), which gives us enhanced control over membership billing practices across all stores and allows us to create mandatory requirements to discontinue the attempted billing of delinquent membership accounts. We believe these changes in our billing practices are beneficial to our brand by controlling collection practices on delinquent accounts and do not believe they will have a negative impact on net membership billings collected by our corporate-owned or franchisee-owned stores. However, the changes in our billing practices, which commenced in the second quarter of 2015, have caused our royalties to be lower due to earlier terminations of billings of certain delinquent accounts upon which we previously received royalty payments. While we do not believe that the impact on our royalties in the future will be material, these new billing practices have negatively impacted, and are expected to negatively impact, our same store sales metrics during 2016 as monthly EFT over the remainder of 2016 is expected to include fewer delinquent membership accounts. Due in part to certain limitations of our prior POS system, we are unable to provide comparable same store sales data for prior periods had these changes in billing practices been implemented previously.

Stores acquired from or sold to franchisees are removed from the franchisee-owned or corporate-owned same store sales base, as applicable, upon the ownership change and for the twelve months following the date of the ownership change. These stores are included in the corporate-owned or franchisee-owned same store sales base, as applicable, following the twelfth month after the acquisition or sale. These stores remain in the system-wide same store sales base in all periods.

 

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The following table shows our same store sales for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 and for the quarters ended March 31, 2016 and 2015:

 

		Year ended December 31,												Quarter ended March 31,
		2015				2014				2013				2016				2015
Same store sales growth:
Franchisee-owned stores			8.3%				11.5%				9.1%				7.0%				11.7%
Corporate-owned stores			1.9%				5.4%				6.1%				4.9%				4.6%
System-wide stores			7.7%				10.8%				8.4%				6.8%				10.9%
Number of stores in same store sales base:
Franchisee-owned stores			837				663				545				915				722
Corporate-owned stores			55				45				44				56				45
Total stores			892				716				589				971				775

Net member growth per store

Net member growth per store refers to the change in total members in relation to total stores over time. We capture all membership changes daily through our point-of-sale system. We monitor a combination of membership growth, average members per store, average monthly EFT, transfers from or to an individual store location and daily cash collected for enrollment fees related to new members. We seek to make it simple for members to join, whether online or in-store, and, while some memberships require a cancellation fee, we offer, and require our franchisees to offer, a non-committal membership option. This approach to memberships is part of our commitment to appeal to new and occasional gym users. As a result, we do not measure membership attrition as an operating metric in assessing our performance. We primarily attribute our membership growth to the growth of our franchisee-owned store base.

Average royalty fee percentages for the franchisee-owned stores

The average royalty fee percentage represents royalties collected by us from our franchisees as a percentage of the monthly membership dues and annual fees that are billed by the franchisees to their member base. We have varying royalty fee structures with our franchisee base, ranging from a fixed monthly fee of $500 to a royalty of 5.4% of total monthly EFT and annual membership fees across our franchisee base. Our royalty fee has increased over time to a current rate of 5.0% for new franchisees in the U.S. and Canada.

PF Black Card penetration percentage

Our PF Black Card penetration percentage represents the number of our members that have opted to enroll in our PF Black Card membership program as a percentage of our total active membership base. PF Black Card members pay higher monthly membership dues than our standard membership and receive additional benefits for these additional fees. These benefits include access to all of our stores system-wide and access to exclusive areas in our stores that provide amenities such as water massage beds, massage chairs, tanning equipment and more. We view PF Black Card penetration percentage as a critical metric in assessing the performance and growth of our business.

Non-GAAP financial measures

We refer to EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and four-wall EBITDA as we use these measures to evaluate our operating performance and we believe these measures are useful to investors in evaluating our performance. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and four-wall EBITDA as presented in this prospectus are supplemental measures of our

 

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performance that are neither required by, nor presented in accordance with GAAP. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and four-wall EBITDA should not be considered as substitutes for GAAP metrics such as net income or any other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP. Also, in the future we may incur expenses or charges such as those added back to calculate Adjusted EBITDA. Our presentation of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and four-wall EBITDA should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or nonrecurring items.

EBITDA is defined as net income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, adjusted for the impact of certain non-cash and other items that we do not consider in our evaluation of ongoing operating performance. These items include certain purchase accounting adjustments, management fees, certain IT system upgrade costs, acquisition transaction fees, IPO-related costs, IPO-related compensation expense, pre-opening costs and certain other charges and gains that we do not believe reflect our underlying business performance. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA is an appropriate measure of operating performance because it eliminates the impact of expenses that we do not believe reflect our underlying business performance. Four-wall EBITDA is an assessment of store-level profitability for stores included in the same-store-sales base, which adjusts for certain administrative and other items that we do not consider in our evaluation of store-level performance.

A reconciliation of net income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA is set forth below for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 and for the quarters ended March 31, 2016 and 2015:

 

		Year ended December 31,												Quarter ended March 31,
(in thousands)		2015				2014				2013				2016				2015
Net income		$	38,130			$	37,295			$	25,799			$	16,345			$	8,538
Interest expense, net(1)			24,549				21,800				8,912				6,367				4,756
Provision for income taxes			9,148				1,183				633				3,291				272
Depreciation and amortization			32,158				32,341				28,808				7,703				8,201
EBITDA		$	103,985			$	92,619			$	64,152			$	33,706			$	21,767
Purchase accounting adjustments(2)			1,606				2,814				2,819				182				426
Management fees(3)			1,899				1,211				1,136				—				284
IT system upgrade costs(4)			3,901				1,228				2,516				—				3,633
Transaction fees(5)			—				552				280				—				—
IPO-related costs(6)			7,697				687				—				—				1,757
IPO related compensation expense(7)			6,155				—				—				—				—
Severance costs(8)			—				—				—				380				—
Pre-opening costs(9)			793				1,676				295				—				604
Other(10)			(2,550	)			(238	)			—				—				—
Adjusted EBITDA		$	123,486			$	100,549			$	71,198			$	34,268			$	28,471

 

(1)

Includes $4.7 million of loss on extinguishment of debt in the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

(2)

Represents the impact of certain purchase accounting adjustments associated with the 2012 Acquisition of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC on November 8, 2012 and the acquisition of eight franchisee-owned stores on March 31, 2014. These are primarily related to fair value adjustments to deferred revenue and deferred rent.

 

(3)

Represents management fees and expenses paid to a management company affiliated with TSG pursuant to a management services agreement that terminated in connection with the IPO, resulting in a $1 million termination fee in the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

(4)

Represents costs associated with certain IT system upgrades, primarily related to our point-of-sale systems.

 

(5)

Represents transaction fees and expenses primarily related to business acquisitions.

 

(6)

Represents legal, accounting and other costs incurred in connection with the IPO.

 

(7)

Represents cash-based and equity-based compensation expense recorded in connection with the IPO.

 

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(8)

Represents severance expense recorded in connection with an equity award modification.

 

(9)

Represents costs associated with new corporate-owned stores incurred prior to the store opening, including payroll-related costs, rent and occupancy expenses, marketing and other store operating supply expenses.

 

(10)

Represents certain other charges and gains that we do not believe reflect our underlying business performance. In 2015, the gain related to the adjustment of our tax benefit arrangements primarily due to changes in our effective tax rate. In 2014, this gain was related to restoration and business interruption costs from the flood that occurred in our Bayshore, New York store in August 2014.

As a result of the recapitalization transactions that occurred prior to our IPO, the New LLC Agreement designated Planet Fitness, Inc. as the sole managing member of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC. As sole managing member, Planet Fitness, Inc. exclusively operates and controls the business and affairs of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC. As a result of the recapitalization transactions and the New LLC Agreement, Planet Fitness, Inc. now consolidates Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC, and Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC is considered the predecessor to Planet Fitness, Inc. for accounting purposes. Our presentation of pro forma adjusted net income and pro forma adjusted net income per diluted share gives effect to the consolidation of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC with Planet Fitness, Inc. resulting from the recapitalization transactions described in “Prospectus summary—Our initial public offering and organizational structure” and the New LLC Agreement as if they had occurred as of January 1, 2013. In addition, pro forma adjusted net income assumes that all net income is attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc., which assumes the full exchange of all outstanding Holdings Units for shares of Class A common stock of Planet Fitness, Inc., adjusted for certain items that we do not believe directly reflect our core operations. Pro forma adjusted net income per diluted share is calculated by dividing pro forma adjusted net income by the total shares of Class A common stock outstanding as though the IPO had occurred and those shares were outstanding for each period presented and assuming the full exchange of all outstanding Holdings Units and corresponding Class B common stock as of the beginning of each period presented. Pro forma adjusted net income and pro forma adjusted net income per diluted share are supplemental measures of operating performance that do not represent, and should not be considered, alternatives to net income and earnings per share, as calculated in accordance with GAAP. We believe pro forma adjusted net income and pro forma adjusted net income per diluted share supplement GAAP measures and enable us to more effectively evaluate our performance period-over-period. A reconciliation of pro forma adjusted net income to net income, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, and the computation of pro forma adjusted net income per diluted share are set forth below.

 

		Year ended December 31,												Quarter ended March 31,
(in thousands)		2015				2014				2013				2016				2015
														(unaudited)
Net income		$	38,130			$	37,295			$	25,799			$	16,345			$	8,538
Provision for income taxes, as reported			9,148				1,183				633				3,291				272
Purchase accounting adjustments(1)			1,606				2,814				2,819				182				426
Management fees(2)			1,899				1,211				1,136				—				284
IT system upgrade costs(3)			3,901				1,228				2,516				—				3,633
Transaction fees(4)			—				552				280				—				—
IPO-related costs(5)			7,697				687				—				—				1,757
IPO related compensation expense(6)			6,155				—				—				—				—
Severance costs(7)			—				—				—				380				—
Pre-openings costs(8)			793				1,676				295				—				604
Other(9)			(2,550	)			(238	)			—				—				—
Purchase accounting amortization(10)			21,067				23,201				22,637				4,843				5,270
Adjusted income before income taxes		$	87,846			$	69,609			$	56,115			$	25,041			$	20,784
Pro forma income taxes(11)			34,611				27,426				22,109				9,866				8,189
Pro forma adjusted net income		$	53,235			$	42,183			$	34,006			$	15,175			$	12,595
Pro forma adjusted net income per share, diluted		$	0.54			$	0.43			$	0.34			$	0.15			$	0.13
Pro forma shares outstanding(12)			98,710				98,710				98,710				98,707				98,710

 

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(1)

Represents the impact of certain purchase accounting adjustments associated with the 2012 Acquisition of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC on November 8, 2012 and the acquisition of eight franchisee-owned stores on March 31, 2014. These are primarily related to fair value adjustments to deferred revenue and deferred rent.

 

(2)

Represents management fees and expenses paid to a management company affiliated with TSG pursuant to a management services agreement that terminated in connection with the IPO, resulting in a $1 million termination fee in the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

(3)

Represents costs associated with certain IT system upgrades, primarily related to our point-of-sale systems.

 

(4)

Represents transaction fees and expenses primarily related to business acquisitions.

 

(5)

Represents legal, accounting and other costs incurred in connection with the IPO.

 

(6)

Represents cash-based and equity-based compensation expense recorded in connection with the IPO.

 

(7)

Represents severance expense recorded in connection with an equity award modification.

 

(8)

Represents costs associated with new corporate-owned stores incurred prior to the store opening, including payroll-related costs, rent and occupancy expenses, marketing and other store operating supply expenses.

 

(9)

Represents certain other charges and gains that we do not believe reflect our underlying business performance. In 2015, the gain related to the adjustment of our tax benefit arrangements primarily due to changes in our effective tax rate. In 2014, this gain was related to restoration and business interruption costs from the flood that occurred in our Bayshore, New York store in August 2014.

 

(10)

Represents the impact of the amortization of certain purchase accounting adjustments associated with the 2012 Acquisition of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC on November 8, 2012 and the acquisition of eight franchisee-owned stores on March 31, 2014.

 

(11)

Represents corporate income taxes at an assumed effective tax rate of 39.4% for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 and the quarters ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, applied to adjusted income before income taxes.

 

(12)

Assumes the full exchange of all outstanding Holdings Units and corresponding shares of Class B common stock for shares of Class A common stock of Planet Fitness, Inc. for all periods presented.

The following table reconciles corporate-owned stores segment EBITDA to four-wall EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2015:

 

		Year ended December 31, 2015
(in thousands)		Revenue				EBITDA				EBITDA Margin
Corporate-owned stores segment		$	98,390			$	36,070				36.7%
New stores(1)			(6,043	)			232
Selling, general and administrative(2)			—				3,072
Impact of eliminations(3)			—				(1,644	)
Purchase accounting adjustments(4)			—				893
Four-wall EBITDA for corporate-owned stores		$	92,347			$	38,623				41.8%
Royalty adjustment(5)			—				(4,617	)
Royalty adjusted four-wall EBITDA		$	92,347			$	34,006				36.8%

 

(1)

Includes the impact of stores open less than 13 months and those which have not yet opened.

 

(2)

Reflects administrative costs attributable to the corporate-owned stores segment but not directly related to store operations.

 

(3)

Reflects intercompany charges for royalties and other fees which eliminate in consolidation.

 

(4)

Represents the impact of certain purchase accounting adjustments associated with the 2012 Acquisition on November 8, 2012 and our acquisition of eight franchisee-owned stores during 2014. These are primarily related to fair value adjustments to deferred revenue and deferred rent.

 

(5)

Includes the effect of royalties paid by the franchisee at a rate of 5% per our current franchisee agreement.

 

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Results of operations

The following table sets forth our consolidated statements of operations as a percentage of total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 and for the quarters ended March 31, 2016 and 2015:

 

		Year ended December 31,												Quarter ended March 31,
		2015				2014				2013				2016				2015
														(unaudited)
Revenue:
Franchise revenue			21.7%				20.7%				16.0%				25.8%				22.1%
Commission income			4.9%				5.0%				4.9%				7.4%				6.2%
Franchise segment			26.6%				25.7%				20.9%				33.2%				28.3%
Corporate-owned stores			29.8%				30.4%				31.9%				30.8%				30.6%
Equipment			43.6%				43.9%				47.2%				36.0%				41.1%
Total revenue			100.0%				100.0%				100.0%				100.0%				100.0%
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue			34.4%				35.9%				38.6%				28.4%				33.7%
Store operations			17.4%				17.7%				19.8%				17.7%				18.6%
Selling, general and administrative			16.8%				12.5%				10.9%				14.2%				18.4%
Depreciation and amortization			9.7%				11.5%				13.6%				9.2%				10.7%
Other (gain) loss			(0.1%	)			0.4%				0.0%				(0.2%	)			0.0%
Total operating costs and expenses			78.2%				78.0%				82.9%				69.3%				81.4%
Income from operations			21.8%				22.0%				17.1%				30.7%				18.6%
Other expense, net:
Interest expense, net			(7.4%	)			(7.7%	)			(4.3%	)			(7.6%	)			(6.2%	)
Other expense			(0.2%	)			(0.5%	)			(0.3%	)			0.5%				(1.0%	)
Total other expense, net			(7.6%	)			(8.2%	)			(4.6%	)			(7.1%	)			(7.2%	)
Income before income taxes			14.2%				13.8%				12.5%				23.6%				11.4%
Provision for income taxes			2.8%				0.4%				0.3%				3.9%				0.4%
Net income			11.4%				13.4%				12.2%				19.7%				11.0%
Less net income attributable to non-controlling interests			5.9%				0.2%				0.2%				15.6%				0.1%
Net income attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc.			5.5%				13.2%				12.0%				4.1%				10.9%

 

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The following table sets forth a comparison of our consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 and for the quarters ended March 31, 2016 and 2015:

 

		Year ended December 31,												Quarter ended March 31,
(in thousands)		2015				2014				2013				2016				2015
														(unaudited)
Revenue:
Franchise revenue		$	71,762			$	58,001			$	33,684			$	21,491			$	16,967
Commission income			16,323				13,805				10,473				6,186				4,790
Franchise segment			88,085				71,806				44,157				27,677				21,757
Corporate-owned stores			98,390				85,041				67,364				25,697				23,546
Equipment			144,062				122,930				99,488				29,969				31,619
Total revenue			330,537				279,777				211,009				83,343				76,922
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue			113,492				100,306				81,353				23,639				25,946
Store operations			57,485				49,476				41,692				14,732				14,341
Selling, general and administrative			55,573				35,121				23,118				11,845				14,138
Depreciation and amortization			32,158				32,341				28,808				7,703				8,201
Other (gain) loss			(273	)			994				—				(186	)			(6	)
Total operating costs and expenses			258,435				218,238				174,971				57,733				62,620
Income from operations			72,102				61,539				36,038				25,610				14,302
Other expense, net:
Interest expense, net			(24,549	)			(21,800	)			(8,912	)			(6,367	)			(4,756	)
Other expense			(275	)			(1,261	)			(694	)			393				(736	)
Total other expense, net			(24,824	)			(23,061	)			(9,606	)			(5,974	)			(5,492	)
Income before income taxes			47,278				38,478				26,432				19,636				8,810
Provision for income taxes			9,148				1,183				633				3,291				272
Net income			38,130				37,295				25,799				16,345				8,538
Less net income attributable to non-controlling interests			19,612				487				361				12,977				113
Net income attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc.		$	18,518			$	36,808			$	25,438			$	3,368			$	8,425

Comparison of the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015

Revenue

Total revenues were $83.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $76.9 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015, an increase of $6.4 million, or 8.3%.

Franchise segment revenue was $27.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $21.8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015, an increase of $5.9 million, or 27.2%.

Franchise revenue was $21.5 million in the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $17.0 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015, an increase of $4.5 million, or 26.7%. Included in franchise revenue is

 

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royalty revenue of $14.0 million, franchise and other fees of $5.4 million, and placement revenue of $2.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to royalty revenue of $10.5 million, franchise and other fees of $4.5 million, and placement revenue of $2.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The $3.5 million increase in royalty revenue was primarily driven by $1.8 million attributable to royalties from new stores in 2016 as well as stores that opened in 2015 that were not included in the same store sales base, $1.2 million attributable to a same store sales increase of 7.0% in franchisee-owned stores, and $0.6 million attributable to higher royalties on annual fees.

Commission income, which is included in our franchise segment, was $6.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $4.8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015, an increase of $1.4 million, or 29.1%. The increase was primarily due to a higher volume of franchisee purchases from vendors due to more franchise stores open during the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015.

Revenue from our corporate-owned stores segment was $25.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $23.5 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015, an increase of $2.2 million, or 9.1%. Incremental revenue for stores not included in the same store sales base led to an increase in revenue of $0.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2016. Additionally, same store sales from corporate-owned stores increased 4.9% in the three months ended March 31, 2016, which contributed incremental revenues of $1.0 million.

Equipment segment revenue was $30.0 million in the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $31.6 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015, a decrease of $1.6 million, or 5.2%. This decrease was primarily driven by lower equipment sales to new franchisee-owned stores related to fewer new stores in the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015, partially offset by an increase in replacement equipment sales to existing franchisee-owned stores in the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015.

Cost of revenue

Cost of revenue was $23.6 million in the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $25.9 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015, a decrease of $2.3 million, or 8.9%. Cost of revenue, which primarily relates to our equipment segment, decreased due to lower equipment sales to new franchisee-owned stores, partially offset by an increase in replacement equipment sales to existing franchisee-owned stores in the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015. Direct costs associated with our previous point-of-sale system were $0 in the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $0.9 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015. We expect these costs to be immaterial in future periods as we migrated to a new system in 2015.

Store operations

Store operation expenses, which relate to our corporate-owned stores segment, were $14.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $14.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015, an increase of $0.4 million, or 2.7%.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $11.8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $14.1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015, a decrease of $2.3 million, or 16.2%. Of the $2.3 million decrease, $1.7 million is due to incremental costs incurred in connection with preparing for the

 

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IPO in the three months ended March 31, 2015. In the three months ended March 31, 2015, we incurred $3.6 million of costs related to information technology which was primarily attributable to the rollout of a new point-of-sale system. Partially offsetting the decrease, we incurred additional expenses during the three months ended March 31, 2016 to support our growing franchisee operations, including additional headcount and infrastructure to provide training, development, pre-opening support and store operational excellence functions as well as incremental ongoing public company expenses. With respect to our growing franchisee operations, we anticipate that our selling, general and administrative expenses will continue to increase as our franchisee-owned store count grows.

Depreciation and amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense consists of the depreciation of property and equipment, including leasehold and building improvements and equipment. Amortization expense consists of amortization related to our intangible assets, including customer relationships and non-compete agreements.

Depreciation and amortization expense was $7.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $8.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015, a decrease of $0.5 million, or 6.1%.

Other gain

Other gain was $0.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $0 in the three months ended March 31, 2015.

Interest expense, net

Interest expense primarily consists of interest on long-term debt as well as the amortization of deferred financing costs.

Interest expense, net was $6.4 million in the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $4.8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015, an increase of $1.6 million, or 33.9%. The increase in interest expense is a result of the additional $120.0 million in borrowings which occurred on March 31, 2015.

Other income (expense)

Other income (expense) was a gain of $0.4 million in the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to expense of $0.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015, an increase of $1.1 million. Other income (expense) primarily consists of realized gains (losses) on derivative activities, the effects of foreign currency gains and losses, and in 2015 management fees we paid to TSG related to the TSG management agreement which terminated in connection with the IPO.

Provision for income taxes

Prior to the recapitalization transactions, the Company was treated as a pass through entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes as well as in most states. As a result, entity level taxes were not significant. Provision for income taxes primarily consisted of tax expense related to the state of New Hampshire and Canada as well as certain other local taxes. We are also subject to withholding tax in Puerto Rico.

Subsequent to the recapitalization transactions, the Company is subject to U.S. federal income taxes, in addition to state and local taxes, with respect to our allocable share of any net taxable income of Pla-Fit Holdings. Our effective tax rate of 39.4%, was calculated using the U.S. federal income tax rate and the statutory rates

 

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applied to income apportioned to each state and local jurisdiction. This tax rate has been applied to the 37.1% portion of income before taxes that represents the economic interest in Pla-Fit Holdings held by the Company following the recapitalization transactions and IPO. The provision for income taxes also reflects an effective state tax rate of 2.5% applied to non-controlling interests, representing the remaining 62.9% of income before taxes, excluding income from variable interest entities, related to Pla-Fit Holdings.

Segment results

Franchise

Segment EBITDA for the franchise segment was $23.8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $13.6 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015, an increase of $10.2 million, or 75.4%. This increase was primarily the result of growth in our franchise segment revenue of $1.8 million due to higher royalties received from additional franchisee-owned stores not included in the same store sales base, $1.2 million attributable to a same store sales increase of 7.0% in franchisee-owned stores, $0.6 million attributable to higher royalties on annual fees, $1.4 million of higher vendor commissions, $0.9 million of higher franchise and other fees, as well as lower expenses of $0.9 million associated with our previous point-of-sale system. Additionally we had $3.6 million lower IT system upgrade costs in the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015. Depreciation and amortization was $2.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $2.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015.

Corporate-owned stores

Segment EBITDA for the corporate-owned stores segment was $10.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $7.8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015, an increase of $2.4 million, or 30.3%. This increase was the result of higher revenue related to stores not included in the same store sales base as well as an increase in revenue related to our same store sales increase of 4.9% in the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015. Depreciation and amortization was $3.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $4.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015.

Equipment

Segment EBITDA for the equipment segment was $6.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $6.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015, a decrease of $0.4 million, or 6.6%, primarily driven by lower equipment sales to new franchisee-owned stores related to fewer new stores in the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015, partially offset by an increase in replacement equipment sales to existing franchisee-owned stores the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015. Depreciation and amortization was $1.6 million for both periods.

Comparison of the years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014

Revenue

Total revenues were $330.5 million in 2015, compared to $279.8 million in 2014, an increase of $50.8 million, or 18.1%.

Franchise segment revenue was $88.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $71.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2014, an increase of $16.3 million, or 22.7%.

 

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Franchise revenue was $71.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $58.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2014, an increase of $13.8 million, or 23.7%. Included in franchise revenue is royalty revenue of $46.2 million, franchise and other fees of $15.8 million, and placement revenue of $9.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to royalty revenue of $32.7 million, franchise and other fees of $16.8 million, and placement revenue of $8.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Of the $13.5 million increase in royalty revenue, $7.7 million was attributable to royalties from new stores opened in 2015 as well as stores that opened in 2014 that were not included in the same store sales base, which collectively resulted in higher royalty revenues. Additionally, $4.1 million is attributable to a same store sales increase of 8.3% in franchisee-owned stores, and $1.8 million is attributable to higher royalties on annual fees.

Commission income, which is included in our franchise segment, was $16.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $13.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2014, an increase of $2.5 million, or 18.2%. The increase primarily reflects a higher volume of franchisee purchases from vendors due to the higher franchisee-owned store count in the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2014. Additionally, commission income was $0.5 million higher in the year ended December 31, 2015 due to commission income earned on equipment purchases by our international franchisees from our equipment manufacturer.

Revenue from our corporate-owned stores segment was $98.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $85.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2014, an increase of $13.4 million, or 15.7%. Of the $13.4 million increase, $4.2 million was related to incremental revenue from the acquisition of eight franchisee-owned stores on March 31, 2014 that were not included in the same store sales base until April 1, 2015, and $6.5 million was due to higher revenue from five more stores open during the year ended December 31, 2015. Additionally, same store sales from corporate-owned stores increased 1.9% in the year ended December 31, 2015, which contributed incremental revenues of $1.3 million.

Equipment segment revenue was $144.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $122.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2014, an increase of $21.1 million, or 17.2%. Of this increase, $12.5 million was attributable to higher replacement equipment sales and $8.7 million was attributable to equipment sales to 20 more new franchisee-owned stores, partially offset by a slight decrease in the average size of new stores in the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2014.

Cost of revenue

Cost of revenue was $113.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $100.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2014, an increase of $13.2 million, or 13.1%. Cost of revenue primarily relates to our equipment segment. The increase was primarily due to the impact of 20 more new franchisee-owned stores purchasing equipment in the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2014, as well as the results of an increase in replacement equipment sales to existing franchisee-owned stores. The increase in costs is consistent with the increase in equipment revenue. Direct costs associated with our proprietary point-of-sale system were $1.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $3.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2014. We expect these costs to be immaterial in future periods as we migrated to a new system in 2015.

Store operations

Store operation expenses, which relates to our corporate-owned stores segment, were $57.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $49.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2014, an increase of $8.0 million, or 16.2%. Of the $8.0 million increase, $5.2 million was attributable to incremental costs and expenses

 

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related to five new corporate-owned stores opened since January 1, 2014. In addition, approximately $2.0 million of incremental costs resulted from the acquisition of eight stores from a franchisee in March 2014 which were included for a full twelve months in 2015.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $55.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $35.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2014, an increase of $20.5 million, or 58.2%. Of the $20.5 million increase, $6.2 million was cash-based and equity-based compensation expense recorded in connection with the IPO and $7.0 million was from incremental costs incurred in connection with the IPO, which we were not able to capitalize under GAAP because we did not retain any proceeds from the IPO. We also incurred $2.7 million related to increased information technology spending which was primarily attributable to the rollout of a new point-of-sale system. The point-of-sale system rollout began in late 2014 and was completed in April 2015. In addition, we incurred additional expenses to support our growing franchisee operations, including additional headcount and infrastructure to provide training, development, preopening support and store operational excellence functions as well as incremental ongoing public company expenses. With respect to our growing franchisee operations, we anticipate that our selling, general and administrative expenses will continue to increase as our franchisee-owned store count grows.

Depreciation and amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense consists of the depreciation of property and equipment, including leasehold and building improvements and equipment. Amortization expense consists of amortization related to our intangible assets, including customer relationships and non-compete agreements.

Depreciation and amortization expense was $32.2 million in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $32.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2014, a decrease of $0.1 million, or 0.6%.

Other (gain) loss

Other (gain) loss was a gain of $0.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to a loss of $1.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2014, which was primarily the result of the effective settlement of reacquired franchise rights related to the acquisition of eight stores from a franchisee in March 2014.

Interest expense, net

Interest expense primarily consists of interest on long-term debt as well as the amortization of deferred financing costs.

Interest expense, net was $24.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $21.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2014, an increase of $2.7 million, or 12.6%. The increase in interest expense is a result of the additional $120.0 million in borrowings which occurred on March 31, 2015.

Other expense

Other expense was $0.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $1.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2014, a decrease of $1.0 million, or 78.2%. Other expense primarily consists of management fees we paid to TSG, realized gains (losses) on derivative activities, as well as the effects of foreign currency gains and losses. In 2015, the expense included a charge of $1.0 million for a termination fee related to the TSG management agreement which was terminated in connection with the IPO, and was partially offset by a gain of $2.6 million related to an adjustment to our tax benefit arrangement primarily due to changes in our effective tax rate.

 

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Provision for income taxes

Prior to the recapitalization transactions, Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC was treated as a pass through entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes as well as in most states. As a result, entity level taxes were not significant. Provision for income taxes primarily consisted of tax expense related to the state of New Hampshire and Canada as well as certain other local taxes.

Subsequent to the recapitalization transactions, Planet Fitness, Inc. is subject to U.S. federal income taxes, in addition to state and local taxes, with respect to our allocable share of any net taxable income of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC. Our effective tax rate of 39.4% was calculated using the U.S. federal income tax rate and the statutory rates applied to income apportioned to each state and local jurisdiction. This tax rate has been applied to the 37.1% portion of income before taxes that represents the economic interest in Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC held by Planet Fitness, Inc. following the recapitalization transactions and IPO. The provision for income taxes also reflects an effective state tax rate of 2.5% applied to non-controlling interests, representing the remaining 62.9% of income before taxes, excluding income from variable interest entities, related to Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC.

Segment results

Franchise

Segment EBITDA for the franchise segment was $66.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $53.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2014, an increase of $12.9 million, or 24.3%. This increase was primarily the result of growth in our franchise segment revenue of $7.7 million due to higher royalties received from additional franchisee-owned stores not included in the same store sales base, $4.1 million attributable to a same store sales increase of 8.3% from franchisee-owned stores, and $1.8 million attributable to higher royalties on annual fees and higher vendor commissions, partially offset by higher operating expenses. Depreciation and amortization was $8.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $8.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Corporate-owned stores

Segment EBITDA for the corporate-owned stores segment was $36.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $31.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2014, an increase of $4.4 million, or 13.8%. The increase was the result of the acquisition of eight franchisee-owned stores in March 2014 in addition to higher revenue related to stores not included in the same store sales base during the year ended December 31, 2015. Depreciation and amortization was $17.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $17.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Equipment

Segment EBITDA for the equipment segment was $31.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $26.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2014, an increase of $5.5 million, or 20.8%, primarily as a result of higher replacement equipment sales and equipment sales to 20 more new franchisee-owned stores in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the year ended December 31, 2014. Depreciation and amortization was $6.2 million for both the year ended December 31, 2015 and the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

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Comparison of the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013

Revenue

Total revenues were $279.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $211.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, an increase of $68.8 million, or 32.6%.

Franchise segment revenue was $71.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to $44.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2013, an increase of $27.7 million, or 63.0%.

Franchise revenue was $58.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to $33.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2013, an increase of $24.3 million, or 72.1%. Included in franchise revenue is royalty revenue of $32.7 million, franchise and other fees of $16.8 million, and placement revenue of $8.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to royalty revenue of $21.0 million, franchise and other fees of $6.4 million, and placement revenue of $6.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Of the $11.7 million increase in royalty revenue, $6.8 million was from new stores opened in 2014 as well as stores that opened in 2013 and were therefore not included in the same store sales base, which collectively resulted in a higher average royalty rate. Additionally, franchisee-owned same store sales increased 11.5% in 2014, resulting in an increase in royalty revenue of $3.9 million. The franchise and other fees increase of $10.4 million was primarily associated with a higher volume of franchisee membership billing transactions for which a fee was earned as well as more franchisee-owned stores in the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2013.

Commission income was $13.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to $10.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2013, an increase of $3.4 million, or 33.7%. This increase primarily reflects a higher volume of franchisee purchases from vendors due to the higher franchisee-owned store count in the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2013.

Revenue from our corporate-owned stores segment was $85.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $67.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2013, an increase of $17.6 million, or 26.1%. The acquisition of eight franchisee-owned stores on March 31, 2014 led to an increase in revenue of $12.2 million. Additionally, same store sales from corporate-owned stores increased 5.4% in 2014, which contributed incremental revenues of $3.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2014. Revenue for stores not included in the same store sales base led to an increase in revenue of $0.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2014.

Equipment segment revenue was $122.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $99.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2013, an increase of $23.4 million, or 23.5%, as a result of equipment sales to 34 more new stores in the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2013 and an increase in replacement equipment revenue of $1.8 million from sales to existing franchisee-owned stores in the year ended December 31, 2014.

Cost of revenue

Cost of revenue was $100.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $81.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2013, an increase of $18.9 million, or 23.2%. The increase was primarily due to the impact of 34 more new franchisee-owned stores purchasing equipment in the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2013 as well as the result of an increase in replacement equipment sales to existing franchisee-owned stores. The increase in costs is consistent with the increase in equipment revenue. Direct costs related to our previous point-of-sale system were $3.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2014 and $1.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

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Store operations

Store operations, which relates to our corporate-owned stores segment, were $49.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $41.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2013, an increase of $7.8 million, or 18.7%. Approximately $6.2 million of this increase was a result of the acquisition of eight stores from a franchisee on March 31, 2014. In addition, we incurred costs and expenses attributable to new corporate-owned stores opened in the year ended December 31, 2014 and pre-opening costs related to one store that opened shortly after year-end. The increase in store operations costs is consistent with the increase in related corporate-owned store revenue.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $35.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $23.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2013, an increase of $12.0 million, or 51.9%. This increase is primarily attributable to increases in payroll of $5.3 million and other related infrastructure changes of $6.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2014 to support our growing franchisee operations, including additional headcount needed to provide training, development, pre-opening support and store operational compliance functions.

Depreciation and amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense consists of the depreciation of property and equipment, including leasehold and building improvements and equipment. Amortization expense consists of amortization related to our intangible assets, including customer relationships and non-compete agreements.

Depreciation and amortization expense was $32.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $28.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2013, an increase of $3.5 million, or 12.2%, primarily due to the increased amortization of intangible assets related to the acquisition of eight stores from a franchisee in March 2014.

Other loss

Other loss increased by $1.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase in other loss was primarily the result of the effective settlement of reacquired franchise rights related to the acquisition of eight stores from a franchisee in March 2014.

Interest expense, net

Interest expense primarily consists of interest on long-term debt as well as the amortization of deferred financing costs.

Interest expense, net was $21.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $8.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2013, an increase of $12.9 million, or 144.6%. The increase was primarily attributable to the increase in our indebtedness as a result of the refinancing in March 2014. Additionally, the increase includes $4.7 million related to the write-off of debt issuance costs as a result of this refinancing, which was accounted for as an extinguishment.

Other income (expense)

Other income (expense) primarily consists of management fees we paid to TSG, realized gains (losses) on derivative activities, as well as the effects of foreign currency gains and losses.

 

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Provision for income taxes

For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC was treated as a pass-through entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes as well as in most states. As a result, entity level taxes are not significant in those years.

Segment results

Franchise

Segment EBITDA for the franchise segment was $53.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $30.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2013, an increase of $23.0 million, or 76.4%. This increase was primarily the result of growth in franchise revenue of $27.8 million due to higher royalties received from additional franchisee-owned stores opened in the year ended December 31, 2014, continued growth in royalties from stores opened in the December 31, 2013 and higher vendor commissions. Depreciation and amortization was $8.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $7.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2013, an increase of $1.0 million, or 13.2%.

Corporate-owned stores

Segment EBITDA for the corporate-owned stores segment was $31.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $21.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2013, an increase of $10.0 million, or 46.1%, primarily due to the acquisition of eight franchisee-owned stores on March 31, 2014 and the increase in same store sales. Depreciation and amortization was $17.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $13.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2013, an increase of $4.0 million, or 29.9%. The increase is attributable to depreciation and amortization expense from the acquisition of eight franchisee-owned stores on March 31, 2014.

Equipment

Segment EBITDA for the equipment segment was $26.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $19.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2013, an increase of $6.6 million, or 33.3%, primarily as a result of equipment sales to 34 new franchisee-owned stores in 2014 as compared to 2013. Depreciation and amortization was $6.2 million in the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $7.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2013, a decrease of $1.5 million, or 19.5%.

Liquidity and capital resources

As of March 31, 2016, we had $38.3 million of cash and cash equivalents. In addition, as of March 31, 2016, we had borrowing capacity of $40.0 million under our revolving credit facility.

We require cash principally to fund day-to-day operations, to finance capital investments, to service our outstanding debt and obligations under our tax benefit arrangements and to address our working capital needs. Based on our current level of operations and anticipated growth, we believe that our available cash balance, the cash generated from our operations, and amounts available under our revolving credit facility will be adequate to meet our anticipated debt service requirements and obligations under our tax benefit arrangements, capital expenditures, payment of tax distributions and working capital needs for at least the next twelve months. We believe that we will be able to meet these obligations even if we experience no growth in sales or profits. Our ability to continue to fund these items and continue to reduce debt could be adversely affected by the occurrence of any of the events described under “Risk factors.” There can be no assurance, however, that our

 

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business will generate sufficient cash flows from operations or that future borrowings will be available under our revolving credit facility or otherwise to enable us to service our indebtedness, including our senior secured credit facility, or to make anticipated capital expenditures. Our future operating performance and our ability to service, extend or refinance the senior secured credit facility will be subject to future economic conditions and to financial, business and other factors, many of which are beyond our control.

The following table presents summary cash flow information for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 and the quarters ended March 31, 2016 and 2015:

 

		Year ended December 31,												Quarter ended March 31,
(in thousands)		2015				2014				2013				2016				2015
														(unaudited)
Net cash (used in) provided by:
Operating activities		$	81,663			$	79,405			$	66,943			$	15,262			$	12,039
Investing activities			(19,161	)			(54,362	)			(7,137	)			(845	)			(5,320	)
Financing activities			(74,240	)			(12,952	)			(37,994	)			(7,698	)			(22,501	)
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash			(123	)			(67	)			—				119				23
Net (decrease) increase in cash		$	(11,861	)		$	12,024			$	21,812			$	6,838			$	(15,759	)

Operating activities

For the three months ended March 31, 2016, net cash provided by operating activities was $15.3 million compared to $12.0 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015, an increase of $3.2 million. The increase was primarily due to higher net income partially offset by higher cash used for working capital in the three months ended March 31, 2016. The higher cash used for working capital was driven by changes in notes receivable and due from related parties, inventory, other assets and other current assets, income taxes, and payables to related parties pursuant to tax benefit arrangements.

For the year ended December 31, 2015, net cash provided by operating activities was $81.7 million compared to $79.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2014, an increase of $2.3 million, and was primarily due to less cash used for working capital in the year ended December 31, 2015, driven by favorable changes in accounts receivable, notes receivable, due from related parties, and income taxes payable.

For the year ended December 31, 2014, net cash provided by operating activities was $79.4 million compared to $66.9 million in 2013, an increase of $12.5 million, and was primarily due to higher net income in 2014 and, to a lesser degree, by higher accounts payable, other accrued expenses and equipment deposits, partially offset by higher accounts receivable.

 

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Investing activities

Cash flow used in investing activities related to the following capital expenditures for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 and the quarters ended March 31, 2016 and 2015:

 

		Year ended December 31,												Quarter ended March 31,
(in thousands)		2015				2014				2013				2016				2015
														(unaudited)
New corporate-owned stores and corporate-owned stores not yet opened		$	5,446			$	7,074			$	1,972			$	—			$	4,147
Existing corporate-owned stores			11,731				6,832				4,684				487				1,038
Information systems			1,828				1,531				419				125				98
Corporate and all other			483				1,213				212				253				43
Total capital expenditures		$	19,488			$	16,650			$	7,287			$	865			$	5,326

For the three months ended March 31, 2016, net cash used in investing activities was $0.8 million compared to $5.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015, a decrease of $4.5 million, and was primarily related to the opening of two corporate-owned stores in the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to none in the three months ended March 31, 2016.

For the year ended December 31, 2015, net cash used in investing activities was $19.2 million compared to $54.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2014, a decrease of $35.2 million, and was primarily due to the acquisition of eight franchisee-owned stores on March 31, 2014 for cash of $38.6 million. This decrease was partially offset by higher capital expenditures related to corporate-owned stores in the year ended December 31, 2015.

For the year ended December 31, 2014, net cash used in investing activities was $54.4 million compared to $7.1 million in 2013, an increase of $47.3 million, and was primarily due to the acquisition of eight franchisee-owned stores on March 31, 2014 for $38.6 million. Additionally, capital expenditures increased due to our three new corporate-owned stores and higher replacement equipment for corporate-owned stores during 2014 compared to 2013.

Financing activities

For the three months ended March 31, 2016, net cash used in financing activities was $7.7 million compared to $22.5 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015, a decrease of $14.8 million. Proceeds from the issuance of debt was $0 in the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to proceeds of $120.0 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015. Additionally, member distributions were $6.4 million in the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $139.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015.

On March 31, 2015, we amended our credit agreement governing our senior secured credit facility primarily to provide for an increase of $120.0 million in term loan borrowings for a total of $506.1 million. The full incremental borrowing of $120.0 million and $20.0 million from cash on hand was used to issue a $140.0 million dividend to members of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC.

For the year ended December 31, 2015, net cash used in financing activities was $74.2 million compared to $13.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2014, an increase of $61.2 million. Proceeds from the issuance of debt was $120.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to proceeds of $390.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2014, partially offset by the repayment of existing outstanding debt of $185.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2014. Additionally, distributions to Continuing LLC Owners were $176.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $205.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

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For the year ended December 31, 2014, net cash used in financing activities was $13.0 million compared to $38.0 million in 2013, a decrease of $25.0 million, and was primarily due to the refinancing of debt with proceeds from the issuance of new long-term debt of $390.0 million, partially offset by the repayment of the existing debt outstanding of $185.8 million. Additionally, we made distributions to members of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC in 2014 in the amount of $205.4 million, an increase of $182.3 million.

Credit facility

Our senior secured credit facility consists of term loans and a revolving credit facility. Borrowings under the term loans bear interest, payable at least semi-annually. The term loans require principal payments equal to approximately $5.1 million per calendar year, payable in quarterly installments with the final scheduled principal payment on the outstanding term loan borrowings due on March 31, 2021.

The senior secured credit facility also provides for borrowings of up to $40.0 million under the revolving credit facility, of which up to $5.0 million is available for letter of credit advances. Borrowings under the revolving credit facility (excluding letters of credit) bear interest, payable at least semi-annually. We also pay a 0.40% commitment fee per annum on the unused portion of the revolver. The revolving credit facility expires on March 31, 2019.

The credit agreement governing our senior secured credit facility requires us to comply on a quarterly basis with one financial covenant which is a maximum ratio of debt to Credit Facility Adjusted EBITDA (the “leverage ratio”) that becomes more restrictive over time. This covenant is only for the benefit of the revolving credit facility. At December 31, 2015, the terms of the senior secured credit facility required that we maintain a leverage ratio of no more than 6.5 to 1.0. The leverage ratio financial covenant will become more restrictive over time and will require us to maintain a leverage ratio of no more than 4.0 to 1.0 by June 30, 2019.

Failure to comply with this covenant would result in an event of default under our senior secured credit facility unless waived by our senior secured credit facility lenders. An event of default under our senior secured credit facility can result in the acceleration of our indebtedness under the facility, which in turn can result in an event of default and possible acceleration of our other indebtedness, if any.

As of March 31, 2016, we were in compliance with our senior secured credit facility financial covenant with a leverage ratio of 3.4 to 1.0 which was calculated for the 12 months ended March 31, 2016 based upon certain adjustments to EBITDA, as provided for under the terms of our senior secured credit facility.

On March 31, 2015, we amended our credit agreement governing our senior secured credit facility primarily to provide for an increase of $120.0 million in term loan borrowings for a total of $506.1 million. The full incremental borrowing of $120.0 million plus $20.0 million from cash on hand was used to fund a $140.0 million dividend to members of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC. The incremental term loan borrowings bear a variable rate of interest of the greater of LIBOR or 1.00% plus the applicable margin of 3.50%. All other terms and conditions remain unchanged under the senior secured credit facility.

 

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Contractual obligations and commitments

The following table presents contractual obligations and commercial commitments as of December 31, 2015.

 

		Payments due during the twelve months ending December 31,
(in thousands)		Total				2016				2017-2018				2019-2020				Thereafter
Long-term debt(1)		$	492,275				5,100				10,200				10,200				466,775
Interest on long-term debt(2)			121,199				23,680				46,493				45,573				5,453
Obligations under tax benefit arrangements(3)			140,191				3,019				14,197				14,446				108,529
Operating leases			102,082				13,272				24,438				19,570				44,802
Advertising commitments(4)			15,530				11,823				3,707				—				—
Purchase obligations(5)			14,361				14,361				—				—				—
Total Contractual Obligations		$	885,638			$	71,255			$	99,035			$	89,789			$	625,559

 

(1)

Long-term debt payments include scheduled principal payments only.

 

(2)

Assumes an annual interest rate of 4.75% for the term of the loan.

 

(3)

Timing of payments under tax benefit arrangements is estimated.

 

(4)

As of December 31, 2015, we had advertising purchase commitments of approximately $15.5 million, including commitments for the NAF.

 

(5)

Purchase obligations consists of $14.4 million for open purchase orders primarily related to equipment to be sold to franchisees. For the majority of our equipment purchase obligations, our policy is to require the franchisee to provide us with either a deposit or proof of a committed financing arrangement.

Off-balance sheet arrangements

As of March 31, 2016, our off-balance sheet arrangements consisted of operating leases and certain guarantees. In a limited number of cases, we have guaranteed certain leases and debt agreements of entities related through common ownership. These guarantees relate to leases for operating space, equipment and other operating costs of franchises operated by those entities. Our maximum total commitment under these agreements is approximately $1.7 million and would only require payment upon default by the primary obligor. The estimated fair value of these guarantees at March 31, 2016 was not material, and no accrual has been recorded for our potential obligation under these arrangements. See Note 17 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus for more information regarding these operating leases and guarantees.

Critical accounting policies and use of estimates

Our discussion and analysis of operating results and financial condition are based upon our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The preparation of our financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on past experience and other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, and we evaluate these estimates on an ongoing basis. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

Our critical accounting policies are those that materially affect our consolidated financial statements including those that involve difficult, subjective or complex judgments by management. A thorough understanding of these critical accounting policies is essential when reviewing our consolidated financial statements. We believe that the critical accounting policies listed below are those that are most important to the portrayal of our results of operations or involve the most difficult management decisions related to the use of significant estimates and assumptions as described above.

 

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Revenue recognition

Franchise revenue

Franchisees enter into ADAs with us to secure the exclusive right to open stores within a defined geographical area. ADAs establish the timing and number of stores to be developed within the defined geographical area. Pursuant to an ADA, a franchisee is generally required to pay an initial nonrefundable development fee for a minimum number of stores to be developed, as outlined in the respective ADA. ADA fees collected in advance are deferred until we deliver substantially all required obligations pursuant to the ADA. As the efforts and total cost relating to initial services are affected significantly by the number of stores opened in an area, the respective ADA is treated as a divisible contract. As each new site is developed under an ADA, a franchisee signs a franchise agreement for the respective franchise location. Each franchisee-owned store opened under an ADA typically has performance obligations associated with it, and we therefore recognize ADA revenue as each individual franchisee-owned store is developed in proportion to the total number of stores to be developed under the ADA. These obligations are typically completed once the store is opened or the franchisee executes the individual property lease. ADAs generally have an initial term equal to the number of years over which the franchisee is required to open franchise stores, which is typically five to ten years. There is no right of refund for an executed ADA. Upon default, as defined in the agreement, we may reacquire the rights pursuant to an ADA, and all remaining deferred revenue for the ADA is recognized at that time.

For stores opened without an ADA, we generally charge an initial upfront nonrefundable franchise fee. Nonrefundable franchise fees are typically deferred until the franchisee executes a lease and receives initial training for the location, which is the point at which we have determined that we have provided all of our material obligations required to recognize revenue. The individual franchise agreements typically have a 10-year initial term but provide the franchisee with an opportunity to enter into successive renewals subject to certain conditions.

Franchise agreements entered into prior to 2010 may include performance fees, which are fees earned by us upon each franchise store reaching a predetermined amount of total monthly membership billings. Performance fees are recognized when the related performance thresholds have been met.

Royalties, which represent recurring fees paid by franchisees based on the franchisee-owned stores’ monthly membership dues and annual fees, are recognized on a monthly basis over the term of the franchise agreement. As specified under certain franchise agreements, we recognize additional royalty fees as the franchisee-owned stores attain contractual monthly membership billing threshold amounts. Beginning in 2010, for all new franchise agreements entered into, we began charging a fixed royalty percentage based upon gross membership billings.

Online member join fees are paid to us by franchisees for processing new membership transactions when a new member signs up for a membership to a franchisee-owned store through our website.

Billing transaction fees are paid to us for the processing of franchisee membership dues and annual fees through our third-party hosted point-of-sale system.

We are generally responsible for the assembly and placement of equipment purchased from us for U.S.-based franchisee-owned stores. Placement revenue is recognized upon completion and acceptance of the placement services at the franchise location.

Commission income

We recognize commission income from our franchisees’ use of preferred vendor arrangements. Commissions are recognized when amounts have been earned and collectability from the vendor is reasonably assured.

 

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Corporate-owned stores revenue

Customers are offered multiple membership choices varying in length and, in most cases, can be canceled without penalty. Monthly membership dues are earned and recognized over the membership term. Enrollment fees are charged to new members at the commencement of their membership. We recognize enrollment fees ratably over the estimated duration of the membership, which is generally two years. Annual membership fees are annual fees charged to members in addition to and in order to maintain low monthly membership dues. We recognize annual membership fees ratably over the 12-month membership period. We sell Planet Fitness-branded apparel, beverages and other accessories, which we define as retail sales. The revenue for these items is recognized at the point of sale.

Equipment revenue

We sell equipment purchased from third-party equipment manufacturers to U.S.-based franchisee-owned stores. Equipment revenue is recognized when the equipment is delivered, assembled, placed and accepted by the franchisee at each store. We recognize revenue on a gross basis in these transactions as we have determined that we are the principal in the transaction. We have determined that we are the principal because we are the primary obligor in these transactions, we have latitude in establishing prices for the equipment sales to franchisees, we have supplier selection discretion and are involved in determination of product specifications, and we bear all credit risk associated with obligations to the equipment manufacturers. We charge our franchisees for all freight costs incurred for the delivery of equipment and record these amounts within equipment revenue. Rebates from equipment vendors where we have recognized the related equipment revenue and costs are recorded as a reduction to the cost of revenue.

Leases

We currently lease all of our corporate-owned stores and our corporate headquarters. At the inception of each lease, we determine its appropriate classification as an operating or capital lease. The majority of our leases are operating leases. For operating leases that include rent escalations, we record the base rent expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease and the difference between the base cash rentals paid and the straight-line rent expense is recorded as deferred rent.

We expend cash for leasehold improvements and to build out and equip our leased premises. We may also expend cash for structural additions that we make to leased premises. Generally, a portion of the leasehold improvements and building costs are reimbursed to us by our landlords as construction contributions pursuant to agreed-upon terms in our leases. If obtained, landlord construction contributions usually take the form of up-front cash, full or partial credits against our future minimum or percentage rents otherwise payable by us, or a combination thereof. When contractually due to us, we classify tenant improvement allowances within property and equipment and deferred rent on the consolidated balance sheets and depreciate the tenant improvement allowance on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Business combinations

We account for business combinations using the purchase method of accounting which results in the assets acquired and liabilities assumed being recorded at fair value.

The valuation methodologies used are based on the nature of the asset or liability. The significant assets and liabilities measured at fair value include property and equipment, intangible assets, deferred revenue and favorable and unfavorable leases. For the 2012 Acquisition, intangible assets consisted of trade and brand names, member relationships, franchisee relationships related to both our franchise and equipment segments,

 

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non-compete agreements, order backlog and favorable and unfavorable leases. For other acquisitions, which consist of acquisitions of stores from franchisees, intangible assets generally consist of member relationships, re-acquired franchise rights, and favorable and unfavorable leases.

The fair value of trade and brand names is estimated using the relief from royalty method, an income approach to valuation, which includes projecting future system-wide sales and other estimates. Membership relationships and franchisee relationships are valued based on an estimate of future revenues and costs related to the respective contracts over the remaining expected lives. Our valuation includes assumptions related to the projected attrition and renewal rates on those existing franchise and membership arrangements being valued. Re-acquired franchise rights are valued using an excess earnings approach. The valuation of re-acquired franchise rights is determined using an estimation of future royalty income and related expenses associated with existing franchise contracts at the acquisition date. For re-acquired franchise rights with terms that are either favorable or unfavorable (from our perspective) to the terms included in our current franchise agreements, a gain or charge is recorded at the time of the acquisition to the extent of the favorability or unfavorability, respectively. Favorable and unfavorable operating leases are recorded based on differences between contractual rents under the respective lease agreements and prevailing market rents at the lease acquisition date. Deferred revenue is valued based on our estimated costs to fulfill the obligations assumed, plus a normal profit margin. No deferred revenue amounts are recognized for enrollment fees in our business combinations as there is no remaining obligation.

We consider our trade and brand name intangible assets to have an indefinite useful life, and, therefore, these assets are not amortized but rather are tested for impairment annually as discussed below. Amortization of re-acquired franchise rights and franchisee relationships is recorded over the respective franchise terms using the straight-line method which we believe approximates the period during which we expect to receive the related benefits. Member relationships are amortized on an accelerated basis based on expected attrition. Favorable and unfavorable operating leases are amortized into rental expense over the lease term of the respective leases using the straight-line method.

Impairment of long-lived assets, including goodwill and intangible assets

We assess potential impairments to our long-lived assets, which include property and equipment and amortizable intangible assets, whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of an asset is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset group to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. Store-level assets are grouped by store and assessed on a store by store basis for the purpose of the impairment assessment. There were no impairment charges recorded during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 or 2013.

Goodwill and indefinite lived intangibles (our trade and brand name intangible assets) have been assigned to our reporting units for purposes of impairment testing. Our reporting units are Franchise, Corporate-owned stores and Equipment, which are the same as our reportable segments.

The goodwill impairment test consists of a comparison of each reporting unit’s fair value to its carrying value. The fair value of a reporting unit is an estimate of the amount for which the unit as a whole could be sold in a current transaction between willing parties. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill is written down to its implied fair value. Fair value of a reporting unit is estimated based on a combination of comparative market multiples and discounted cash flow valuation approaches. We are also permitted to make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a

 

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reporting unit is less than its carrying value prior to applying the quantitative assessment. If based on our qualitative assessment it is not more likely than not that the carrying value of the reporting unit is less than its fair value, then a quantitative assessment is not required. The qualitative assessment was utilized to assess goodwill for impairment for all of our reporting units in 2015.

We evaluate the remaining useful lives of our trade and brand name intangible assets to determine whether current events and circumstances continue to support an indefinite useful life. In addition, all of our indefinite lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually. The trade and brand name intangible asset impairment test consists of a comparison of the fair value of each trade name with its carrying value, with any excess of carrying value over fair value being recognized as an impairment loss. We are also permitted to make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not an indefinite lived intangible asset’s fair value is less than its carrying value prior to applying the quantitative assessment. If based on our qualitative assessment it is not more likely than not that the carrying value of the asset is less than its fair value, then a quantitative assessment is not required. The qualitative assessment was utilized to assess all of our indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment in 2015.

Currently, we have selected the last day of our year as the date on which to perform our annual impairment tests for goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets. We also test for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the fair value of such indefinite lived intangibles has been impaired. No impairment of goodwill or indefinite lived intangible assets was recorded during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 or 2013.

Equity-based compensation

We have equity-based compensation plans under which we receive services from our employees as consideration for equity instruments of the Company, including stock options and restricted stock units. The compensation expense is determined based on the fair value of the award as of the grant date. Compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period, which is the period over which all of the specified vesting conditions are satisfied. For awards with graded vesting, the fair value of each tranche is recognized over its respective vesting period.

Prior to the IPO, certain of our employees received grants of Class M Units in Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC. These awards are accounted for in accordance with guidance prescribed for accounting for share based compensation. Based on this guidance and the terms of the awards, the awards are equity classified. The Class M Units receive distributions (other than tax distributions) only upon a liquidity event, as defined, that exceeds a threshold equivalent to the fair value of the Company, as determined by the Company’s board of directors, at the grant date. Eighty percent of the awards vest over five years of continuous employment or service while the other twenty percent only vested in the event of an initial public offering of the Company’s common stock or that of its parent or one of its subsidiaries, subject to the holder of the Class M Units remaining employed or providing services on the date of such initial public offering. All awards include a repurchase option at the election of the Company for the vested portion upon termination of employment or service, and have a ten year contractual term. These awards are accounted for as equity at their fair value as of the grant date.

The fair value of each award was estimated on the date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation model. Significant assumptions include the business enterprise value, time to a liquidity event, volatility and expected term of the awards.

During the year ended December 31, 2015, prior to the IPO, we modified the vesting terms of 10.737 outstanding Class M Units such that those units were fully vested and eligible to receive distributions following a liquidity event. In connection with the IPO and related recapitalization transactions, all of the outstanding Class M Units

 

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were converted into Holdings Units and Class B common stock of Planet Fitness, Inc. in accordance with the terms of the awards. Our IPO constituted a qualifying event under the terms of the awards and as a result 4,238,338 Holdings Units and corresponding shares of Class B common stock were issued to the existing Class M Unit holders with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $1.52 per share.

Income taxes

As a result of the recapitalization transactions, Planet Fitness, Inc. became the sole managing member of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC which is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal and most applicable state and local income tax purposes. As a partnership, Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC is not subject to U.S. federal and certain state and local income taxes. Any taxable income or loss generated by Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC is passed through to and included in the taxable income or loss of its members, including Planet Fitness, Inc. following the recapitalization transactions, on a pro rata basis. Planet Fitness, Inc. is subject to U.S. federal income taxes, in addition to state and local income taxes with respect to our allocable share of any taxable income of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC following the recapitalization transactions. The Company is also subject to taxes in foreign jurisdictions.

Deferred income taxes are recognized for the expected future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the carrying amount of the existing tax assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to be applied in the years in which temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The principal items giving rise to temporary differences are the use of accelerated depreciation and certain basis differences resulting from acquisitions and the recapitalization transactions. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

We recognize the effects of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs.

Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC is liable for certain state and local taxes and is subject to tax withholding in foreign jurisdictions. Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC will also make pro rata tax distributions to the holders of Holdings Units in an amount sufficient to fund all or part of their tax obligations with respect to the taxable income of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC that is allocated to them. See “Certain relationships and related party transactions—Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC amended and restated limited liability company agreement.”

Tax benefit arrangements

Our acquisition of Holdings Units in connection with the IPO and future and certain past exchanges of Holdings Units for shares of our Class A common stock (or cash at the option of the Company) are expected to produce and have produced favorable tax attributes. In connection with the IPO, we entered into two tax receivable agreements. Under the first of those agreements, we are generally required to pay to the Continuing LLC Owners 85% of the applicable tax savings, if any, in U.S. federal and state income tax that we are deemed to realize as a result of certain tax attributes of their Holdings Units sold to us (or exchanged in a taxable sale) and that are created as a result of (i) the sales of their Holdings Units for shares of Class A common stock and (ii) tax benefits attributable to payments made under the tax receivable agreement (including imputed interest). Under the second tax receivable agreement, we are generally required to pay to the Direct TSG Investors 85% of the amount of tax savings, if any, that we are deemed to realize as a result of the tax attributes of the Holdings Units held in respect of the Direct TSG Investors’ interest in the Company, which resulted from the Direct TSG

 

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Investors’ purchase of interests in Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC in 2012, and certain other tax benefits. Under both agreements, we generally retain the benefit of the remaining 15% of the applicable tax savings. Also, pursuant to the exchange agreement described under “Certain relationships and related party transactions—Exchange agreement,” to the extent an exchange results in Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC incurring a current tax liability relating to the New Hampshire business profits tax, the Continuing LLC Owners have agreed that they will contribute to Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC an amount sufficient to pay such tax liability (up to 3.5% of the value received upon exchange). If and when we subsequently realize a related tax benefit, Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC will distribute the amount of any such tax benefit to the relevant Continuing LLC Owner in respect of its contribution.

Based on current projections, we anticipate having sufficient taxable income to utilize these tax attributes and receive corresponding tax deductions in future periods. Accordingly, at the completion of the recapitalization transactions and the IPO, we recorded an initial liability of $142.0 million payable to the Direct TSG Investors and the Continuing LLC Owners under the tax benefit obligations, representing approximately 85% of the calculated tax savings based on the original basis adjustments we anticipate being able to utilize in future years. Changes in the projected liability resulting from these tax benefit arrangements may occur based on changes in anticipated future taxable income, changes in applicable tax rates or other changes in tax attributes that may occur and impact the expected future tax benefits to be received by the Company. Changes in the projected liability under these tax benefit arrangements will be recorded as a component of other income (expense) each period. The projection of future taxable income involves significant judgment. Actual taxable income may differ from our estimates, which could significantly impact the liability under the tax benefit arrangements and our consolidated results of operations.

We expect to receive additional increases in our share of the tax basis of Pla-Fit Holdings assets when the Continuing LLC Owners exchange Holdings Units (together with the corresponding shares of Class B common stock) for Class A common stock. When we acquire Holdings Units from the Continuing LLC Owners, we expect both the original basis adjustments and the anticipated basis adjustments will increase, resulting in additional future tax deductions and therefore reducing the amount of future income tax we would otherwise be required to pay. These potential future increases in tax basis will result in additional deferred tax assets and additional liabilities under the tax benefit arrangements, representing approximately 85% of the projected tax savings for the expected use of these tax attributes. Such amounts will be recorded at the time of these future exchanges based on our projections of taxable income and other factors that may exist at the time of such exchanges.

JOBS Act

We qualify as an “emerging growth company” as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Securities Act, as modified by the JOBS Act. Section 107 of the JOBS Act provides that an emerging growth company can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. In other words, an emerging growth company can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We have irrevocably elected not to avail ourselves of this extended transition period and, as a result, we will adopt new or revised accounting standards on the relevant dates on which adoption of such standards is required for other public companies.

Subject to certain conditions set forth in the JOBS Act, we are also eligible for and intend to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies, including (i) the exemption from the auditor attestation requirements with respect to internal control over financial reporting under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, (ii) the exemptions from say-on-pay, say-on-frequency and say-on-golden parachute voting requirements and (iii) reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in this prospectus and our periodic

 

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reports and proxy statements. We may take advantage of these exemptions until we are no longer an emerging growth company. We will continue to be an emerging growth company until the earliest to occur of (i) the last day of the fiscal year in which the market value of our Class A common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of June 30 of that fiscal year, (ii) the last day of the fiscal year in which we had total annual gross revenue of $1 billion or more during such fiscal year (as indexed for inflation), (iii) the date on which we have issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt in the prior three-year period or (iv) the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the date of the first sale of Class A common stock under our IPO registration statement.

Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk

Interest rate risk

We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates on our senior secured credit facility, which bears interest at variable rates and has a U.S. dollar LIBOR floor of 1.00%. As of March 31, 2016, we had outstanding borrowings of $491.0 million. An increase in the effective interest rate applied to these borrowings of 100 basis points would result in a $4.9 million increase in pre-tax interest expense on an annualized basis. We manage our interest rate risk through normal operating and financing activities and, when determined appropriate, through the use of derivative financial instruments. To mitigate exposure to fluctuations in interest rates, we entered into a series of interest rate caps as discussed in Note 10 to our consolidated financial statements elsewhere in this prospectus.

Foreign exchange risk

We are exposed to fluctuations in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies, primarily the Canadian dollar, which is the functional currency of our Canadian entities. Our sales, costs and expenses of our Canadian subsidiaries, when translated into U.S. dollars, can fluctuate due to exchange rate movement. As of March 31, 2016, a 10% increase or decrease in exchange rates would increase or decrease net income by a negligible amount.

Inflation risk

Although we do not believe that inflation has had a material effect on our income from continuing operations, we have a substantial number of hourly employees in our corporate-owned stores that are paid wage rates at or based on the applicable federal or state minimum wage. Any increases in these minimum wages will subsequently increase our labor costs. We may or may not be able to offset cost increases in the future.

 

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Business

Our Company

Fitness for everyone

We are one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the United States by number of members and locations, with a highly recognized national brand. Our mission is to enhance people’s lives by providing a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment, which we call the Judgement Free Zone, where anyone—and we mean anyone—can feel they belong. Our bright, clean stores are typically 20,000 square feet, with a large selection of high-quality, purple and yellow Planet Fitness-branded cardio, circuit- and weight-training equipment and friendly staff trainers who offer unlimited free fitness instruction to all our members in small groups through our PE@PF program. We offer this differentiated fitness experience at only $10 per month for our standard membership. This exceptional value proposition is designed to appeal to a broad population, including occasional gym users and the approximately 80% of the U.S. and Canadian populations over age 14 who are not gym members, particularly those who find the traditional fitness club setting intimidating and expensive. We and our franchisees fiercely protect Planet Fitness’ community atmosphere—a place where you do not need to be fit before joining and where progress toward achieving your fitness goals (big or small) is supported and applauded by our staff and fellow members.

Our judgement-free approach to fitness and exceptional value proposition have enabled us to grow our revenues to $330.5 million in 2015 and to become an industry leader with $1.5 billion in system-wide sales during 2015, and more than 8.3 million members and 1,171 stores in 47 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada and the Dominican Republic as of March 31, 2016. System-wide sales for 2015 include $1.4 billion attributable to franchisee-owned stores, from which we generate royalty revenue, and $95.6 million attributable to our corporate-owned stores. Of our 1,171 stores, 1,113 are franchised and 58 are corporate-owned. Our stores are successful in a wide range of geographies and demographics. According to internal and third-party analysis, we believe we have the opportunity to more than triple our store count to over 4,000 stores in the U.S. alone. As of March 31, 2016, we had commitments from franchisees to open more than 1,000 new stores under existing ADAs.

In 2015, our corporate-owned stores had segment EBITDA margin of 36.7% and had AUVs of approximately $1.7 million with four-wall EBITDA margins (an assessment of store-level profitability which includes local and national advertising expense) of approximately 42%, or approximately 37% after applying the 5% royalty rate under our current franchise agreement. Based on a survey of franchisees, we believe that our franchise stores achieve four-wall EBITDA margins in line with these corporate-owned store EBITDA margins. Our strong member value proposition has also driven growth throughout a variety of economic cycles and conditions. For a reconciliation of segment EBITDA margin to four-wall EBITDA margin for corporate-owned stores, see “Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations—Non-GAAP financial measures.”

Our significant growth is reflected in:

 

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1,124 stores as of December 31, 2015, compared to 488 as of December 31, 2011, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (“CAGR”) of 23.2%;

 

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7.3 million members as of December 31, 2015, compared to 2.9 million as of December 31, 2011, reflecting a CAGR of 25.8%;

 

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2015 system-wide sales of $1.5 billion, reflecting a CAGR of 30.5%, or an increase of $1.0 billion, since 2011;

 

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2015 total revenue of $330.5 million, reflecting a CAGR of 24.8%, or an increase of $194.1 million, since 2011, of which 4.3% is attributable to revenues from corporate-owned stores acquired from or sold to franchisees since 2011;

 

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37 consecutive quarters of system-wide same store sales growth (which we define as year-over-year growth solely of monthly dues from stores that have been open and for which membership dues have been billed for longer than 12 months);

 

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2015 net income of $38.1 million, reflecting a CAGR of 6.8%, or an increase of $8.8 million, since 2011. Our historical results, prior to our initial public offering, benefit from insignificant income taxes due to our status as a pass-through entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and we anticipate future results will not be comparable to periods prior to our initial public offering as our income attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc. will be subject to U.S. federal and state taxes;

 

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2015 Adjusted EBITDA of $123.5 million, reflecting a CAGR of 34.1%, or an increase of $85.3 million, since 2011; and

 

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2015 pro forma adjusted net income of $53.2 million compared to $42.2 million in 2014, an increase of 26.2%.

 

 

 

For a discussion of Adjusted EBITDA and pro forma adjusted net income and a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA and pro forma adjusted net income to net income, see “Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations—Non-GAAP financial measures.” For a discussion of same store sales and the effect of our point-of-sale and billing system, see “Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations—How we assess the performance of our business.”

 

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We’re not a gym. We’re Planet Fitness.

We believe our approach to fitness is revolutionizing the industry by bringing fitness to a large, previously underserved segment of the population. Our differentiated member experience is driven by three key elements:

 

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Judgement Free Zone:    We believe every member should feel accepted and respected when they walk into a Planet Fitness. Our stores provide a Judgement Free Zone where members of all fitness levels can enjoy a non-intimidating environment. Our “come as you are” approach has fostered a strong sense of community among our members, allowing them not only to feel comfortable as they work toward their fitness goals but also to encourage others to do the same. The removal of heavy free weights reinforces our Judgement Free Zone by discouraging what we call “Lunkhead” behavior, such as dropping weights and grunting, that can be intimidating to new and occasional gym users. In addition, to help maintain our welcoming, judgement-free environment, each store has a purple and yellow branded “Lunk” alarm on the wall that staff occasionally rings as a light-hearted reminder of our policies.

 

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Distinct store experience:    Our bright, clean, large-format stores offer our members a selection of high-quality, purple and yellow Planet Fitness-branded cardio, circuit- and weight-training equipment that is commonly used by first-time and occasional gym users. Because our stores are typically 20,000 square feet and we do not offer non-essential amenities such as group exercise classes, pools, day care centers and juice bars, we have more space for the equipment our members do use, and we have not needed to impose time limits on our cardio machines.

 

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Exceptional value for members:    Both our standard and PF Black Card memberships are priced significantly below the industry average of $52 per month and still provide our members with a high-quality fitness experience. For only $10 per month, our standard membership includes unlimited access to one Planet Fitness location and unlimited free fitness instruction to all members in small groups through our PE@PF program. For $19.99 per month, our PF Black Card members have access to all of our stores system-wide and can bring a guest on each visit, which provides an additional opportunity to attract new members. Our PF Black Card members also have access to exclusive areas in our stores that provide amenities such as water massage beds, massage chairs, tanning equipment and more.

Our differentiated approach to fitness has allowed us to create an attractive franchise model that is both profitable and scalable. We recognize that our success depends on a shared passion with our franchisees for providing a distinctive store experience based on a judgement-free environment and an exceptional value for our members. We enhance the attractiveness of our streamlined, easy-to-operate franchise model by providing franchisees with extensive operational support relating to site selection and development, marketing and training. We also take a highly collaborative, teamwork approach to our relationship with franchisees, as captured by our motto “One Team, One Planet.” The strength of our brand and the attractiveness of our franchise model are evidenced by the fact that over 90% of our new stores in 2015 were opened by our existing franchisee base.

 

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Our competitive strengths

We attribute our success to the following strengths:

 

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Market leader with differentiated member experience, nationally recognized brand and scale advantage.    We believe we are the largest operator of fitness centers in the United States by number of members, with more than 8.3 million members as of March 31, 2016. Our franchisee-owned and corporate-owned stores generated $1.5 billion in system-wide sales during 2015. Through our differentiated member experience, nationally recognized brand and scale advantage, we will continue to deliver a compelling value proposition to our members and our franchisees and, we believe, grow our store and total membership base.

 

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Differentiated member experience.    We seek to provide our members with a high-quality fitness experience in a non-intimidating, judgement-free environment at an exceptional value. We have a dedicated Brand Excellence team that seeks to ensure that all our franchise stores uphold our brand standards and deliver a consistent Planet Fitness member experience in every store.

 

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Nationally recognized brand.    We have developed a highly relatable and recognized brand that emphasizes our focus on providing our members with a judgement-free environment. We do so through fun and memorable marketing campaigns and in-store signage that often poke fun at “Lunk” behavior. As a result, we have the highest aided and unaided brand awareness and likelihood to join scores in the U.S. fitness industry, according to a third-party consumer study that we commissioned in January 2016. Our brand strength also helps our franchisees attract members, with new stores in 2015 signing up an average of approximately 1,300 members even before opening their doors.

 

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Scale advantage.    Our scale provides several competitive advantages, including enhanced purchasing power with our fitness equipment and other suppliers and the ability to attract high-quality franchisee partners. In addition, we estimate that our large U.S. national advertising fund, funded by franchisees and us, together with our requirement that franchisees generally spend 5 to 7% of their monthly membership dues on local advertising, have enabled us and our franchisees to spend over $225 million since 2011 on marketing to drive consumer brand awareness.

 

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Exceptional value proposition that appeals to a broad member demographic.    We offer a high-quality and consistent fitness experience throughout our entire store base at low monthly membership dues. Combined with our non-intimidating and welcoming environment, we are able to attract a broad member demographic based on age, household income, gender and ethnicity. Our member base is over 50% female and our members come from both high- and low-income households. Our broad appeal and ability to attract occasional and first-time gym users enable us to continue to target a large segment of the population in a variety of markets and geographies across the United States and Canada.

 

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Strong store-level economics.    Our store model is designed to generate attractive four-wall EBITDA margins, strong free cash flow and high returns on invested capital for both our corporate-owned and franchise stores. Average four-wall EBITDA margins for our corporate-owned stores have increased significantly since 2011, driven by higher average members per store as well as a higher percentage of PF Black Card members, which leverage our relatively fixed costs. In 2015, our corporate-owned stores had segment EBITDA margin of 36.7% and had AUVs of approximately $1.7 million with four-wall EBITDA margins of approximately 42%, or approximately 37% after applying the 5% royalty rate under our current franchise agreement. Based on a survey of franchisees, we believe that our franchise stores achieve four-wall EBITDA margins in line with these corporate-owned store EBITDA margins. We believe that our strong store-level economics are important to our ability to attract and retain successful franchisees and grow our store base.

 

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Highly attractive franchise system built for growth.    Our easy-to-operate model, strong store-level economics and brand strength have enabled us to attract a team of professional, successful franchisees from

 

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a variety of industries. We believe that our franchise model enables us to scale more rapidly than a company-owned model. Our streamlined model features relatively fixed labor costs, minimal inventory, automatic billing and limited cash transactions. Our franchisees enjoy recurring monthly member dues, regardless of member use, weather or other factors. Based on survey data and management estimates, we believe our franchisees can earn, in their second year of operations, on average, a cash-on-cash return on initial investment greater than 25% after royalties and advertising, which is in line with our corporate-owned stores. The attractiveness of our franchise model is further evidenced by the fact that our franchisees re-invest their capital with us, with over 90% of our new stores in 2015 opened by our existing franchisee base. We view our franchisees as strategic partners in expanding the Planet Fitness store base and brand.

 

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Predictable and recurring revenue streams with high cash flow conversion.    Our business model provides us with predictable and recurring revenue streams. In 2015, over 90% of both our corporate-owned store and franchise revenues consisted of recurring revenue streams, which include royalties, vendor commissions, monthly dues and annual fees. In addition, our franchisees are obligated to purchase fitness equipment from us or our vendors for their new stores and to replace this equipment every four to seven years. As a result, these “equip” and “re-equip” requirements create a predictable and growing revenue stream as our franchisees open new stores under their ADAs. By re-investing in stores, we and our franchisees maintain and enhance our member experience. Our predictable and recurring revenue streams, combined with our attractive margins and minimal capital requirements, result in high cash flow conversion and increased capacity to invest in future growth initiatives.

 

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Proven, experienced management team driving a strong culture.    Our strategic vision and unique culture have been developed and fostered by our senior management team under the stewardship of Chief Executive Officer, Chris Rondeau. Mr. Rondeau has been with Planet Fitness for over 20 years and helped develop the Planet Fitness business model and brand elements that give us our distinct personality and spirited culture. Dorvin Lively, our Chief Financial Officer, brings valuable expertise from his 30 years of corporate finance experience with companies such as RadioShack and Ace Hardware, and from the initial public offering of Maidenform Brands. We have assembled a management team that shares our passion for “fitness for everyone” and has extensive experience across a broad range of disciplines, including retail, franchising, finance, consumer marketing, brand development and information technology. We believe our senior management team is a key driver of our success and has positioned us well to execute our long-term growth strategy.

Our growth strategies

We believe there are significant opportunities to grow our brand awareness, increase our revenues and profitability and deliver shareholder value by executing on the following strategies:

 

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Continue to grow our store base across a broad range of markets.    We have grown our store count over the last five years, expanding from 389 stores as of December 31, 2010 to 1,171 stores as of March 31, 2016. As of March 31, 2016, our franchisees have signed ADAs to open more than 1,000 additional stores over the next five years, including approximately 500 over the next three years. Because our stores are successful across a wide range of geographies and demographics with varying population densities, we believe that our high level of brand awareness and low per capita penetration outside of our original Northeast market create a significant opportunity to open new Planet Fitness stores. Based on our internal and third-party analysis, we believe we have the potential to grow our store base to over 4,000 stores in the United States alone.

 

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•

Drive revenue growth and system-wide same store sales.    Because we provide a high-quality, affordable, non-intimidating fitness experience that is designed for first-time and occasional gym users, we have achieved positive system-wide same store sales growth in each of the past 37 quarters. We expect to continue to grow system-wide same store sales primarily by:

 

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Attracting new members to existing Planet Fitness stores.    As the U.S. and Canadian populations continue to focus on health and wellness, we believe we are well-positioned to capture a disproportionate share of the population given our appeal to first-time and occasional gym users. In addition, because our stores offer a large, focused selection of equipment geared toward first-time and occasional gym users, we are able to service higher member volumes without sacrificing the member experience. We also have continued to evolve our offerings to appeal to our target member base, such as the introduction of 12-minute abdominal circuits and 30-minute express workout areas.

 

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Increasing mix of PF Black Card memberships by enhancing value and member experience.    We expect to drive sales by converting our existing members with standard membership dues at $10 per month to our premium PF Black Card membership with dues at $19.99 per month as well as attracting new members to join at the PF Black Card level. We encourage this upgrade by continuing to enhance the value of our PF Black Card benefits through additional in-store amenities and affinity partnerships with well-known retail brands for discounts and promotions. Since 2011, our PF Black Card members as a percentage of total membership has increased from 42% in 2011 to 57% in 2015, and our average monthly dues per member have increased from $14.24 to $15.64 over the same period.

We may also explore other future revenue opportunities, such as optimizing member pricing and fees, offering new merchandise and services inside and outside our stores, and securing affinity and other corporate partnerships.

 

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Increase brand awareness to drive growth.    We plan to continue to increase our strong brand awareness by leveraging significant marketing expenditures by our franchisees and us, which we believe will result in increasing membership in new and existing stores and continue to attract high-quality franchisee partners. Under our current U.S. and Canadian franchise agreements, franchisees are required to contribute 2% of their monthly membership dues to our National Advertising Fund (“NAF”), from which we spent over $26 million in 2015 alone to support our national marketing campaigns, our social media platforms and the development of local advertising materials. Under our current U.S. and Canadian franchise agreements, franchisees are also required to spend 7% of their monthly membership dues on local advertising. We expect both our NAF and local advertising spending to grow as our membership grows.

 

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Continue to expand royalties from increases in average royalty rate and new franchisees.    While our current franchise agreement stipulates monthly royalty rates of 5% of monthly dues and annual membership fees, only 37% of our stores are paying royalties at the current franchise agreement rate, primarily due to lower rates in historical agreements. As new franchisees enter our system and, generally, as current franchisees open new stores or renew their existing franchise agreements at the current royalty rate, our average system-wide royalty rate will increase. Also, when existing stores with royalty rates below our current rate are transferred, whether to new or existing franchisees, our average system-wide royalty rate will increase. In 2015, our average monthly royalty rate was 3.27% compared to 1.67% in 2011. In addition to rising average royalty rates, total royalty revenue will continue to grow as we expand our franchise store base and increase franchise same store sales.

 

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Grow sales from fitness equipment and related services.    Our franchisees are contractually obligated to purchase fitness equipment from us and, in international markets, from our required vendors. Due to our scale and negotiating power, we believe we offer competitive pricing for high-quality, purple and yellow Planet Fitness-branded fitness equipment. We expect our equipment sales to grow as our U.S. franchisees

 

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open new stores. In international markets, we earn a commission on the sale of equipment by our required vendors to franchisee-owned stores. Additionally, all franchisees are required to replace their existing equipment with new equipment every four to seven years. As the number of franchise stores continues to increase and existing franchise stores continue to mature, we anticipate incremental growth in revenue related to the sale of equipment to U.S. franchisees and commissions on the sale of equipment to international franchisees. In addition, we believe that regularly refreshing equipment helps our franchise stores maintain a consistent, high-quality fitness experience and drives new member growth.

Our industry

Due to our unique positioning to a broader demographic, we believe Planet Fitness has an addressable market that is significantly larger than the traditional health club industry. We view our addressable market as approximately 255 million people, representing the U.S. population over 14 years of age. We compete broadly for consumer discretionary spending related to leisure, sports, entertainment and other non-fitness activities in addition to the traditional health club market.

According to the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (“IHRSA”), the U.S. health club industry generated approximately $24.2 billion in revenue in 2014. The industry is highly fragmented, with 34,460 clubs across the U.S. serving approximately 54 million members, according to IHRSA. In 2014, the U.S. health club industry grew by 6.4% in number of units and 2.3% in number of members compared to Planet Fitness, which grew by 22.6% and 26.1%, respectively. IHRSA data for 2015 has not yet been released, but Planet Fitness grew its number of stores by 22.4% and its number of members by 20.0% in 2015. Over the next five years, industry sources project that U.S. health club industry revenues will grow at an annualized rate of approximately 3%, primarily attributed to an increase in discretionary spending coupled with continued consumer awareness and public initiatives on the health benefits of exercise. We believe we are well-positioned to capitalize on these trends, and our impressive growth reinforces our distinct approach to fitness and broad demographic appeal.

Our brand philosophy

We are a brand built on passion and the belief that first-time gym users and casual fitness members can achieve their personal wellness goals in a non-intimidating, judgement-free environment. We have become a nationally recognized consumer brand that stands for the environment, value and quality we provide our members.

The Judgement Free Zone.    Planet Fitness is the home of the Judgement Free Zone. It is a place where people of all fitness levels can feel comfortable working out at their own pace, feel supported in their efforts and not feel intimidated by pushy salespeople or other members who may ruin their fitness experience.

All This for Only That.    Planet Fitness monthly membership dues range from only $10 to $19.99. We pride ourselves on providing a high-quality experience at an exceptional value, not an “economy” fitness experience.

No Gymtimidation.    Gymtimidation is any behavior that makes others feel intimidated or uncomfortable in our stores. Our policy is simple: Planet Fitness is an environment where members can relax, go at their own pace and be themselves without ever having to worry about being judged. Behaviors such as grunting, dropping weights or judging others simply are not tolerated.

No Lunks.    Lunks are people who Gymtimidate. To help maintain our judgement-free environment, each store has a purple and yellow branded “Lunk” alarm on the wall that our staff occasionally rings as a light-hearted, gentle reminder of our policies.

You Belong.    We do a lot of little things to make members feel like part of our community—like saying hello and goodbye to everyone who enters our stores, providing Tootsie Rolls at the front desk so that our staff has

 

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another opportunity to engage with members, and other membership appreciation gestures such as monthly Pizza Mondays and Bagel Tuesdays at no cost to our members.

Planet of Triumphs.    All of our members are working toward their goals—from a single push-up to making it to Planet Fitness twice in a week to losing hundreds of pounds. No matter what size the goal, we believe that all of these accomplishments deserve to be celebrated. Planet of Triumphs (www.PlanetofTriumphs.com) is an elevating, inspiring, 100% Judgement Free social community of real members where all stories are welcome. This community now includes over 119,000 active members, with more than 100,000 posts and over 2.1 million site views. Planet of Triumphs provides an online platform for members to recognize their triumphs (big and small), share their stories and encourage others, while spotlighting our unique brand belief that everyone belongs.

Membership

We make it simple for members to join, whether online or in-store—no pushy sales tactics, no pressure and no complicated rate structures. Our corporate store staff is not paid commissions based on membership sales but rather have the opportunity to earn a monthly bonus based primarily on store cleanliness, and we urge our franchisees to follow our lead. Our regional managers review our corporate stores multiple times per month for quality control, including generally one visit per month during which they evaluate store cleanliness based upon internally established criteria from which the monthly bonus is derived. Our members generally pay the following amounts:

 

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monthly membership dues of only $10 for our standard membership or, for PF Black Card members, $19.99;

 

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annual fees of approximately $10 to $39; and

 

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enrollment fees of approximately $0 to $59.

Belonging to a Planet Fitness store has perks whether members select the standard membership or the premium PF Black Card membership. Every member gets to take part in Pizza Mondays and Bagel Tuesdays and gets free, unlimited fitness instruction in small groups, plus a T-shirt or other Planet Fitness item. Our PF Black Card members also have the right to reciprocal use of all Planet Fitness stores, can bring a friend with them each time they work out, and have access to massage beds and chairs and tanning, among other benefits. PF Black Card benefits extend beyond our store as well, with exclusive specials and discount offers from third-party retail partners like Reebok. While some of our memberships require a cancellation fee, we offer, and require our franchisees to offer, a non-committal membership option.

As of March 31, 2016, we had more than 8.3 million members. We utilize electronic funds transfer (“EFT”) as our primary method of collecting monthly dues and annual membership fees. Over 80% of membership fee payments to our corporate-owned and franchise stores are collected via ACH direct debit. We believe there are certain advantages to receiving a higher concentration of ACH payments, as compared to credit cards payments, including less frequent expiration of billing information and reduced exposure to subjective chargeback or dispute claims and fees. Due to our scale and negotiating power, we believe that our third party payment processors offer a competitive bundle of transaction pricing and support services to our franchisees while facilitating revenue collection by us.

 

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Our stores

We had 1,171 stores system-wide as of March 31, 2016, of which 1,113 were franchised and 58 were corporate-owned, located in 47 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada and the Dominican Republic. The map below shows our franchisee-owned stores by location, and the accompanying table shows our corporate-owned stores by location.

 

Franchisee-owned store count by location

 

As of March 31, 2016, we had commitments to open more than 1,000 new stores under existing ADAs.

Our format

Many traditional gyms include expensive add-ons such as pools, group exercise rooms, daycare facilities and juice bars that require additional maintenance expense and staffing. We have removed these unnecessary and expense-adding facilities and services and replaced them with additional cardio and strength equipment, which we believe allows us to serve more members without imposing time limits on equipment use. We believe our streamlined offerings appeal to the core needs of most gym users, especially first-time or occasional gym users.

Our stores are designed and outfitted to match our brand philosophy, with bright, bold purple and yellow color schemes and purple and yellow Planet Fitness-branded equipment and amenities. Our typical store is 20,000 square feet in single or multi-level retail space. Our stores generally include at least 75 to 100 pieces of co-branded cardio equipment, free weights, strength machines, a 30-minute circuit workout area and a 12-minute abdominal workout area, a small retail area and a drink cooler. For our PF Black Card members, our stores also generally feature a PF Black Card spa area with total body enhancement machines, massage beds or chairs and tanning.

 

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Store model

Our store model is designed to generate attractive four-wall EBITDA margins, strong free cash flow and high returns on invested capital for both our corporate-owned and franchise stores. Based on survey data from franchisees relating to over 200 stores for 2013 and management estimates, we believe that our franchise stores achieve store-level profitability in line with our corporate-owned store base. The stores included in this survey represent those stores that voluntarily disclosed such information in response to our request, and we believe this information reflects a representative sample of franchisees based on the franchisee groups and geographic areas represented by these stores. Our average four-wall EBITDA margins for our corporate-owned stores have increased significantly since 2011, driven by higher average members per store as well as a higher percentage of PF Black Card members, which leverages our fixed costs. In 2015, our corporate-owned stores had segment EBITDA margin of 36.7% and had AUVs of approximately $1.7 million with four-wall EBITDA margins of approximately 42%, or approximately 37% after applying the 5% royalty rate under our current franchise agreement. Based on survey data and management analysis, franchisees have historically earned, and we believe can continue to earn, in their second year of operations, on average, a cash-on-cash return on unlevered (i.e., not debt-financed) initial investment greater than 25% after royalties and advertising, which is in line with our corporate-owned stores. A franchisee’s initial investment includes fitness equipment purchased from us (or from our required vendors in the case of our franchisees in international markets) as well as costs for non-fitness equipment and leasehold improvements. The attractiveness of our franchise model is further evidenced by the fact that over 90% of our new stores in 2015 were opened by our existing franchisee base. We believe that our strong store-level economics are important to our ability to attract and retain successful franchisees and grow our store base.

Fitness equipment

We provide our members with high-quality, Planet Fitness-branded fitness equipment from leading suppliers. In order to maintain a consistent experience across our store base, we stipulate specific pieces and quantities of cardio and strength-training equipment and provide general guidelines for layout and placement. Due to our scale, we are able to negotiate competitive pricing and secure extended warranties from our suppliers. As a result, we believe we offer equipment at more attractive pricing than franchisees could otherwise secure on their own.

Leases

We lease all of our corporate-owned stores and our corporate headquarters. Our store leases typically have initial terms of 10 years with two five-year renewal options, exercisable in our discretion. Our corporate headquarters are located at 26 Fox Run Road, Newington, New Hampshire and serve as our base of operations for substantially all of our executive management and employees who provide our primary corporate support functions, including finance, legal, marketing, technology, real estate, development and human resources.

Franchisees own or directly lease from a third-party each Planet Fitness franchise location. We do not own or enter into leases for Planet Fitness franchise stores and generally do not guarantee franchisees’ lease agreements, although we have done so in a few isolated instances.

Franchising

Franchising strategy

We rely heavily on our franchising strategy to develop new Planet Fitness stores, leveraging the ownership of entrepreneurs with specific local market expertise and requiring a relatively minimal capital commitment by us. As of December 31, 2015, there were 1,066 franchised Planet Fitness stores operated by approximately 200

 

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franchisee groups. The majority of our existing franchise operators are multi-unit operators. As of December 31, 2015, 91% of all franchise stores were owned and operated by a franchisee group that owns at least three stores. However, while our largest franchisee owned 49 stores as of December 31, 2015, only 10% of our franchisee groups owned more than ten stores as of December 31, 2015. When considering a potential franchisee, we generally evaluate the potential franchisee’s prior experience in franchising or other multi-unit businesses, history in managing profit and loss operations, financial history and available capital and financing. We generally do not permit franchisees to borrow more than 80% of the initial investment for their Planet Fitness business.

Area development agreements

An ADA specifies the number of Planet Fitness stores to be developed by the franchisee in a designated geographic area, and requires the franchisee to meet certain scheduled deadlines for the development and opening of each Planet Fitness store authorized by the ADA. If the franchisee meets those obligations, we agree not to, during the term of the ADA, operate or franchise new Planet Fitness stores in the designated geographic area. The franchisee must sign a separate franchise agreement with us for each Planet Fitness store developed under an ADA, and that franchise agreement governs the franchisee’s right to own and operate the Planet Fitness store.

Franchise agreements

For each franchised Planet Fitness store, we enter into a franchise agreement covering standard terms and conditions. Planet Fitness franchisees are not granted an exclusive area or territory under the franchise agreement. The franchise agreement requires that the franchisee operate the Planet Fitness store at a specific location and in compliance with our standard methods of operation, including providing the services, using the vendors and selling the merchandise that we require (or our required vendors in the case of our franchisees located in international markets). The typical franchise agreement has a 10-year term. Additionally, U.S. franchisees must purchase equipment from us and replace the fitness equipment in their stores every four to seven years and periodically refurbish and remodel their stores.

We currently require each franchisee to designate a responsible owner and an approved operator for each Planet Fitness store that will have primary management authority for that store. We require these franchisees to complete our initial and ongoing training programs, including minimum periods of classroom and on-the-job training.

Site selection and approval

Our stores are generally located in free-standing retail buildings or neighborhood shopping centers, and we consider locations in both high- and low-density markets. We seek out locations with (i) high visibility and accessibility, (ii) favorable traffic counts and patterns, (iii) availability of signage, (iv) ample parking or access to public transportation and (v) our targeted demographics. Our site analytics tools provide us with extensive demographic data and analysis that we use to review new and existing sites and markets for our corporate-owned stores and franchisees. We assess population density and drive time, current tenant mix, layout, potential competition and cannibalization of existing Planet Fitness stores and comparative data based upon existing stores—all the way down to optimal ceiling heights and HVAC requirements. Our real estate team meets regularly to review sites for future development and follows a detailed approval process to ensure each site aligns with our strategic growth objectives and critical success factors.

We help franchisees select sites and develop facilities in these stores that conform to the physical specifications for a Planet Fitness store. Each franchisee is responsible for selecting a site, but must obtain site approval from

 

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us. We primarily learn of new sites in two ways. First, we have a formal site-approval submission process for landlords and franchisees. Each site submitted to us is reviewed by a subcommittee of our real estate team for brand qualifications. Second, we proactively review real estate portfolios for appropriate sites that we may consider for corporate-owned stores or franchisee development, depending upon location. In 2015, we identified and evaluated a total of more than 2,000 sites on this basis.

We are also involved in real estate organizations such as the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), a trade organization for the international shopping center industry. Our membership in ICSC allows us to gather data, meet prospective landlords and further enhance our reputation as a desired tenant for shopping centers.

Design and construction

Once we have approved a franchisee’s site selection, we assist in the design and layout of the store and track the franchisee’s progress from lease signing to grand opening. Franchisees work directly with our franchise support team to track key milestones, coordinate with vendors and make equipment purchases. Certain Planet Fitness brand elements are required to be incorporated into every new store, and we strive for a consistent appearance across all of our stores, emphasizing clean, attractive facilities, including full-size locker rooms, and modern equipment. Franchisees must abide by our standards related to fixtures, finishes and design elements, including distinctive touches such as our “Lunk” alarm. We believe these elements are critical to ensure brand consistency and member experience system-wide.

In 2015, based on a sample of U.S. franchisee data, we believe construction of franchise stores averaged approximately 12 weeks. In addition, based upon this sample of 47 stores across a wide range of U.S. geographies, we estimate that franchisees’ unlevered (i.e., not debt-financed) investment in 2015 to open new stores was approximately $1.9 million. This amount includes fitness equipment purchased from us as well as costs for non-fitness equipment and leasehold improvements from data we received from two general contractors that oversaw the construction of these 47 new stores. Additionally, this amount includes an estimate of other costs that are typically paid by the franchisee and not managed by the general contractor. These amounts can vary significantly depending on a number of factors, including landlord allowances for tenant improvements and construction costs from different geographies.

Franchisee support

We live and breathe the motto One Team, One Planet in our daily interactions with franchisees. Our franchise model is streamlined and easy-to-operate, with efficient staffing and minimal inventory, and is supported by an active, engaged franchise operations system. We provide our franchisees with operational support, marketing materials and training resources. Our strong and long-lasting partnership with our franchisees is reflected in the fact that over 90% of our new stores in 2015 were opened by our existing franchisee base.

Training.    In 2014, we developed, and continue to update and expand, Planet Fitness University, a comprehensive training resource to help franchisees operate successful stores. Courses are delivered online, and content focuses on customer service, operational policies, brand standards, cleanliness, security awareness, crisis management and vendor product information. We are continually adding and improving the content available on Planet Fitness University as a no-cost service to help enhance training programs for franchisees. Additional training opportunities offered to our franchisees include new owner orientation, operations training and workshops held at Planet Fitness headquarters and in stores across the country as well as through webinars.

Operational support and communication.    We believe spending quality time with our franchisees in person is an important opportunity to further strengthen our relationships and share best practices. We have dedicated

 

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operations and marketing teams providing ongoing support to franchisees. We are hands on—we often attend franchisees’ presales and grand openings, and we host franchisee meetings each year, known as “PF Huddles.” We also communicate regularly with our entire franchisee base to keep them informed, and we host an Annual Franchise Conference every year that is geared towards franchisees and their operations teams.

We regularly communicate with the franchisee advisory groups described below and send a weekly email communication to all franchisees with timely “news you can use” information related to operations, marketing, financing and equipment. Every month, a franchisee newsletter is sent to all franchisees, which includes a personal letter from our Chief Executive Officer, important updates on the business and benchmarking reports.

Franchisee relations.    Because our ability to execute our strategy is dependent upon the strength of our relationships with our franchisees, we maintain an ongoing dialogue and strong relationship with two franchise advisory groups, the Franchise Advisory Council (“FAC”) and the Planet Fitness Independent Franchise Association (“PFIFA”). The FAC includes seven franchisees elected by the franchisee base and numerous committees consisting of approximately 40 franchisees. The FAC and its committees provide feedback and input on major brand initiatives, new product and service introductions, technology initiatives, marketing programs and advertising campaigns. FAC leaders have regular dialogue with our executive team and work closely with us to advise on major initiatives impacting the brand. Our strong culture of working together is the driving force behind all we do, and we refer to our franchisees as “raving FANchisees.” In 2014, in cooperation with us, our franchisees also organized PFIFA. PFIFA assists our franchisees and us in working together to develop brand ideas, streamline legal agreements and provide advice on related topics to franchisees on issues such as succession and estate planning.

Compliance with brand standards—Brand Excellence

We have a dedicated Brand Excellence team focused on ensuring that our franchise stores adhere to brand standards and providing ongoing assistance, training and monitoring to those franchisees that have difficulty meeting those standards. We generally perform a detailed Brand Excellence review on each franchise store within 30 to 60 days of opening, and each franchise store is generally reviewed at least once per year thereafter. In 2015, our Brand Excellence team performed approximately 1,030 franchise store reviews covering all franchise ownership groups.

We review stores based on a wide range of criteria ranging from cleanliness to compliance with signage and layout requirements and operational standards. We record the results of each review in a third-party Planet Fitness-branded software system, which automatically sends a Brand Excellence report to the appropriate franchisee. Results are also available to the franchisee through the Brand Excellence software system, which provides access to regional and international benchmarking data, allowing franchisees to compare overall results among their peers as well as results based upon each criterion. Stores that do not receive a passing score are automatically flagged for follow-up by our team and will generally be reevaluated within 30 to 60 days to ensure all identified issues have been addressed. Our Brand Excellence system also enables franchisees to perform, track and benchmark self-assessments and online member surveys through the Brand Excellence software system.

We also use mystery shoppers to perform anonymous Brand Excellence reviews of franchise stores. We generally select franchise stores for review randomly but also target underperforming stores and stores that have not performed well in Brand Excellence reviews.

 

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Marketing

Marketing strategy

Our marketing strategy is anchored by our key brand differentiators—the Judgement Free Zone, our exceptional value and our high-quality experience. We are well known for our memorable and creative advertising, which not only drives membership sales, but also showcases our brand philosophy, humor and innovation in the industry. We see Planet Fitness as a community gathering place, and the heart of our marketing strategy is to create a welcoming community for our members.

Marketing spending

National advertising.    We support our franchisees both at a national and local level. We manage the U.S. NAF and Canadian advertising fund for franchisees and corporate-owned stores, with the goals of generating national awareness and new memberships through national advertising and media partnerships, developing and maintaining creative assets to support local sale periods throughout the year, and building and supporting the Planet Fitness community via digital and social media. Our current U.S. and Canadian franchise agreement requires franchisees to contribute 2% of their monthly EFT to the NAF and Canadian advertising fund, respectively. Since the NAF was founded in September 2011, it has enabled us to spend approximately $76 million to increase national brand awareness and new memberships, including over $26 million in 2015. We believe this is a powerful marketing tool as it allows us to increase brand awareness in new and existing markets.

Local marketing.    Our current franchise agreement requires franchisees to spend 7% of their monthly EFT on local marketing to support promotional sale periods throughout the year and continue to build the brand in local markets. In situations where we deem it appropriate, we also require franchisees to form or join regional marketing cooperatives to maximize the impact of their marketing spending. Our corporate-owned stores contribute to, and participate in, regional marketing cooperatives with franchisees where practical. All franchise stores are supported by our dedicated franchisee marketing team, which provides guidance, tracking, measurement and advice on best practices. Franchisees spend their marketing dollars in a variety of ways to promote business at their stores on a local level. These methods typically include media vehicles that are effective on a local level, including direct mail, outdoor (including billboards) and radio advertisements and local partnerships and sponsorships.

Social media

We have an engaged social media platform, which we believe further raises brand awareness and creates community among our members. Not only do we have our own dedicated Planet of Triumphs community but we also maintain a corporate Facebook page with localized sub pages and Twitter and Instagram feeds and seek to engage frequently and personally with our members online.

Media partnerships

Given our scale and marketing resources through our national advertising fund, we have aligned ourselves with high-profile media partners who have helped to extend the reach of our brand. Through our five-year partnership with “The Biggest Loser,” a popular television show running on NBC where competitors strive to lose weight and learn to live a healthier lifestyle, we showcase the power of our Judgement Free Zone in enabling everyday people (including those who may have never considered joining a gym before) to achieve healthier lifestyles. The partnership includes Planet Fitness-branded fitness equipment and logos on air, in-store integrations with trainers and contestants, digital advertising on NBC, local appearances of contestants

 

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and other promotions. We are also excited to make a three-year commitment to be featured on Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve with Ryan Seacrest and be the presenting sponsor in Times Square. Through on-air verbal mentions, a celebrity integration with host Jenny McCarthy, 30,000 branded hats and balloons and a branded stage showcasing top tier entertainment in Times Square seen by over a billion people worldwide, we encouraged everyone to have a “Judgement Free” New Year with us.

Charitable partnerships

We believe strongly in giving back to the communities we serve. In March of 2016, Planet Fitness launched the brand’s national philanthropic platform, “The Judgement Free Generation.” By working with two nationally recognized non-profit partners, Stomp Out Bullying and The Boys & Girls Clubs of America, our mission is to extend our Judgement Free Zone beyond our stores into our communities to help combat the bullying and judgement faced by today’s teens. Together, we and our franchisees have committed approximately $1.3 million to help fund numerous anti-bullying and pro-kindness initiatives impacting teens and intend to continue supporting this initiative.

In addition, we and our franchisees have supported a variety of additional causes over the years including the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, donating approximately $2 million, as well as other organizations, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Our franchisees also donate to and support a variety of local organizations in their communities such as youth sports groups and various non-profits.

Competition

In a broad sense, because many of our members are first-time or occasional gym-goers, we believe we compete with both fitness and non-fitness consumer discretionary spending alternatives for members’ and prospective members’ time and discretionary resources.

To a great extent, we also compete with other industry participants, including:

 

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other fitness centers;

 

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recreational facilities established by non-profit organizations such as YMCAs and by businesses for their employees;

 

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private studios and other boutique fitness offerings;

 

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racquet, tennis and other athletic clubs;

 

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amenity and condominium/apartment clubs;

 

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country clubs;

 

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online personal training and fitness coaching;

 

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the home-use fitness equipment industry;

 

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local tanning salons; and

 

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businesses offering similar services.

The health club industry is highly competitive and fragmented, and the number, size and strength of competitors vary by region. Some of our competitors have name recognition in their respective countries or an established presence in local markets, and some are established in markets in which we have existing stores or intend to locate new stores. These risks are more significant internationally, where we have a limited number of stores and limited brand recognition.

 

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We compete primarily based upon the membership value proposition we are able to offer due to our significant economies of scale, high-quality fitness experience, judgement-free atmosphere and superior customer service, all at an exceptional value, which we believe differentiates us from our competitors.

Our competition continues to increase as we continue to expand into new markets and add stores in existing markets. See also “Risk factors—Risks related to our business and industry—The high level of competition in the health and fitness industry could materially and adversely affect our business.”

Suppliers

Franchisees are required to purchase fitness equipment from us (or our required vendors in the case of franchisees located in international markets) and are required to purchase various other items from vendors that we approve. We sell equipment purchased from third-party equipment manufacturers (or our required vendors in the case of franchisees located in international markets) to franchise stores in the U.S. We also have two approved suppliers of tanning beds, one approved supplier of massage beds, one approved supplier of massage chairs, and various approved suppliers of non-fitness equipment and miscellaneous items such as towels and t-shirts. These vendors arrange for delivery of products and services directly to franchise stores. From time to time, we re-evaluate our supply relationships to ensure we obtain competitive pricing and high-quality equipment and other items.

Employees

As of December 31, 2015, we employed approximately 756 employees at our corporate-owned stores and approximately 180 employees at our corporate headquarters located at 26 Fox Run Road, Newington, New Hampshire. None of our employees are represented by labor unions, and we believe we have an excellent relationship with our employees.

Planet Fitness franchises are independently owned and operated businesses. As such, employees of our franchisees are not employees of the Company.

Information technology and systems

All stores use a computerized, third-party hosted store management system to process new in-store memberships, bill members, update member information, check-in members, process point of sale transactions as well as track and analyze sales, membership statistics, cross-store utilization, member tenure, amenity usage, billing performance and demographic profiles by member. Our websites are hosted by third parties, and we also rely on third-party vendors for related functions such as our system for processing and integrating new online memberships, updating member information and making online payments. We believe these systems are scalable to support our growth plans.

Our back-office computer systems are comprised of a variety of technologies designed to assist in the management and analysis of our revenues, costs and key operational metrics as well as support the daily operations of our headquarters. These include third-party hosted systems that support our real estate and construction processes, a third-party hosted financial system, a third-party hosted data warehouse and business intelligence system to consolidate multiple data sources for reporting, advanced analysis, and financial analysis and forecasting, a third-party hosted payroll system, on-premise telephony systems and a third-party hosted call center software solution to manage and track member-related requests.

We also provide our franchisees access to a web-based, third-party hosted custom franchise management system to receive informational notices, operational resources and updates, training materials and other

 

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franchisee communications. In 2015, we initiated a project to replace our existing franchise management system and consolidate several back-office systems, including our call center solution, onto a third-party hosted platform to drive greater cross-system integration and efficiency, increase the use of automated workflows and electronic documentation for conducting business with franchisees and provide a scalable platform to support our growth plans. We made substantial progress throughout 2015 on this project and expect to continue investing resources to complete our initial phase of this project in 2016.

We recognize the value of enhancing and extending the uses of information technology in virtually every area of our business. Our information technology strategy is aligned to support our business strategy and operating plans. We maintain an ongoing comprehensive multi-year program to replace or upgrade key systems, enhance security and optimize their performance.

Intellectual property

We own many registered trademarks and service marks in the U.S. and in other countries. We believe the Planet Fitness name and the many distinctive marks associated with it are of significant value and are very important to our business. Accordingly, as a general policy, we pursue registration of our marks in select international jurisdictions, monitor the use of our marks in the U.S. and internationally and vigorously oppose any unauthorized use of the marks.

We license the use of our marks to franchisees, third-party vendors and others through franchise agreements, vendor agreements and licensing agreements. These agreements restrict third parties’ activities with respect to use of the marks and impose brand standards requirements. We require licensees to inform us of any potential infringement of the marks.

We register some of our copyrighted material and otherwise rely on common law protection of our copyrighted works. Such copyrighted materials are not material to our business.

We also license some intellectual property from third parties for use in our stores but such licenses are not material to our business.

Government regulation

We and our franchisees are subject to various federal, state, provincial and local laws and regulations affecting our business.

We are subject to the FTC Franchise Rule promulgated by the FTC that regulates the offer and sale of franchises in the U.S. and its territories (including Puerto Rico) and requires us to provide to all prospective franchisees certain mandatory disclosure in a franchise disclosure document (“FDD”). In addition, we are subject to state franchise sales laws in approximately 14 states that regulate the offer and sale of franchises by requiring us to make a franchise filing or obtain franchise registration prior to our making any offer or sale of a franchise in those states and to provide a FDD to prospective franchisees in accordance with such laws.

We are subject to franchise sales laws in five provinces in Canada that regulate the offer and sale of franchises by requiring us to provide a FDD in a prescribed format to prospective franchisees in accordance with such laws, and that regulate certain aspects of the franchise relationship. We are also subject to franchise relationship laws in over 20 states that regulate many aspects of the franchisor-franchisee relationship, including renewals and terminations of franchise agreements, franchise transfers, the applicable law and venue in which franchise disputes must be resolved, discrimination, and franchisees’ right to associate, among others. In addition, we and our franchisees may also be subject to laws in other foreign countries (including the Dominican Republic) where we or they do business.

 

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We and our franchisees are also subject to the U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, similar state laws in certain jurisdictions, and various other laws in the U.S. and Canada governing such matters as minimum-wage requirements, overtime and other working conditions. A significant number of our and our franchisees’ employees are paid at rates related to the U.S. federal or state, and past increases in the U.S. federal and/or state minimum wage have increased labor costs, as would future increases.

Our and our franchisees’ operations and properties are subject to extensive U.S. and Canadian federal, state, provincial and local laws and regulations, including those relating to environmental, building and zoning requirements. Our and our franchisees’ development of properties 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 and requirements.

We and our franchisees are responsible at stores we each operate for compliance with state laws that regulate the relationship between health clubs and their members. Nearly all states have consumer protection regulations that limit the collection of monthly membership dues prior to opening, require certain disclosures of pricing information, mandate the maximum length of contracts and “cooling off” periods for members (after the purchase of a membership), set escrow and bond requirements for health clubs, govern member rights in the event of a member relocation or disability, provide for specific member rights when a health club closes or relocates, or preclude automatic membership renewals.

We and our franchisees primarily accept payments for our memberships through electronic fund transfers from members’ bank accounts, and, therefore, we and our franchisees are subject to both federal and state legislation and certification requirements, including the Electronic Funds Transfer Act. Some states, such as New York, Massachusetts and Tennessee, have passed or have considered legislation requiring gyms and health clubs to offer a prepaid membership option at all times and/or limit the duration for which gym memberships can auto-renew through EFT payments, if at all. Our business relies heavily on the fact that our memberships continue on a month-to-month basis after the completion of any initial term requirements, and compliance with these laws, regulations, and similar requirements may be onerous and expensive, and variances and inconsistencies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction may further increase the cost of compliance and doing business. States that have such health club statutes provide harsh penalties for violations, including membership contracts being void or voidable.

Additionally, the collection, maintenance, use, disclosure and disposal of individually identifiable data by our, or our franchisees’, businesses are regulated at the federal, state and provincial levels as well as by certain financial industry groups, such as the Payment Card Industry, Security Standards Council, the NACHA, and the Canadian Payments Association. Federal, state and financial industry groups may also consider from time to time new privacy and security requirements that may apply to our businesses and may impose further restrictions on our collection, disclosure and use of individually identifiable information that are housed in one or more of our databases.

Many of the states where we and our franchisees operate stores have health and safety regulations that apply to health clubs and other facilities that offer indoor tanning services. In addition, U.S. federal healthcare legislation signed into law in March 2010 contains a 10% excise tax on indoor tanning services. Under the rule promulgated by the IRS imposing the tax, a portion of the cost of memberships that include access to our tanning services are subject to the tax.

Legal proceedings

On July 7, 2015, shortly after we publicly filed our initial registration statement in connection with our IPO we received a letter from counsel to Michael Grondahl, a founder and former CEO of the Company, expressing Mr. Grondahl’s view that the non-competition agreement Mr. Grondahl signed in connection with the acquisition

 

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of Holdings Units from Mr. Grondahl and others by investment funds affiliated with our Sponsor in 2012 may not be enforceable. Mr. Grondahl’s non-compete agreement expires in November 2017. In addition, Mr. Grondahl expressed concerns with the separation agreement executed by Mr. Grondahl when he resigned as CEO and an employee of the Company in January 2013, as well as the valuation agreed to in the unit purchase agreement executed in October 2013 pursuant to which Mr. Grondahl sold his remaining Holdings Units to the Sponsor. Finally, Mr. Grondahl expressed his desire to be excused from certain indemnification obligations he agreed to in connection with the 2012 acquisition by the Sponsor. We and our Sponsor believe that Mr. Grondahl’s claims are without merit and intend to vigorously contest any claims that may be made by Mr. Grondahl. In addition, we and our Sponsor have initiated arbitration proceedings to resolve Mr. Grondahl’s claims as provided in the unit purchase agreement. We do not expect this matter to have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

We are involved in various claims and legal actions that arise in the ordinary course of business. We do not believe that the ultimate resolution of these actions will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, liquidity and capital resources.

 

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Management

Executive officers and directors

Below is a list of the names, ages, positions and a brief account of the business experience of the individuals who serve as our executive officers and directors as of the date of this prospectus.

 

Name		Age				Position
Chris Rondeau			43			Chief Executive Officer and Director
Dorvin Lively			57			Chief Financial Officer
Richard Moore			45			Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel
Marc Grondahl			49			Director
Charles Esserman			57			Director
Pierre LeComte			43			Director
Michael Layman			33			Director
Edward Wong			32			Director
David Berg.			54			Director
Stephen Spinelli, Jr.			61			Director

Chris Rondeau has served as our Chief Executive Officer since January 2013. He previously served as our Chief Operating Officer since 2003. Mr. Rondeau joined Planet Fitness in 1993, one year after our original founders, Michael and Marc Grondahl, started the Company in 1992. Throughout the years, he has played a critical role working side by side with them to develop and refine the unique, low-cost/high-value business model and lean operating system that we believe revolutionized both the fitness and franchising industry. Because of his leadership experience, role as Chief Executive Officer and history with Planet Fitness, we believe Mr. Rondeau is well qualified to serve on our board of directors.

Dorvin Lively has served as our Chief Financial Officer since July 2013. Mr. Lively, a 30-year veteran of corporate finance for various retail and consumer-products companies, leads our finance, treasury and financial planning functions as well as strategic and long-term planning. Prior to joining Planet Fitness, from August 2011 to July 2013, Mr. Lively served as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Administrative Officer for RadioShack Corporation. In these positions, Mr. Lively led the company’s finance, treasury, financial planning, investor relations, supply chain and dealer franchise functions. Prior to RadioShack, Mr. Lively served as Chief Financial Officer at Ace Hardware Corp. His experience also includes previous positions at Maidenform Brands, Toys R Us, The Reader’s Digest Association and Pepsi-Cola International. Mr. Lively is a Certified Public Accountant (Inactive) and received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Arkansas.

Richard Moore has served as our Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel since early 2013, after serving as our General Counsel beginning in 2012. Previously, Mr. Moore spent five years at Ropes & Gray LLP, focusing on private equity transactions, private investment fund formation, public offerings and public company portfolio management. He also successfully led Planet Fitness through the sale to TSG in November 2012. In his role as Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Moore is responsible for assisting the Chief Executive Officer in building out our leadership and management team and is responsible for managing the Planet Fitness

 

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Worldwide Headquarters, with a focus on creating an infrastructure to support our continued growth and expansion. Mr. Moore received his Bachelor’s Degree from Duke University and his J.D. from Northeastern University School of Law.

Marc Grondahl has served on our board of directors since November 2012. He is one of our co-founders and joined the business in 1992. For 20 years, Mr. Grondahl, alongside his brother, Michael Grondahl, and our Chief Executive Officer, Chris Rondeau, developed and refined the successful Planet Fitness business model we have today. Throughout the years, Mr. Grondahl oversaw the financial and strategic planning for the organization, and in 1998, he was named Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining our Company in 1992, Mr. Grondahl worked at a manufacturing company as a cost accountant. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in business administration from Bryant College. Because of his extensive experience and understanding of the Planet Fitness business, we believe Mr. Grondahl is well qualified to serve on our board of directors.

Charles Esserman has served on our board of directors since November 2012. Mr. Esserman serves as Chief Executive Officer of TSG, of which he is a founder. He has over 25 years of private equity investment experience and, together with the partners of TSG, built one of the first consumer-focused private equity funds in the United States. Mr. Esserman helps oversee current and prospective portfolio investments for TSG and is Chair of TSG’s Investment Committee. Prior to TSG, Mr. Esserman was with Bain & Company, a management consulting company. He is a member of the Board of Overseers of the Hoover Institution and the Board of Trust of Vanderbilt University. Mr. Esserman received his Bachelor’s Degree in computer science engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an MBA from Stanford, where he was an Arjay Miller Scholar. Because of his experience in portfolio investments and consumer brands, we believe Mr. Esserman is well qualified to serve on our board of directors.

Pierre LeComte has served on our board of directors since November 2012. Mr. LeComte has served as Managing Director of TSG since 2009 and is a member of TSG’s Investment Committee. Mr. LeComte was formerly with Bain & Company, where he led strategic diligence teams in the private equity practice and worked across consumer and retail sectors. Prior to joining Bain, Mr. LeComte worked in brand management with Yahoo! and the Nabisco Biscuit Company, and was a consumer goods and retail consultant with the New England Consulting Group. Mr. LeComte was previously a director of Yard House Restaurants, overseeing its rapid growth from a regional chain to a national brand now owned by Darden Restaurants. Mr. LeComte received his Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and an M.B.A. from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University. Because of his extensive experience in brand management and retail concepts, we believe Mr. LeComte is well qualified to serve on our board of directors.

Michael Layman has served on our board of directors since March 2015. Mr. Layman has served in multiple roles at TSG since 2009, including most recently as Principal, and is responsible for conducting due diligence for new business opportunities, structuring transactions and working with TSG’s partner companies across consumer and retail industries. Prior to joining TSG, Mr. Layman was an investment banker with Jefferies & Company, where he worked on a variety of advisory and capital markets transactions for restaurant companies, including franchisors. Prior to Jefferies, Mr. Layman was an investment banker with Wachovia Securities, covering the restaurant and retail industries. Mr. Layman received his Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, summa cum laude, from the WP Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. Because of his experience with consumer brands and franchisors, we believe Mr. Layman is well qualified to serve on our board of directors.

Edward Wong has served on our board of directors since November 2012. Mr. Wong has served in multiple roles at TSG since 2011, including most recently as Senior Vice President. At TSG, Mr. Wong works with its partner companies and is involved in the origination, structuring and due diligence of new investment opportunities.

 

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Prior to joining TSG, Mr. Wong was with Falconhead Capital, a private equity fund focused on investing in the consumer, retail and media sectors. Prior to Falconhead, Mr. Wong was an investment banker at Citigroup, where he was focused on advising clients on mergers and acquisitions and capital markets transactions in the consumer and retail industries. Mr. Wong received his Bachelor of Business Administration, with high distinction, from The Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. Because of his experience in consumer brands, we believe Mr. Wong is well qualified to serve on our board of directors.

Stephen Spinelli, Jr. has served on our board of directors since January 2012. He currently serves as President of Philadelphia University, a position he has held since June of 2007. Dr. Spinelli co-founded Jiffy Lube International, Inc. in 1979 under the leadership of his college football coach. Three years later, Dr. Spinelli became a franchisee and remained a director of the Company. He grew to become Jiffy Lube’s largest franchisee. Dr. Spinelli has also previously served as Chief Executive Officer of the American Oil Change Corporation. He received his Ph.D. in economics from The Management School, Imperial College, University of London, his M.B.A. from Babson College and his Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from McDaniel College. Because of his experience in franchising and as an entrepreneur, we believe Dr. Spinelli is well qualified to serve on our board of directors.

David P. Berg has served on our board of directors since September 2015. He currently serves as chief executive officer of Carlson Hospitality Group where he leads the Carlson corporate center and manages the global hotel business. Most recently, Mr. Berg served as chief executive officer and chief customer service officer for the fastest growing reseller of Verizon services. Previously, he worked as executive vice president and president of Outback Steakhouse International, overseeing more than 200 restaurants in 20 countries. Additionally, Mr. Berg served as chief operating officer of GNC. Prior to that, he was executive vice president and chief operating officer of Best Buy International. Mr. Berg currently serves on the board of directors for the Miller Retailing Center at the University of Florida and The Rezidor Hotel Group. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Emory University and a law degree, with honors, from the University of Florida College of Law. Because of his experience in consumer brands, we believe Mr. Berg is well qualified to serve on our board of directors.

Board composition and director independence

Our business and affairs are managed under the direction of the board of directors. Our certificate of incorporation provides that our board of directors shall consist of at least 3 directors but not more than 15 directors and that the number of directors may be fixed from time to time by resolution of our board of directors. Our board of directors is divided into three classes, as follows:

 

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Class I, which consists of Charles Esserman, Pierre LeComte and Michael Layman, whose terms will expire at our annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2019;

 

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Class II, which consists of Edward Wong, David Berg and Stephen Spinelli, Jr., whose terms will expire at our annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2017; and

 

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Class III, which consists of Marc Grondahl and Chris Rondeau, whose terms will expire at our annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2018.

Messrs. Esserman, LeComte, Layman and Wong were designated for nomination as directors by TSG. Upon the expiration of the initial term of office for each class of directors, each director in such class shall be elected for a term of three years and serve until a successor is duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation or removal. Any additional directorships resulting from an increase in the number of directors or a vacancy may be filled by the directors then in office.

 

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We are party to a stockholders agreement with investment funds affiliated with TSG governing their nomination rights with respect to our board of directors. Under the agreement, we are required to take all necessary action to cause the board of directors to include individuals designated by TSG in the slate of nominees recommended by the board of directors for election by our stockholders, as follows:

 

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for so long as TSG owns at least 50% of the shares of our Class A and Class B common stock held by TSG prior to the completion of our IPO, TSG will be entitled to (i) designate four individuals for nomination and (ii) request to expand the size of the board of directors and fill resulting vacancies such that TSG nominees comprise a majority of our board of directors;

 

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for so long as TSG owns less than 50% but at least 25% of the shares of our Class A and Class B common stock held by TSG prior to the completion of our IPO, TSG will be entitled to designate three individuals for nomination;

 

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for so long as TSG owns less than 25% but at least 10% of the shares of our Class A and Class B common stock held by TSG prior to the completion of our IPO, TSG will be entitled to designate two individuals for nomination; and

 

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for so long as TSG owns less than 10% but at least 5% of the shares of our Class A and Class B common stock held by TSG prior to the completion of our IPO, TSG will be entitled to designate one individual for nomination.

Additionally, TSG has the exclusive right to remove its designees and to fill vacancies created by the removal or resignation of its designees, and we are required to take all necessary action to cause such removals and fill such vacancies at the request of TSG.

TSG owns a majority of the voting power of our outstanding shares of common stock. As a result, we are a “controlled company” within the meaning of the corporate governance standards of the NYSE. Under these rules, a company of which more than 50% of the voting power for the election of directors is held by an individual, group or another company is a “controlled company” and may elect not to comply with certain corporate governance requirements, including the requirements that:

 

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we have a board of directors that is composed of a majority of “independent directors,” as defined under the rules of the NYSE;

 

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we have a compensation committee that is composed entirely of independent directors; and

 

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we have a nominating and corporate governance committee that is composed entirely of independent directors.

We currently avail ourselves of all of these exemptions. Accordingly, in the event the interests of TSG differ from those of other shareholders, and, for so long as we are a “controlled company,” our other shareholders may not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to all of the corporate governance requirements of the NYSE.

The “controlled company” exception does not modify the independence requirements for the audit committee, and we have complied with and intend to continue to comply with the requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules of the NYSE, which require that the audit committee have at least one independent director upon consummation of our IPO, consist of a majority of independent directors within 90 days following the effective date of the registration statement we filed in connection with our IPO and exclusively of independent directors within one year following the effective date of such registration statement. See “—Board meetings and committees” below.

 

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If we were not a “controlled company,” the rules of the NYSE would require that, independent directors comprise a majority of our board of directors within one year of listing on the NYSE, subject to specified exceptions. As a controlled company, we are not required by the NYSE rules to have a majority of independent directors. We currently take advantage of this exemption from NYSE listing requirements. Our board of directors has determined that Dr. Spinelli and Mr. Berg qualify as independent directors under the rules of the NYSE. In making this determination, the board of directors considered the relationships that Dr. Spinelli and Mr. Berg have with our Company and all other facts and circumstances that the board of directors deemed relevant in determining their independence, including ownership interests in us.

Board meetings and committees

Our board of directors met five times during 2015. All directors attended at least 75% of the meetings of the board and meetings of the board committees on which they served, with the exception of Mr. Berg, who attended one of the two board meetings held since he was appointed. The board of directors also approved certain actions by unanimous written consent.

Our board of directors has three standing committees: the audit committee; the compensation committee; and the nominating and corporate governance committee. Each of the committees operates under its own written charter adopted by the board of directors, each of which is available on our website at www.planetfitness.com. Under our stockholders agreement, TSG has the right to appoint a director to serve on each of our committees (other than the audit committee), subject to NYSE and SEC rules.

Audit committee

Our audit committee consists of Dr. Spinelli and Messrs. Berg and LeComte, with Dr. Spinelli serving as chairman of the committee. Our audit committee has determined that each of Dr. Spinelli and Mr. Berg meet the definition of “independent director” under the rules of the NYSE and under Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. As noted above, we are permitted to phase in our compliance with the independent audit committee requirements set forth in NYSE rules and relevant Exchange Act rules as follows: (i) one independent member at the time of our IPO, (ii) a majority of independent members within 90 days of our IPO and (iii) all independent members within one year of our IPO. We expect that, within one year of our listing on the NYSE, Mr. LeComte will have resigned from our audit committee and an independent director for audit committee purposes (as determined under NYSE rules and Exchange Act rules) will have been added to the audit committee. None of our audit committee members simultaneously serves on the audit committees of more than three public companies, including ours. Our board of directors has determined that each of Dr. Spinelli and Mr. Berg is an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of the SEC’s regulations and applicable listing standards of the NYSE. The audit committee’s responsibilities include:

 

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appointing, approving the compensation of, and assessing the qualifications, performance and independence of our independent registered public accounting firm;

 

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pre-approving audit and permissible non-audit services, and the terms of such services, to be provided by our independent registered public accounting firm;

 

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reviewing the audit plan with the independent registered public accounting firm and members of management responsible for preparing our financial statements;

 

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reviewing and discussing with management and the independent registered public accounting firm our annual and quarterly financial statements and related disclosures as well as critical accounting policies and practices used by us;

 

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reviewing the adequacy of our internal control over financial reporting;

 

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reviewing all related person transactions for potential conflict of interest situations and approving all such transactions;

 

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establishing policies and procedures for the receipt and retention of accounting-related complaints and concerns;

 

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recommending, based upon the audit committee’s review and discussions with management and the independent registered public accounting firm, the inclusion of our audited financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K;

 

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reviewing and assessing the adequacy of the committee charter and submitting any changes to the board of directors for approval;

 

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monitoring our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements as they relate to our financial statements and accounting matters;

 

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preparing the audit committee report required by the rules of the SEC to be included in our annual proxy statement; and

 

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reviewing and discussing with management and our independent registered public accounting firm our earnings releases.

Compensation committee

Our compensation committee consists of Messrs. Grondahl, Layman and LeComte, with Mr. LeComte serving as chairman of the committee. The compensation committee’s responsibilities include:

 

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determining and approving the compensation of our chief executive officer, including annually reviewing and approving corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of our chief executive officer, and evaluating the performance of our chief executive officer in light of such corporate goals and objectives;

 

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reviewing and approving the corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of our other executive officers;

 

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reviewing and approving the compensation of our other executive officers;

 

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appointing, compensating and overseeing the work of any compensation consultant, legal counsel or other advisor retained by the compensation committee;

 

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conducting the independence assessment outlined in the rules of the NYSE with respect to any compensation consultant, legal counsel or other advisor retained by the compensation committee;

 

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reviewing and assessing the adequacy of the committee charter and submitting any changes to the board of directors for approval;

 

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reviewing and establishing our overall management compensation philosophy and policy;

 

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overseeing and administering our equity compensation and similar plans;

 

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reviewing and approving our policies and procedures for the grant of equity-based awards and granting equity awards;

 

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reviewing and making recommendations to the board of directors with respect to director compensation; and

 

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reviewing and discussing with management the compensation discussion and analysis to be included in our annual proxy statement or Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Nominating and corporate governance committee

Our nominating and corporate governance committee consists of Messrs. Esserman, LeComte and Wong, with Mr. Esserman serving as chairman of the committee. The nominating and corporate governance committee’s responsibilities include:

 

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developing and recommending to the board of directors criteria for board and committee membership;

 

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establishing procedures for identifying and evaluating board of director candidates, including nominees recommended by stockholders;

 

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identifying individuals qualified to become members of the board of directors;

 

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recommending to the board of directors the persons to be nominated for election as directors and to each of the board’s committees;

 

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developing and recommending to the board of directors a set of corporate governance principles;

 

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articulating to each director what is expected, including reference to the corporate governance principles and directors’ duties and responsibilities;

 

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reviewing and recommending to the board of directors practices and policies with respect to directors;

 

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reviewing and recommending to the board of directors the functions, duties and compositions of the committees of the board of directors;

 

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reviewing and assessing the adequacy of the committee charter and submitting any changes to the board of directors for approval;

 

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provide for new director orientation and continuing education for existing directors on a periodic basis;

 

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performing an evaluation of the performance of the committee; and

 

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overseeing the evaluation of the board of directors and management.

Board oversight of risk management

While the full board of directors has the ultimate oversight responsibility for the risk management process, its committees oversee risk in certain specified areas. In particular, our audit committee oversees management of enterprise risks as well as financial risks. Our compensation committee oversees the management of risks relating to our executive compensation plans and arrangements and the incentives created by the compensation awards it administers. Our nominating and corporate governance committee oversees risks associated with corporate governance, business conduct and ethics, and is responsible for overseeing the review and approval of related party transactions. Pursuant to the board of directors’ instruction, management regularly reports on applicable risks to the relevant committee or the full board of directors, as appropriate, with additional review or reporting on risks conducted as needed or as requested by the board of directors and its committees.

 

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Compensation committee interlocks and insider participation

Messrs. Layman and LeComte have not at any time during the prior three years been one of our officers or employees. Mr. Grondahl resigned as our CFO on July 25, 2013 and has not been an officer or employee since that time. None of our executive officers currently serve, or in the past fiscal year have served, as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of any entity that has one or more executive officers serving on our board of directors or compensation committee. For a description of transactions between us and members of our compensation committee and affiliates of such members, see “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions.”

Code of conduct

We have adopted a code of conduct that applies to all of our employees, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer. The code of conduct is available on our website at www.planetfitness.com. If we make any substantive amendments to the Code of Conduct or grant any waiver, including any implicit waiver, from a provision of the Code of Conduct to our officers, we will disclose the nature of such amendment or waiver on that website or in a report on Form 8-K.

 

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Executive compensation

This section describes the compensation awarded to, earned by, or paid to our Chief Executive Officer, Christopher Rondeau, and our two most highly compensated executive officers (other than Mr. Rondeau), our Chief Financial Officer, Dorvin Lively, and our Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel, Richard Moore, who collectively are referred to as our “named executive officers”. Prior to our IPO, the board of managers of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC (“Pla-Fit Holdings”) was responsible for making decisions regarding the compensation of our named executive officers. Following our IPO, our compensation committee oversees our executive compensation program and is responsible for approving the nature and amount of the compensation paid to our executive officers, and administering our equity compensation plans and awards. Our board of directors generally has been responsible for approving, after receiving the recommendation or approval of our compensation committee, equity awards to our executive officers in order to qualify these awards as exempt awards under Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

Summary compensation table

The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation awarded or paid to our named executive officers for fiscal 2015 and 2014.

 

Name and principal position		Year				Salary ($)(1)				Non-equity incentive plan compensation ($)(2)				All other compensation ($)(3)				Total ($)
Christopher Rondeau			2015				519,315				500,000				33,823				1,053,138
Chief Executive Officer			2014				500,000				565,000				23,091				1,088,091
Dorvin Lively			2015				467,308				225,000				46,582				738,890
Chief Financial Officer			2014				450,000				254,227				24,408				728,635
Richard Moore			2015				303,062				150,000				30,892				483,954
Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel			2014				270,538				158,186				26,070				454,794

 

(1)

Base salary amounts for 2015 reflect the fact that there were 27 pay periods in 2015 rather than the usual 26 due to the timing of our pay periods in 2015.

 

(2)

Amounts represent annual bonuses paid to our named executive officers under our annual bonus program, as described below.

 

(3)

Amounts shown in the “All other compensation” column for 2015 include the items set forth in the table below, as applicable to each named executive officer.

 

Name		401(k) company match contributions ($)(a)				Tax equalization payments ($)(b)				Specialized accounting services fees reimbursed ($)(c)				Payment of accrued vacation time ($)(d)				Total ($)
Christopher Rondeau			—				23,208				1,000				9,615				33,823
Dorvin Lively			18,993				17,935				1,000				8,654				46,582
Richard Moore			9,966				14,157				1,000				5,769				30,892

 

(a)

Represents our matching contributions to the Planet Fitness 401(k) Plan (the “401(k) Plan”), which is a broad-based tax-qualified defined contribution plan for our U.S.-based employees.

 

(b)

Represents certain tax equalization payments made to our named executive officers to offset self-employment and other additional taxes incurred with respect to 2015 compensation as a result of their being treated as partners rather than employees for U.S. tax purposes.

 

(c)

Represents the reimbursement of fees related to accounting services.

 

(d)

Represents the payment of accrued but unused vacation time.

 

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Narrative to summary compensation table

2015 base salaries

Each of our named executive officers is paid a base salary reflecting his skill set, experience, role and responsibilities. The base salary of each of our named executive officers is set forth in his employment agreement (described below under “—Agreements with our named executive officers—Base salaries and performance bonus opportunities”) and is subject to adjustment by our board of directors or our compensation committee.

2015 performance bonuses

In fiscal 2015, each of our named executive officers was eligible to earn a cash bonus under our cash bonus program based on the achievement of key corporate financial and strategic goals. Pursuant to their employment agreements, the target amount of each named executive officer’s cash bonus is set as a percentage of his base salary. For 2015, the target bonus amount was set at 100% of base salary for Mr. Rondeau and 50% of base salary for each of Messrs. Lively and Moore.

Following the commencement of 2015, and after consultation with management, the board of Pla-Fit Holdings established the corporate performance goals for our 2015 cash bonus program, each having a designated weighting. These corporate performance goals included corporate same store sales, franchise same store sales, club openings and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. Each performance goal had a threshold, target and maximum level of achievement and related payout.

The actual amount earned by each named executive officer under our 2015 cash bonus program was determined by our compensation committee based on the level of achievement of these goals. The actual amount of the bonuses paid to our named executive officers for fiscal 2015 is set forth above in the summary compensation table in the column entitled “Non-equity incentive plan compensation.”

Agreements with our named executive officers

Each of our named executive officers entered into an amended and restated employment agreement with both us and Pla-Fit Holdings in connection with our IPO. The terms of the employment agreements, as so amended, are reflected below.

Base salaries and performance bonus opportunities

Pursuant to his amended employment agreement, Mr. Rondeau is entitled to an annual base salary of $500,000, which is subject to increase by our board of directors or our compensation committee. Effective February 25, 2016, as approved by our compensation committee, the annual base salary of Mr. Rondeau was increased to $600,000. Mr. Rondeau is also eligible to earn an annual cash bonus, with a target of 100% of his annual base salary, based upon the achievement of performance goals determined by our board of directors or our compensation committee. Effective February 25, 2016, as approved by the Compensation Committee, the annual cash bonus of Mr. Rondeau was increased to a target of 120% of his annual base salary.

Pursuant to his amended employment agreement, Mr. Lively is entitled to an annual base salary of $450,000, which is subject to adjustment by our board of directors or our compensation committee. In March 2016, the Company increased Mr. Lively’s base salary to $463,500. Mr. Lively is also eligible to earn an annual cash bonus, with a target of 50% of his annual base salary, based upon the achievement of performance goals determined by our board of directors or our compensation committee.

 

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Pursuant to his amended employment agreement, Mr. Moore is entitled to an annual base salary of $300,000, which is subject to increase by our board of directors or our compensation committee. The Company increased Mr. Moore’s base salary to $306,000 in March 2016. Mr. Moore is also eligible to earn an annual cash bonus, with a target of 50% of his annual base salary, based upon the achievement of performance goals determined by our board of directors or our compensation committee.

Restrictive covenants

Pursuant to their respective amended employment agreements, our named executive officers are bound by certain restrictive covenants, including covenants relating to confidentiality and assignment of intellectual property rights, as well as covenants not to compete with us or to solicit our customers, prospective customers, employees or other service providers during employment and for a period of time (Mr. Rondeau, one year; and Messrs. Lively and Moore, two years) following termination of employment.

Severance

Each amended employment agreement provides for severance upon a termination of employment by us without cause or the named executive officer for good reason, in each case, conditioned on the named executive officer’s timely and effective execution of a separation agreement provided by us containing a release of claims and other customary terms and continued performance of the restrictive covenants described above. Messrs. Rondeau and Lively are each entitled to severance consisting of 12 months, and Mr. Moore, to six months, of continued base salary, payable in the form of salary continuation. Mr. Rondeau is also entitled to a prorated annual cash bonus for the year of termination based on actual performance and any unvested stock options or other unvested equity awards held by Mr. Rondeau that would have vested during the calendar year of his termination will vest. Mr. Moore is also entitled to an amount equal to the Company’s monthly share of the premium payments for his participation in the Company’s group health insurance plans for a period of six months following termination.

Equity-based compensation

Our named executive officers did not receive any equity grants in fiscal 2015. However, as set forth in more detail below in the section entitled “—Holdings Units equity,” 20% of the Class M Units previously granted to Messrs. Lively and Moore pursuant to the Pla-Fit Holdings 2013 Equity Incentive Plan vested in connection with our IPO, and all Class M Units were converted into Holdings Units.

In addition, in May 2016, the Company granted Mr. Rondeau options to purchase 170,000 shares of Class A common stock.

Employee benefits and perquisites

All of our full-time employees, including our named executive officers, are eligible to participate in our health and welfare plans, including medical and dental benefits, life insurance benefits and short-term and long-term disability insurance. Our named executive officers participate in these plans on the same basis as other eligible employees. We do not maintain any supplemental health or welfare plans for our named executive officers.

We also provide our named executive officers, together with other key employees, with certain additional limited benefits. The value of these benefits is included above in the “All other compensation” column of the summary compensation table.

 

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Retirement plans

All of our named executive officers are eligible to participate in our 401(k) Plan, a broad-based retirement plan in which generally all of our full-time U.S.-based employees are eligible to participate. Under our 401(k) Plan, employees are permitted to defer their annual eligible compensation, subject to the limits imposed by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”), and the Company makes a fully-vested matching contribution of 100% of employee contributions up to the first 3% of compensation, plus 50% of employee contributions up to the next 2% of compensation. We do not maintain any qualified or non-qualified defined benefit plans or supplemental executive retirement plans that cover our named executive officers.

Holdings Units equity

Prior to our IPO, in 2013, Messrs. Lively and Moore were granted Class M Units under the Pla-Fit Holdings 2013 Equity Incentive Plan. In connection with our IPO, all of the outstanding vested and unvested Class M Units in Pla-Fit Holdings were converted into an amount of vested and unvested Holdings Units, respectively. Each unvested Holdings Unit continues to vest based on the vesting schedule of the outstanding unvested Class M Unit for which it was exchanged. Pursuant to the terms of their award agreements, 20% of the Class M Units held by Messrs. Lively and Moore vested upon the completion of our IPO. In connection with the restructuring transactions occurring at the time of our IPO, each holder of a Holdings Unit also received a corresponding share of our Class B common stock. Each holder can exchange his or her Holdings Units, along with a corresponding number of shares of our Class B common stock, for shares of our Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis. To the extent Holdings Units do not vest in accordance with their terms, the corresponding shares of Class B common stock will be forfeited.

Outstanding equity awards at 2015 fiscal year-end

The following table shows the number of unvested Holdings Unit awards held by our named executive officers as of December 31, 2015.

 

Name		Number of unvested Holdings Units				Market value of unvested Holdings Units(4)
Christopher Rondeau(1)			—			$	—
Dorvin Lively(2)			675,816	(2)			10,563,004
Richard Moore(3)			317,988	(3)			4,970,152

 

(1)

Mr. Rondeau does not hold any unvested Holdings Units.

 

(2)

Mr. Lively was granted 157.895 Class M Units on August 13, 2013, which were converted into 1,407,950 Holdings Units in connection with our IPO. Eighty percent of the Holdings Units held by Mr. Lively vest in equal installments on each of July 24, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, subject to his continued employment, and 20% of the Class M Units vested in connection with the completion of our IPO. Any unvested awards will vest in full upon a sale of the Company, subject to Mr. Lively’s continued employment.

 

(3)

Mr. Moore was granted 105.263 Class M Units on April 30, 2013, which were converted into 993,711 Holdings Units in connection with our IPO, as described above. Eighty percent of the Holdings Units held by Mr. Moore vest in equal installments on each of November 8, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017, subject to his continued employment, and 20% of the Class M Units vested in connection with the completion of our IPO. Any unvested awards will vest in full upon a sale of the Company, subject to Mr. Moore’s continued employment.

 

(4)

The amounts reported in this column equal the number of Holdings Units that, once vested, may be exchanged (along with a corresponding number of shares of our Class B common stock) for shares of our Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis multiplied by $15.63, which was the per share closing price of a share of our Class A common stock on December 31, 2015.

 

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Director compensation

The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation of our non-employee directors for their services during fiscal year 2015. Directors who are affiliated with TSG do not receive compensation for their service as directors. Mr. Rondeau receives no additional compensation for his service as a director, and, consequently, is not included in this table. The compensation received by Mr. Rondeau as an employee during 2015 is reflected in the section titled “—Summary compensation table” above.

 

Name		Fees earned or paid in cash ($)				Stock Awards(2) ($)				All other compensation ($)				Total ($)
Craig Benson(1)			2,500				823,134				—				825,634
David Berg			14,402				149,981				—				164,383
Marc Grondahl			—				—				1,200	(3)			1,200
Stephen Spinelli, Jr.			34,320				—				—				34,320
Charles Esserman(4)			—				—				—				—
Michael Layman(4)			—				—				—				—
Pierre LeComte(4)			—				—				—				—
Edward Wong(4)			—				—				—				—

 

(1)

Governor Benson resigned from the board of managers of Pla-Fit Holdings in March 2015.

 

(2)

For Governor Benson, represents the incremental fair value, determined under FASB ASC Topic 718, associated with accelerating the vesting of his unvested Holdings Units as of the date of his resignation from the board of managers of Pla-Fit Holdings in March 2015. As of December 31, 2015, Governor Benson held 149,052 vested Holdings Units.

 

For Mr. Berg, represents the grant date fair value of restricted stock units, which were granted to him when he became a member of our board of directors in 2015, determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, excluding the effect of estimated forfeitures. The underlying valuation assumptions with respect to Governor Benson’s and Mr. Berg’s awards are discussed in Note 14 to our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

As of December 31, 2015, Dr. Spinelli held 47,697 unvested Holdings Units and Mr. Berg held 8,160 unvested restricted stock units.

 

(3)

Represents the cost to the Company of health insurance premiums paid on behalf of Mr. Grondahl, who had been an employee of the Company until April 2013. This is a discretionary benefit provided by the Company to Mr. Grondahl.

 

(4)

Messrs. Esserman, Layman, LeComte and Wong are all affiliated with TSG and do not receive compensation for their service on our board of directors.

In connection with our IPO, our board of directors adopted a non-employee director compensation program. Under this program, each member of our board of directors who is not an employee and who is not affiliated with TSG is eligible to receive an annual cash retainer payment of $50,000 and an annual grant of restricted stock units with a grant date fair market value of $50,000. The annual grant of restricted stock units vests in full on the first anniversary of the date of grant, subject to the director’s continued service as a member of our board of directors through the vesting date. In addition, under this program, eligible directors receive the following additional cash retainers on an annual basis for service as the chairperson of the committees of our board of directors: audit committee chairperson—$15,000; compensation committee chairperson—$12,000; and nominating and corporate governance committee chairperson—$10,000. As a co-founder, Mr. Grondahl is not eligible to receive compensation under this program. Pursuant to our non-employee director compensation program, Dr. Spinelli is not eligible to receive an annual grant of restricted stick units until our 2017 annual shareholder meeting. Our non-employee directors were compensated under this program upon the effectiveness of our IPO. Prior to our IPO, Pla-Fit Holdings paid an amount of $2,500 to Governor Benson and $5,000 to Dr. Spinelli for their service on our board of directors with respect to the period of 2015 ending on our IPO. In connection with his becoming a member of our board of directors, Mr. Berg received a grant of 8,160 restricted stock units. These restricted stock units vest in equal installments on each of September 17, 2016, 2017 and 2018, subject to his continued service as a member of the board of directors.

 

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Certain relationships and related party transactions

Franchisee relationships

Former Governor Craig Benson, a former member of the board of managers of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC, is also a Planet Fitness franchisee. Gov. Benson, through his ownership interest in BL Technologies Investments, LLC, entered into an ADA with us dated October 23, 2012, under which he has opened ten Planet Fitness stores as of December 31, 2015, for each of which he entered into a franchise agreement. Over the next twelve years, Gov. Benson is obligated to open an additional 25 Planet Fitness stores. In 2015, 2014 and 2013, Gov. Benson paid royalties and fees to us, which totaled approximately $748,000, $452,000 and $40,000, respectively, and purchased fitness equipment for seven of his Planet Fitness stores, each as required by the terms of his franchise agreements. Gov. Benson’s equipment purchases totaled approximately $788,000, $3.1 million and $1.4 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The terms of Gov. Benson’s ADA and franchise agreements are commensurate with other franchise agreements executed during the same time period.

Dennis Rondeau, father of Chris Rondeau, our Chief Executive Officer and a member of our board of directors, is also a Planet Fitness franchisee. Mr. Rondeau, through his ownership interest in Freedom Fitness, LLC, entered into an ADA with us dated December 10, 2009, under which he has opened eight stores as of December 31, 2015, for each of which he entered into a franchise agreement. Over the next two years, Mr. Rondeau is obligated to open an additional two Planet Fitness stores. In 2015, 2014 and 2013, Mr. Rondeau paid royalties and fees to us, which totaled approximately $338,000, $321,000 and $200,000, respectively, and purchased fitness equipment for five of his Planet Fitness stores, each as required by the terms of his franchise agreements. Mr. Rondeau’s equipment purchases totaled approximately $899,000, $574,000 and $855,000 in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The terms of Mr. Rondeau’s ADA and franchise agreements are commensurate with other franchise agreements executed during the same time period.

Marc Grondahl, a member of our board of directors, through his ownership interest in MG ADA Two Investor LLC, entered into an ADA with us, dated December 21, 2015, under which he is obligated to open ten Planet Fitness stores and paid ADA fees to us totaling $100,000. There were no stores open under this ADA as of December 31, 2015. The terms of Mr. Grondahl’s ADA and franchise agreements are commensurate with other franchise agreements executed under the same circumstances.

Jennifer Moser, a managing member and co-investor of TSG, and her husband, Matthew Moser, through an ownership interest in Orange October, LLC, entered into an ADA with us dated June 19, 2015 under which they are obligated to open eight Planet Fitness stores and paid ADA fees to us totaling $80,000. There were no stores open under this ADA as of December 31, 2015. The terms of Mrs. Moser’s ADA and franchise agreements are commensurate with other franchise agreements executed during the same time period.

In addition, Chris Rondeau and Marc Grondahl are partial owners of PFP Direct Loan LLC and PF Principals, LLC, which directly and indirectly have provided financing to a limited number of qualified Planet Fitness franchisees to fund leasehold improvements and other related expenses, as one of several financing providers available to franchisees. Our Company does not participate in these transactions.

Leases

On June 23, 2008, we entered into a lease agreement with MMC Fox Run, LLC for our headquarters in Newington, New Hampshire. The lease agreement was amended on November 1, 2011 and again on November 8, 2012. On November 8, 2013, we entered into a new office lease. MMC Fox Run, LLC is currently owned by Mr. Chris Rondeau and Mr. Marc Grondahl. Pursuant to the office lease, the initial lease term is for ten years, with two five-year renewal options. In 2015, 2014 and 2013, we paid an aggregate of approximately $412,000, $383,000 and $269,000, respectively, in rent to MMC Fox Run, LLC.

 

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On March 1, 2010, we entered into a lease agreement with Matthew Michael Realty, LLC for a corporate-owned store in Dover, New Hampshire. Matthew Michael Realty, LLC is currently owned by Mr. Michael Grondahl, an original co-founder of Planet Fitness and brother of Mr. Marc Grondahl. Pursuant to the lease agreement, the initial lease term is for approximately fourteen years and expires on April 20, 2024. In 2015, 2014 and 2013, we paid approximately $466,000, $466,000 and $466,000, respectively, in rent to Matthew Michael Realty, LLC.

On June 3, 2008, we entered into a lease agreement with PF Melville Realty Co., LLC for our corporate-owned store in Melville, New York. PF Melville Realty Co., LLC is currently owned by Mr. Michael Grondahl. The initial lease term is for fifteen years. In 2015, 2014 and 2013, we paid an aggregate of approximately $525,000, $559,000 and $544,000, respectively, in rent to PF Melville Realty Co., LLC.

For some or all of the periods presented in the consolidated financial statements included in this prospectus, the results of operations of Matthew Michael Realty, LLC and PF Melville Realty Co., LLC are included in our consolidated financial statements. For further information, see Notes 2(a) and 3 to our consolidated financial statements included in this prospectus.

Management services agreement

On December 14, 2012, in connection with our acquisition by investment funds affiliated with TSG, we entered into a management services agreement with TSG6 Management, LLC, an affiliate of TSG (the “Management Company”), pursuant to which the Management Company provided certain management, consulting and advisory services to Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC. In exchange for these services, we paid the Management Company an aggregate annual management fee equal to $1.0 million, and we reimburse the Management Company for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by it relating to operations of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries and in connection with the provision of services pursuant to the management services agreement. In 2015, 2014 and 2013, we paid $1.9 million, $1.2 million and $1.1 million, respectively, in respect of management services and reimbursable expenses payable to the Management Company under the management services agreement. In addition, we agreed to indemnify the Management Company and certain persons affiliated with the Management Company to the fullest extent permitted by law from and against all losses arising from the Management Company’s performance under the management services agreement.

In connection with the completion of our IPO, the management services agreement was terminated, and we paid a one-time termination fee of $1.0 million to the Management Company in accordance with the terms of the management services agreement. Four of our directors, Messrs. Esserman, Layman, LeComte and Wong, are employees of TSG.

Exchange agreement

In connection with our IPO, we and the Continuing LLC Owners entered into an exchange agreement under which they (or certain permitted transferees) have the right, from time to time and subject to the terms of the exchange agreement, to exchange their Holdings Units, together with a corresponding number of shares of Class B common stock, for shares of our Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis, subject to customary conversion rate adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends, reclassifications and other similar transactions. At our election, acting by a majority of the disinterested members of our board of directors pursuant to the exchange agreement, we may elect to redeem the Holdings Units for cash when tendered for exchange. We may not elect to pay cash if a registration statement under the Securities Act is available for the issuance in connection with the exchange or the subsequent resale. The exchange agreement also provides that a Continuing LLC Owner will not have the right to exchange Holdings Units if we determine that such exchange would be prohibited by law or regulation or would violate other agreements with us to which the Continuing LLC Owner may be subject. As a Continuing LLC Owner exchanges Holdings Units for shares of Class A common

 

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stock, the number of Holdings Units held by Planet Fitness, Inc. is correspondingly increased as it acquires the exchanged Holdings Units, and a corresponding number of shares of Class B common stock are cancelled. Also pursuant to the exchange agreement, to the extent an exchange results in a Company liability relating to the New Hampshire business profits tax, the Continuing LLC Owners have agreed that they will contribute to Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC an amount sufficient to pay such tax liability (up to 3.5% of the value received upon exchange). If and when we subsequently realize a related tax benefit, Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC will distribute the amount of any such tax benefit to the relevant Continuing LLC Owner in respect of its contribution. We have agreed in the exchange agreement that we will use commercially reasonable efforts to reduce or eliminate this tax liability, provided it does not materially and adversely impact our net income, including by pursuing a change in the applicable law or by relocating our corporate headquarters to a different state and franchising some or all of our 14 corporate-owned stores located in the State of New Hampshire.

Tax receivable agreements

Pursuant to the exchange agreement described above, from time to time we may be required to acquire Holdings Units in Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC from their holders upon exchange for shares of our Class A common stock. Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC intends to have an election under Section 754 of the Internal Revenue Code in effect for taxable years in which such sales of Holdings Units occur. Pursuant to the Section 754 election, sales of Holdings Units are expected to result in an increase in the tax basis of tangible and intangible assets of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC. When we acquire Holdings Units from the Continuing LLC Owners, we expect that both the existing basis for certain assets and the anticipated basis adjustments will increase depreciation and amortization deductions allocable to us for tax purposes from Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC, and therefore reduce the amount of income tax we would otherwise be required to pay in the future to various tax authorities. This increase in tax basis may also decrease gain (or increase loss) on future dispositions of certain capital assets to the extent increased tax basis is allocated to those capital assets

We are party to two tax receivable agreements. Under the first of those agreements, we generally are required to pay to our Continuing LLC Owners 85% of the applicable cash savings, if any, in U.S. federal and state income tax that we are deemed to realize as a result of certain tax attributes of their Holdings Units sold to us (or exchanged in a taxable sale) and that are created as a result of (i) the sales of their Holdings Units for shares of our Class A common stock and (ii) tax benefits attributable to payments made under the tax receivable agreement (including imputed interest). Under the second tax receivable agreement, we generally are required to pay to the Direct TSG Investors 85% of the amount of cash savings, if any, that we are deemed to realize as a result of the tax attributes of the Holdings Units that we hold in respect of the Direct TSG Investors’ interest in us, which resulted from the Direct TSG Investors’ purchase of interests in the 2012 Acquisition, and certain other tax benefits. Under both agreements, we generally retain the benefit of the remaining 15% of the applicable tax savings.

For purposes of these tax receivable agreements, cash savings in tax are calculated by comparing our actual income tax liability to the amount we would have been required to pay had we not been able to utilize any of the tax benefits subject to the tax receivable agreements, unless certain assumptions apply or the tax receivable agreements accelerate, as discussed herein. The term of the tax receivable agreements commenced upon the completion of our IPO and will continue until all such tax benefits have been utilized or expired, unless we exercise our rights to terminate the agreements or payments under the agreements are accelerated in the event that we materially breach any of our material obligations under the agreements or our counterparties elect to accelerate our obligations under the tax receivable agreements (as described below). The actual increase in tax basis, as well as the amount and timing of any payments under these agreements, will vary depending upon a number of factors, including the timing of sales by the holders of Holdings Units, the price of our Class A common stock at the time of the sale, whether such sales are taxable, the amount and timing of the taxable income we generate in the future, the tax rate then applicable and the portion of our payments under the tax receivable agreements constituting imputed interest.

 

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The payment obligation under the tax receivable agreements is an obligation of Planet Fitness, Inc., not Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC, and we expect that the payments we will be required to make under the tax receivable agreements will be substantial. Assuming no material changes in the relevant tax law and that we earn sufficient taxable income to realize all tax benefits that are subject to the tax receivable agreements, we expect that the reduction in tax payments for us associated with sales of the corresponding Holdings Units as described above would aggregate to approximately $         million over the applicable period under the tax receivable agreements based on a price of $         per share of our Class A common stock (the last closing price of our Class A common stock on                 , 2016), and assuming all future sales had occurred on March 31, 2016. Under such scenario, we would be required to pay the other parties to the tax receivable agreements 85% of such amount, or $         million, over the applicable period under the tax receivable agreements. The actual amounts may materially differ from these hypothetical amounts, as potential future reductions in tax payments for us, and tax receivable agreement payments by us, will be calculated using the market value of the shares at the time of exchange or redemption and the prevailing tax rates applicable to us over the life of the tax receivable agreements, and will be dependent on us generating sufficient future taxable income to realize the benefit. Payments under the tax receivable agreements are not conditioned on the Continuing LLC Owners’ or the Direct TSG Investors’ continued ownership of us.

In addition, although we are not aware of any issue that would cause the IRS to challenge the tax basis increases or tax attributes subject to the tax receivable agreements, the beneficiaries of the tax receivable agreements will not reimburse us for any payments previously made if such basis increases or other attributes are subsequently disallowed, except that excess payments made to any beneficiary will be netted against payments otherwise to be made, if any, to such beneficiary after our determination of such excess. As a result, in such circumstances, we could make payments under the tax receivable agreements that are greater than our actual cash tax savings.

The tax receivable agreements provide that (i) in the event that we materially breach such tax receivable agreements, (ii) if, at any time, we elect an early termination of the tax receivable agreements, or (iii) upon certain mergers, asset sales, other forms of business combinations or other changes of control, our (or our successor’s) obligations under the tax receivable agreements (with respect to all Holdings Units, whether or not they have been sold before or after such transaction) would accelerate and become payable in a lump sum amount equal to the present value of the anticipated future tax benefits calculated based on certain assumptions, including that we would have sufficient taxable income to fully utilize the deductions arising from the tax deductions, tax basis and other tax attributes subject to the tax receivable agreements.

As a result of the foregoing, (i) we could be required to make payments under the tax receivable agreements that are greater than or less than the specified percentage of the actual tax savings we realize in respect of the tax attributes subject to the agreements and (ii) we may be required to make an immediate lump sum payment equal to the present value of the anticipated tax savings, which payment may be made years in advance of the actual realization of such future benefits, if any such benefits are ever realized. In these situations, our obligations under the tax receivable agreements could have a substantial negative impact on our liquidity and could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing certain mergers, asset sales, other forms of business combinations or other changes of control. There can be no assurance that we will be able to finance our obligations under the tax receivable agreements in a manner that does not adversely affect our working capital and growth requirements. For example, if we had elected to terminate the tax receivable agreements as of December 31, 2015, based on a share price of $15.63 per share of our Class A common stock (based on the closing price of our Class A common stock on the New York Stock Exchange as of December 31, 2015) and a discount rate equal to 2.1%, we estimate that we would have been required to pay $576.0 million in the aggregate under the tax receivable agreements.

 

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Subject to the discussion above regarding the acceleration of payments under the tax receivable agreements, payments under the tax receivable agreements, if any, will generally be made on an annual basis to the extent we have sufficient taxable income to utilize the increased depreciation and amortization charges and other tax attributes subject to the tax receivable agreements. The availability of sufficient taxable income to utilize the increased depreciation and amortization expense and other tax attributes will not be determined until such time as the financial results for the year in question are known and tax estimates prepared. We generally expect to make payments under the tax receivable agreements, to the extent they are required, within approximately 125 days after our federal income tax return is filed for each fiscal year. The tax receivable agreements will provide for interest, at a rate equal to one-year LIBOR, accrued from the due date (without extensions) of the corresponding tax return to the date of payment specified by the tax receivable agreements. In addition, under certain circumstances where we are unable to make timely payments under the tax receivable agreements, the tax receivable agreements will provide for interest to accrue on unpaid payments, at a rate equal to one-year LIBOR plus 500 basis points.

The impact that the tax receivable agreements will have on our consolidated financial statements will be the establishment of a liability, which will be increased upon the exchanges of Holdings Units for our Class A common stock, generally representing 85% of the estimated future tax benefits, if any, relating to the increase in tax basis associated with the Holdings Unit we receive in this sale.

Decisions made by our Continuing LLC Owners in the course of running our business, such as with respect to mergers, asset sales, other forms of business combinations or other changes in control, may influence the timing and amount of payments that are received by a Continuing LLC Owner under the tax receivable agreements. For example, the earlier disposition of assets following an exchange or acquisition transaction will generally accelerate payments under the tax receivable agreements and increase the present value of such payments, and the disposition of assets before an exchange or acquisition transaction will increase a Continuing LLC Owner’s tax liability without giving rise to any rights of a Continuing LLC Owner to receive payments under the tax receivable agreements.

Because of our structure, our ability to make payments under the tax receivable agreements is dependent on the ability of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC to make distributions to us. The ability of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC to make such distributions will be subject to, among other things, restrictions in our debt documents and the applicable provisions of Delaware law that may limit the amount of funds available for distribution to its members. To the extent that we are unable to make payments under the tax receivable agreements for any reason, such payments will be deferred and will accrue interest until paid.

Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC amended and restated limited liability company agreement

In connection with the recapitalization transactions related to our IPO, the limited liability company agreement of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC was amended and restated (the “New LLC Agreement”). As a result of the recapitalization transactions and our IPO, we hold Holdings Units in Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC indirectly through wholly owned subsidiaries and are the sole managing member of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC. Accordingly, we operate and control all of the business and affairs of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC and, through Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC and its operating subsidiaries, conduct our business.

Pursuant to the New LLC Agreement, as managing member, Planet Fitness, Inc. has the right to determine when distributions will be made by Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC to holders of Holdings Units and the amount of any such distributions. If a distribution is authorized, such distribution will be made to the holder of Holdings Units (including Planet Fitness, Inc. and its subsidiaries) pro rata in accordance with the percentages of their respective Holdings Units.

 

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The holders of Holdings Units, including Planet Fitness, Inc. and its subsidiaries, will incur U.S. federal, state and local income taxes on their allocable share (determined under relevant tax rules) of any taxable income of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC. Net profits and net losses of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC will generally be allocated to holders of Holdings Units (including Planet Fitness, Inc.) pro rata in accordance with the percentages of their respective Holdings Units, except to the extent certain rules provide for disproportionate allocations or are otherwise required under applicable tax law.

The New LLC Agreement provides that Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC will make cash distributions, which we refer to as “tax distributions,” to the holders of Holdings Units. Generally, these tax distributions will be computed based on the net taxable income of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC allocable to the holders of Holdings Units multiplied by an assumed, combined tax rate equal to the maximum rate applicable to an individual or corporate resident in San Francisco, California (taking into account, among other things, the deductibility of certain expenses and certain adjustments relating to the calculation of state taxes). For purposes of determining the taxable income of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC, such determination will be made by generally disregarding any adjustment to the taxable income of any member of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC that arises under the tax basis adjustment rules of the Code, and is attributable to the acquisition by such member of an interest in Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC in our IPO and in future exchange or sale transactions. We expect Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC may make tax distributions periodically to the extent permitted by our agreements governing our indebtedness and necessary to enable us to cover our operating expenses and other obligations, including our tax liability and obligations under the tax receivable agreements, as well as to make dividend payments, if any, to the holders of our Class A common stock.

The New LLC Agreement also provides that substantially all expenses incurred by or attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc. (such as expenses incurred in connection with our IPO) will be borne or reimbursed by Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC, but Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC will not bear the cost of our income tax expenses, obligations incurred by us under the tax receivable agreements or payments on indebtedness incurred by us other than to pay operating expenses that otherwise would be borne by Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC.

Stockholders agreement

In connection with our IPO, we entered into a stockholders agreement with investment funds affiliated with TSG. Pursuant to the stockholders agreement, we are required to take all necessary action to cause the board of directors and its committees to include individuals designated by TSG and to include such individuals in the slate of nominees recommended by the board of directors for election by our stockholders. These nomination rights are described in the sections titled “Management—Board composition and director independence” and “Management—Board committees.” The stockholders agreement also provides that we will obtain customary director indemnity insurance and enter into indemnification agreements with TSG’s director designees, and we have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors generally providing for indemnification in connection with their service to us or on our behalf.

Registration rights agreement

In connection with the recapitalization transactions related to our IPO, we entered into a registration rights agreement with all of the Continuing LLC Owners and Direct TSG Investors, which include the investment funds affiliated with TSG that hold Holdings Units and shares of Class A common stock and certain employees and directors that hold Holdings Units. The registration rights agreement provides TSG with certain demand registration rights, including shelf registration rights, in respect of any shares of our Class A common stock held by it, subject to certain conditions. In addition, in the event that we register additional shares of Class A common stock for sale to the public, we will be required to give notice of such registration to TSG and certain employees and directors party to the agreement of our intention to effect such a registration, and, subject to

 

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certain limitations, include shares of Class A common stock held by them in such registration. We also will undertake in the registration rights agreement to file a shelf registration statement as soon as we meet the applicable eligibility criteria and to use commercially reasonable efforts to have the shelf registration statement declared effective as soon as practicable and to remain effective in order to register the exchange of Holdings Units together with shares of Class B common stock for shares of Class A common stock by certain employees and directors from time to time. We will be required to bear the registration expenses, other than underwriting discounts and commissions and transfer taxes, associated with any registration of shares pursuant to the agreement. The agreement includes customary indemnification provisions in favor of TSG and the employees and directors party to the agreement, any person who is or might be deemed a control person (within the meaning of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act) and related parties against certain losses and liabilities (including reasonable costs of investigation and legal expenses) arising out of or based upon any filing or other disclosure made by us under the securities laws relating to any such registration.

Indemnification agreements

Prior to the completion of our IPO, we entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors. These agreements require us to indemnify these individuals and, in certain cases, affiliates of such individuals, to the fullest extent permissible under Delaware law against liabilities that may arise by reason of their service to us or at our direction, and to advance expenses incurred as a result of any proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, we have been informed that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy and is therefore unenforceable.

Related person transactions policy

We have adopted a policy with respect to the review, approval and ratification of related person transactions. Under the policy, our audit committee is responsible for reviewing and approving related person transactions. In the course of its review and approval of related person transactions, our audit committee will consider the relevant facts and circumstances to decide whether to approve such transactions, including whether the transaction is on terms no less favorable than terms generally available to an unaffiliated third party under the same or similar circumstances and the extent of the related person’s interest in the transaction. Related person transactions must be approved or ratified by the audit committee based on full information about the proposed transaction and the related person’s interest.

 

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Principal and selling stockholders

The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock for (a) each person, or group of affiliated persons, known by us to own beneficially more than 5% of our outstanding shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock, (b) each member of our board of directors, (c) each of our named executive officers, (d) all of our directors and executive officers as a group and (e) each of the selling stockholders.

Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with SEC rules. The information is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. In general, under these rules a beneficial owner of a security includes any person who, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise has or shares voting power or investment power with respect to such security. A person is also deemed to be a beneficial owner of a security if that person has the right to acquire beneficial ownership of such security within 60 days. To our knowledge, except as otherwise indicated, and subject to applicable community property laws, the persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock beneficially owned by that person.

In connection with our IPO and the recapitalization transactions, we issued to the Continuing LLC Owners one share of our Class B common stock for each Holdings Unit that they hold. Each Continuing LLC Owner has the right to exchange their Holdings Units, along with a corresponding number of shares of our Class B common stock, for shares of our Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis. In addition, at our election, we may effect a direct exchange of such shares of Class A common stock or cash for such Holdings Units. As a result, the number of shares of Class B common stock listed in the table below correlates to the number of Holdings Units each such Continuing LLC Owner holds. See “Certain relationships and related party transactions.”

 

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The number of shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock outstanding and percentage of beneficial ownership before this offering set forth below is computed on the basis of 36,597,985 shares of our Class A common stock issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2016, and 62,066,702 shares of our Class B common stock issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2016. The number of shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock and percentage of beneficial ownership after the consummation of this offering set forth below are based on the number of shares to be issued and outstanding immediately after the consummation of this offering. Shares of our Class A common stock that a person has the right to acquire within 60 days of the date of this prospectus (including the right to exchange described above) are deemed outstanding for purposes of computing the percentage ownership of such person’s holdings, but are not deemed outstanding for purposes of computing the percentage ownership of any other person, except with respect to the percentage ownership of all directors and executive officers as a group. Unless otherwise indicated below, the address for each beneficial owner listed is c/o Planet Fitness, Inc., 26 Fox Run Road, Newington, New Hampshire 03801.

 

		Class A common stock beneficially owned(1)
		Shares of Class A  common stock beneficially owned prior to this offering								Class A Shares being offered		Shares of Class A  common stock beneficially owned after giving effect to this offering (no option)				Shares of Class A  common stock beneficially owned after giving effect to this offering (with option)
		Number				Percentage						Number		Percentage		Number		Percentage
Name of beneficial owner
5% Stockholders
TSG Funds(2)			64,990,396				80.7%
AllianceBernstein L.P.(3)			2,362,034				6.5%
Capital World Investors(4)			2,276,286				6.2%
Directors and Named Executive Officers
Chris Rondeau(5)			8,588,310				19.0%
Dorvin Lively(6)			732,134				2.0%
Richard L. Moore(7)			675,723				1.8%
Charles Esserman(8)			—				—
Michael Layman(8)			—				—
Pierre LeComte(8)			—				—
Edward Wong(8)			—				—
Marc Grondahl(9)			5,367,695				12.8%
Stephen Spinelli, Jr.(10)			101,355				*
David Berg			—				—
All executive officers and directors as a group (10 persons)(11)			15,465,217				29.7%

 

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		Class B common stock beneficially owned(1)
		Shares of Class B common stock beneficially owned prior to this offering								Shares of Class B  common stock beneficially owned after this offering (no option)				Shares of Class B  common stock beneficially owned after this offering (with option)
		Number				Percentage				Number		Percentage		Number		Percentage
Name of beneficial owner
5% Stockholders
TSG Funds(2)			43,917,412				70.7%
Directors and Named Executive Officers
Chris Rondeau(5)			8,588,310				13.8%
Dorvin Lively(6)			1,407,950				2.3%
Richard L. Moore(7)			993,711				1.6%
Charles Esserman(8)			—				—
Michael Layman(8)			—				—
Pierre LeComte(8)			—				—
Edward Wong(8)			—				—
Marc Grondahl(9)			5,367,695				8.6%
Stephen Spinelli, Jr.(10)			149,052				*
David Berg			—				—
All executive officers and directors as a group (9 persons)(11)			16,506,718				26.6%

 

*

Represents beneficial ownership of less than 1%.

 

(1)

Subject to the terms of the exchange agreement, the Holdings Units held by Continuing LLC Owners are exchangeable for shares of our Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis. See “Certain relationships and related party transactions—Exchange agreement.” In these tables, beneficial ownership of Holdings Units has been reflected as beneficial ownership of shares of our Class A common stock for which such Holdings Units may be exchanged. When a Holdings Unit is exchanged by a Continuing LLC Owner who holds shares of Class B common stock, a corresponding share of Class B common stock will be cancelled. Accordingly, in the first table above, the percentages of Class A common stock provided also reflect combined voting power for each respective beneficial owner.

 

(2)

Based on a Schedule 13G filed by TSG6 Management L.L.C. with the SEC on February 16, 2016. Shares of Class A common stock shown as beneficially owned by the TSG Funds include: (a) 9,985,179 shares of Class A common stock held by TSG6 AIV II-A L.P. (“AIV II-A”), a Delaware limited partnership whose general partner is TSG6 Management L.L.C. (“TSG6 Management”), a Delaware limited liability company; (b) 11,087,806 shares of Class A common stock held by TSG6 PF Co-Investors A L.P. (“Co-Investors A”), a Delaware limited partnership whose general partner is TSG6 Management; (c) 37,858,904 shares of Class A common stock underlying an identical number of Holdings Units and shares of Class B common stock held by TSG PF Investment L.L.C. (“Investment”), a Delaware limited liability company whose managing member is TSG6 AIV II L.P., whose general partner is TSG6 Management; and (d) 6,058,507 shares of Class A common stock underlying an identical number of Holdings Units and shares of Class B common stock held by TSG PF Investment II L.L.C. (“Investment II” and, together with AIV II-A, Co-Investors A and Investment, the “TSG Funds”), a Delaware limited liability company whose managing member is TSG6 AIV II L.P., whose general partner is TSG6 Management. By virtue of the relationships described in this footnote, TSG6 Management may be deemed to share beneficial ownership of the securities held by the TSG Funds. Voting and investment decisions with respect to securities held by the TSG Funds are made by the following managing members of TSG6 Management: Charles Esserman, James O’Hara, Hadley Mullin, Pierre LeComte, Blythe Jack, Brian Krumrei, Jennifer Baxter Moser and Colin Welch. Each of the TSG Funds has an address c/o TSG Consumer Partners, LLC, 600 Montgomery Street, Suite 2900, San Francisco, California 94111.

 

(3)

Based on a Schedule 13G filed by AllianceBernstein L.P. with the SEC on February 16, 2016.

 

(4)

Based on a Schedule 13G filed by Capital World Investors with the SEC on February 12, 2016.

 

(5)

Based on a Schedule 13G filed by Mr. Rondeau on February 12, 2016. Includes 8,588,310 shares of Class A common stock underlying an identical number of Holdings Units and shares of Class B common stock held by Mr. Rondeau.

 

(6)

Reflects 1,407,950 shares of Class A common stock underlying an identical number of Holdings Units and shares of Class B common stock held by Mr. Lively, 732,134 of which have vested or will vest within 60 days.

 

(7)

Reflects 993,711 shares of Class A common stock underlying an identical number of Holdings Units and shares of Class B common stock held by Mr. Moore, 675,723 of which have vested or will vest within 60 days.

 

(8)

Does not include shares of Class A common stock beneficially owned by the TSG Funds. Mr. Esserman is Chief Executive Officer of TSG, Mr. Layman is a Principal of TSG, Mr. LeComte is Managing Director of TSG and Edward Wong is a Senior Vice President of TSG. The address of each of Messrs. Esserman, Layman, LeComte and Wong is c/o TSG Consumer Partners, LLC, 600 Montgomery Street, Suite 2900, San Francisco, California 94111.

 

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(9)

Based on a Schedule 13G filed by Mr. Grondahl on February 12, 2016. Includes 5,367,695 shares of Class A common stock underlying an identical number of Holdings Units and shares of Class B common stock held by Mr. Grondahl.

 

(10)

Reflects 149,052 shares of Class A common stock underlying an identical number of Holdings Units and shares of Class B common stock held by Dr. Spinelli, 101,355 of which have vested or will vest within 60 days.

 

(11)

Reflects 16,506,718 shares of Class A common stock underlying an identical number of Holdings Units and shares of Class B common stock held by our current directors and executive officers as a group, 15,465,217 of which have vested or will vest within 60 days.

 

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Description of certain indebtedness

Senior secured credit facility

General

On December 14, 2012, Planet Fitness Holdings, LLC entered into a $230.0 million senior secured credit facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent and the other lenders party thereto. The senior secured credit facility originally consisted of a $190.0 million term loan facility and a $40.0 million revolving credit facility. On March 31, 2014, we amended and restated the senior secured credit facility to increase the size of the term loan facility to $390.0 million and to make certain other changes to the pricing terms and certain covenants.

The senior secured credit facility provides that Planet Fitness Holdings, LLC has the right at any time to request additional loans and commitments, and to the extent that the aggregate amount of such additional loans and commitments exceeds $75.0 million, the incurrence thereof is subject to a first lien net leverage ratio being no greater than the first lien net leverage ratio on March 31, 2014, reduced by 0.25. The lenders under these facilities are not under any obligation to provide any such additional term loans or commitments, and any additional term loans or increase in commitments are subject to several conditions precedent and limitations.

On March 31, 2015, we amended our senior secured credit facility to provide for an increase in term loan borrowings to $506.1 million to permit the issuance of a cash dividend of $140.0 million to holders of Class T Units and Class O Units of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC, and to extend the 1.00% soft-call prepayment premium on our senior secured credit facility until September 30, 2015. The full incremental borrowings of $120.0 million plus $20.0 million from cash on hand were used to fund the dividend payment. The additional incremental term loan borrowings bear a variable rate of interest of the greater of LIBOR or 1.00% plus the applicable margin of 3.50%. All other terms and conditions remained unchanged under the senior secured credit facility.

Interest rates and fees

Borrowings under the senior secured credit facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to an applicable margin plus, at our option, either (1) a base rate determined by reference to the highest of (a) the Federal Funds rate plus 1/2 of 1%, (b) the prime rate of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and (c) the adjusted LIBOR for a one month interest period plus 1% or (2) a LIBOR determined by reference to the costs of funds for U.S. dollar deposits for the interest period relevant to such borrowing adjusted for certain additional costs, provided that LIBOR shall not be lower than 1.00%. The initial applicable margin under the term loan facility was 2.75% and ranges from 2.75% to 2.50% for loans based upon the base rate and ranges from 3.75% to 3.50% for loans based upon the LIBOR, in each case based upon on specified leverage ratios. The applicable margin under the revolving credit facility ranges from 1.75% to 2.25% for loans based upon the base rate and ranges from 2.75% to 3.25% for loans based upon the LIBOR, in each case based upon on specified leverage ratios.

In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal under the senior secured credit facility, we are required to pay a commitment fee to the lenders under the revolving credit facility in respect of the unutilized commitments thereunder at a rate ranging from 0.35% to 0.45% per annum, based upon on specified leverage ratios. We also pay customary letter of credit and agency fees.

Mandatory prepayments

The credit agreement governing the senior secured credit facility requires Planet Fitness Holdings, LLC to prepay outstanding term loans, subject to certain exceptions, with: (1) 100% of the net cash proceeds of any incurrence of indebtedness by Planet Fitness Holdings, LLC or its restricted subsidiaries other than certain

 

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indebtedness permitted under the senior secured credit facility, and (2) 100% of the net cash proceeds of non-ordinary course asset sales or other dispositions of assets (including casualty events) by Planet Fitness Holdings, LLC or its restricted subsidiaries, subject to reinvestment rights and certain other exceptions.

In general, the mandatory prepayments described above are applied first, in direct order of maturities or otherwise at our direction, to scheduled principal amortization payments, second, to prepay any revolving loans, without any permanent reduction in the commitments under the revolving loan facility and third, to cash collateralize any outstanding letters of credit.

Voluntary repayments

We may voluntarily repay outstanding loans under the senior secured credit facility at any time subject to customary “breakage” costs with respect to LIBOR loans.

Amortization and final maturity

The term loan facility amortizes each year in an amount equal to 1% per annum in equal quarterly installments for the first six and three quarter years, with the balance payable on March 31, 2021. The principal amount outstanding of the loans under the revolving credit facility becomes due and payable on March 31, 2019.

Guarantees and security

The senior secured credit facility is guaranteed by Planet Intermediate, LLC and certain of Planet Fitness Holdings, LLC’s direct and indirect wholly owned domestic subsidiaries (excluding certain immaterial subsidiaries and subject to certain other exceptions), and is required to be guaranteed by certain of Planet Fitness Holdings, LLC’s future domestic wholly owned subsidiaries. The security of all obligations under the senior secured credit facility and the guarantees of those obligations, subject to certain exceptions, including the mortgages, will be limited to owned real property with a fair market value above a specified threshold. Such obligations and guarantees are secured by (i) substantially all of the assets of Planet Intermediate, LLC, Planet Fitness Holdings, LLC and the subsidiary guarantors, including a first-priority pledge of 100% of certain of the capital stock or equity interests held by Planet Intermediate, LLC, Planet Fitness Holdings, LLC or any subsidiary guarantor (which pledge, in the case of the stock of any foreign subsidiary (each such entity, a “Pledged Foreign Sub”) (with certain agreed-upon exceptions) and the equity interests of certain U.S. subsidiaries that hold capital stock of foreign subsidiaries and are disregarded entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes (each such entity, a “Pledged U.S. DE”) (with certain agreed-upon exceptions), is limited to 65% of the stock or equity interests of such Pledged Foreign Sub or Pledged U.S. DE, as the case may be), in each case excluding any interests in non-wholly owned restricted subsidiaries (including joint ventures) to the extent such a pledge would violate the governing documents thereof and certain other exceptions; and (ii) a first-priority security interest in substantially all other tangible and intangible assets of Planet Intermediate, LLC, Planet Fitness Holdings, LLC and each subsidiary guarantor.

Covenants and other matters

The senior secured credit facility contains a number of covenants that, among other things and subject to certain exceptions, restrict the ability of Planet Intermediate, LLC Planet Fitness Holdings, LLC and its restricted subsidiaries to:

 

•

incur additional indebtedness;

 

•

incur certain liens;

 

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•

consolidate or merge;

 

•

alter the business conducted by Planet Intermediate, LLC, Planet Fitness Holdings, LLC and its restricted subsidiaries;

 

•

make investments, loans, advances and acquisitions;

 

•

sell assets, including capital stock of its subsidiaries;

 

•

enter into certain sale and leaseback transactions;

 

•

enter into certain swap agreements or derivative transactions;

 

•

pay dividends on capital stock or redeem, repurchase or retire capital stock or certain other indebtedness;

 

•

engage in transactions with affiliates; and

 

•

enter into agreements restricting our restricted subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends.

In addition, the credit agreement governing the senior secured credit facility requires Planet Fitness Holdings, LLC and its restricted subsidiaries to comply on a quarterly basis with a maximum total net leverage ratio, which covenant is only for the benefit of the revolving credit facility. This financial maintenance covenant becomes more restrictive over time.

Failure to comply with this covenant would result in an event of default under our senior secured credit facility unless waived by our senior secured credit facility lenders. As of March 31, 2016, we were in compliance with our senior secured credit facility financial covenant with a leverage ratio of 3.4 to 1.0, which was calculated for the 12 months ended March 31, 2016, based upon certain adjustments to EBITDA, as provided for under the terms of our senior secured credit facility.

The credit agreement governing the senior secured credit facility contains certain customary affirmative covenants and events of default. An event of default under our senior secured credit facility can result in the acceleration of our indebtedness under the facility, which in turn can result in an event of default and possible acceleration of our other indebtedness, if any.

This summary describes the material provisions of the senior secured credit facility, but may not contain all information that is important to you. We urge you to read the provisions of the credit agreement governing the senior secured credit facility, which has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. See “Where you can find more information.”

 

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Description of capital stock

General

The following description of our capital stock is intended as a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by reference to our restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, and to the applicable provisions of the DGCL.

Our authorized capital stock consists of 300,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, 100,000,000 shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share. Upon the completion of this offering, there will be              shares of our Class A common stock issued and outstanding and              shares of our Class B common stock issued and outstanding.

Common stock

Voting rights.     Holders of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock are entitled to cast one vote per share on all matters submitted to stockholders for their approval. Holders of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock are not be entitled to cumulate their votes in the election of directors. Holders of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock vote together as a single class on all matters submitted to stockholders for their vote or approval, except with respect to the amendment of certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation that would alter or change the powers, preferences or special rights of the Class B common stock so as to affect them adversely, which amendments must be approved by a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of the Class B common stock, voting as a separate class, or as otherwise required by applicable law. The voting power of the outstanding Class B common stock (expressed as a percentage of the total voting power of all common stock) is equal to the percentage of Holdings Units not held directly or indirectly by Planet Fitness, Inc.

Generally, all matters to be voted on by stockholders must be approved by a majority of votes cast affirmatively or negatively on a matter by stockholders (or, in the case of election of directors, by a plurality), voting together as a single class. Except as otherwise provided by law, amendments to the certificate of incorporation must be approved by a majority or, in some cases, a super-majority of the combined voting power of all shares entitled to vote, voting together as a single class.

Dividend rights.    Holders of Class A common stock share ratably (based on the number of shares of Class A common stock held) if and when any dividend is declared by the board of directors out of funds legally available therefor, subject to any statutory or contractual restrictions on the payment of dividends and to any restrictions on the payment of dividends imposed by the terms of any outstanding preferred stock. The holders of our Class B common stock do not have any right to receive dividends other than dividends consisting of shares of our Class B common stock paid proportionally with respect to each outstanding share of our Class B common stock.

Liquidation rights.    On our liquidation, dissolution or winding up and after payment in full of all amounts required to be paid to creditors and to the holders of preferred stock having liquidation preferences, if any, each holder of Class A common stock are entitled to a pro rata distribution of any assets available for distribution to common stockholders. Other than their par value, the holders of our Class B common stock do not have any right to receive a distribution upon a liquidation or dissolution of our Company.

Other matters.    No shares of Class A common stock or Class B common stock are subject to redemption or have preemptive rights to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock or Class B common stock. Holders of shares of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock do not have subscription, redemption or

 

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conversion rights. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the Class A common stock or Class B Common Stock. All the outstanding shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

Transfers of Class B common stock.    Pursuant to the recapitalization agreement and the New LLC Agreement, each holder of Class B common stock agrees that:

 

•

the holder will not transfer any shares of Class B common stock to any person unless the holder transfers an equal number of Holdings Units to the same person; and

 

•

in the event the holder transfers any Holdings Units to any person, the holder will transfer an equal number of shares of Class B common stock to the same person.

Preferred stock

Our board of directors may, without further action by our stockholders, from time to time, direct the issuance of shares of preferred stock in series and may, at the time of issuance, determine the designations, powers, preferences, privileges and relative participating, optional or special rights, as well as the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption and liquidation preferences, any or all of which may be greater than the rights of the Class A common stock. Satisfaction of any dividend preferences of outstanding shares of preferred stock would reduce the amount of funds available for the payment of dividends on shares of our Class A common stock. Holders of shares of preferred stock may be entitled to receive a preference payment in the event of our liquidation before any payment is made to the holders of shares of our Class A common stock. Under certain circumstances, the issuance of shares of preferred stock may render more difficult or tend to discourage a merger, tender offer or proxy contest, the assumption of control by a holder of a large block of our securities or the removal of incumbent management. Upon the affirmative vote of a majority of the total number of directors then in office, our board of directors, without stockholder approval, may issue shares of preferred stock with voting and conversion rights which could adversely affect the holders of shares of our Class A common stock and the market value of our Class A common stock. Upon consummation of this offering, there are no shares of preferred stock outstanding, and we have no present intention to issue any shares of preferred stock.

Stockholders agreement

In connection with the IPO, we entered into a stockholders agreement with investment funds affiliated with TSG pursuant to which TSG has specified board representation rights, governance rights and other rights. See “Certain relationships and related party transactions—Stockholders agreement.”

Registration rights

In connection with the IPO, all of the Continuing LLC Owners and Direct TSG Investors, including the investment funds affiliated with TSG that hold Holdings Units and shares of Class A common stock, and certain employees and directors that hold Holdings Units, are entitled to rights with respect to the registration of their shares under the Securities Act. These registration rights are contained in our registration rights agreement. See “Certain relationships and related party transactions—Registration rights agreement.”

Anti-takeover effects of our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws

Our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws contain provisions that may delay, defer or discourage another party from acquiring control of us. We expect that these provisions will discourage coercive takeover practices or inadequate takeover bids. These provisions are also designed to encourage persons seeking to acquire

 

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control of us to first negotiate with the board of directors, which we believe may result in an improvement of the terms of any such acquisition in favor of our stockholders. However, they may also discourage acquisitions that some stockholders may favor.

These provisions include:

 

•

Classified board.    Our certificate of incorporation provides that our board of directors is divided into three classes of directors. As a result, approximately one-third of our board of directors is elected each year. The classification of directors has the effect of making it more difficult for stockholders to change the composition of our board. Our board of directors is composed of eight members.

 

•

No cumulative voting.    The DGCL provides that stockholders are not entitled to the right to cumulate votes in the election of directors unless the certificate of incorporation specifically authorizes cumulative voting. Our certificate of incorporation does not authorize cumulative voting.

 

•

Requirements for removal of directors.    Following the date on which the TSG no longer beneficially owns a majority of our common stock, directors may only be removed for cause by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 75% of the voting power of our outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote thereon.

 

•

Advance notice procedures.    Our bylaws establish an advance notice procedure for stockholder proposals to be brought before an annual meeting of our stockholders, including proposed nominations of persons for election to the board of directors. Stockholders at an annual meeting will only be able to consider proposals or nominations specified in the notice of meeting or brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the board of directors or by a stockholder who was a stockholder of record on the record date for the meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has given our secretary timely written notice, in proper form, of the stockholder’s intention to bring that business before the meeting. Although the bylaws do not give the board of directors the power to approve or disapprove stockholder nominations of candidates or proposals regarding other business to be conducted at a special or annual meeting, the bylaws may have the effect of precluding the conduct of certain business at a meeting if the proper procedures are not followed or may discourage or deter a potential acquiror from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect its own slate of directors or otherwise attempting to obtain control of our Company.

 

•

Actions by written consent; special meetings of stockholders.    Our certificate of incorporation provides that, following the date on which TSG no longer beneficially owns a majority of our common stock, stockholder action can be taken only at an annual or special meeting of stockholders and cannot be taken by written consent in lieu of a meeting. Our certificate of incorporation also provides that, except as otherwise required by law, special meetings of the stockholders can only be called by or at the direction of the chairman of the board, a majority of the board of directors, or, until the date on which TSG no longer beneficially owns a majority of our common stock, by the secretary at the request of the holders of 50% or more of our outstanding shares of common stock.

 

•

Supermajority approval requirements.    Following the date on which TSG no longer beneficially owns a majority of our common stock, certain amendments to our certificate of incorporation and shareholder amendments to our bylaws will require the affirmative vote of at least 75% of the voting power of the outstanding shares of our capital stock entitled to vote thereon.

 

•

Authorized but unissued shares.    Our authorized but unissued shares of common and preferred stock are available for future issuance without stockholder approval. The existence of authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock could render more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of us by means of a proxy contest, tender offer, merger or otherwise.

 

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•

Business combinations with interested stockholders.    We have elected in our certificate of incorporation not to be subject to Section 203 of the DGCL, an antitakeover law. In general, Section 203 prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a business combination, such as a merger, with a person or group owning 15% or more of the corporation’s voting stock for a period of three years following the date the person became an interested stockholder, unless (with certain exceptions) the business combination or the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder is approved in a prescribed manner. While we will not be subject to any anti-takeover effects of Section 203, our certificate of incorporation contains provisions that have the same effect as Section 203, except that they provide that investment funds affiliated with TSG will not be deemed to be an “interested stockholder,” regardless of the percentage of our voting stock owned by investment funds affiliated with TSG, and accordingly we will not be subject to such restrictions.

Exclusive forum

Our certificate of incorporation requires, to the fullest extent permitted by law, that derivative actions brought in the name of the Company, actions against directors, officers and employees for breach of a fiduciary duty and other similar actions may be brought only in specified courts in the State of Delaware. Although we believe this provision benefits us by providing increased consistency in the application of Delaware law in the types of lawsuits to which it applies, the provision may have the effect of discouraging lawsuits against our directors and officers. See “Risk factors—Our certificate of incorporation designates courts in the State of Delaware as the sole and exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers or employees.”

Corporate opportunities

Our certificate of incorporation provides that we renounce any interest or expectancy in the business opportunities of TSG and of its officers, directors, agents, stockholders, members, partners, affiliates and subsidiaries and each such party shall not have any obligation to offer us those opportunities unless presented to one of our directors or officers in his or her capacity as a director or officer.

Limitations on liability and indemnification of directors and officers

Our certificate of incorporation limits the liability of our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL and requires that we will provide them with customary indemnification. We also entered into customary indemnification agreements with each of our directors that provide them, in general, with customary indemnification in connection with their service to us or on our behalf. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, we have been informed that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy and is therefore unenforceable. We also maintain officers’ and directors’ liability insurance that insures against liabilities that our officers and directors may incur in such capacities.

Transfer agent and registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for our Class A common stock is American Stock Transfer and Trust Company, LLC.

Listing

Our Class A common stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol “PLNT.”

 

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Shares eligible for future sale

Future sales of substantial amounts of our Class A common stock, including shares issued upon the exercise of outstanding options, in the public market after this offering, or the perception that those sales may occur, could cause the prevailing market price for our Class A common stock to fall or impair our ability to raise capital through sales of our equity securities.

After giving effect to this offering, we will have outstanding an aggregate of              shares of Class A common stock, assuming no exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares. All 10,000,000 shares sold in this offering will be freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act, except for any shares purchased by our “affiliates,” as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act. Shares purchased by our affiliates may not be resold except pursuant to an effective registration statement or an exemption from registration, including the safe harbor under Rule 144 of the Securities Act described below.

The remaining              shares of Class A common stock (or              shares of Class A common stock, including shares of our Class A common stock received in exchange for a corresponding number of Holdings Units and shares of Class B common stock) will continue to be, and any shares of Class A common stock issued upon redemption or exchange of Holdings Units will be, “restricted securities,” as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act. These restricted securities are eligible for public sale only if they are registered under the Securities Act or if they qualify for an exemption from registration including the safe harbors afforded by Rules 144 and 701 under the Securities Act, which are summarized below. However, in connection with the IPO, we entered into a registration rights agreement with the Continuing LLC Owners and the Direct TSG Investors that requires us to register under the Securities Act the resale of these shares of Class A common stock. See “—Registration rights” and “Certain relationships and related party transactions—Registration rights agreement.” Such securities registered under any registration statement will be available for sale in the open market unless restrictions apply.

Lock-up agreements

We and each of our directors, executive officers, the selling stockholders and certain other stockholders, who collectively own              shares of our common stock, or securities exercisable for or exchangeable into shares of our common stock, including Holdings Units, following this offering, have agreed that, without the prior written consent of certain of the underwriters, we and they will not, subject to limited exceptions, directly or indirectly sell or dispose of any shares of common stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for shares of common stock for a period of 90 days after the date of this prospectus. The lock-up restrictions and specified exceptions are described in more detail under “Underwriting.”

Rule 144

In general, under Rule 144, any person who is not our affiliate and has held their shares of Class A common stock for at least six months, including the holding period of any prior owner other than one of our affiliates, may sell shares without restriction, subject to the availability of current public information about us. In addition, under Rule 144, any person who is not our affiliate and has not been our affiliate at any time during the preceding three months and has held their shares of Class A common stock for at least one year, including the holding period of any prior owner other than one of our affiliates, would be entitled to sell an unlimited number of shares of Class A common stock immediately upon the completion of this offering without regard to whether current public information about us is available.

 

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A person who is our affiliate or who was our affiliate at any time during the preceding three months and who has beneficially owned restricted securities for at least six months, including the holding period of any prior owner other than one of our affiliates, is entitled to sell a number of shares of Class A common stock within any three-month period that does not exceed the greater of: (i) 1% of the number of shares of our Class A common stock outstanding, which will equal approximately              shares immediately after this offering; and (ii) the average weekly trading volume of our Class A common stock on the NYSE during the four calendar weeks preceding the filing of a notice on Form 144 with respect to the sale.

Sales under Rule 144 by our affiliates are also subject to certain manner of sale provisions, notice requirements and the availability of current public information about us.

Rule 701

In general, under Rule 701 under the Securities Act, any of our employees, directors, officers, consultants or advisors who acquired shares of Class A common stock from us in connection with a written compensatory stock or option plan or other written agreement in compliance with Rule 701 is entitled to sell such shares in reliance on Rule 144 but without compliance with certain of the requirements contained in Rule 144. Accordingly, subject to any applicable lock-up agreements, under Rule 701 persons who are not our affiliates may resell those shares without complying with the minimum holding period or public information requirements of Rule 144, and persons who are our affiliates may resell those shares without compliance with Rule 144’s minimum holding period requirements.

Equity incentive plans

We have filed a registration statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act covering the shares of Class A common stock that are subject to options and other awards issuable pursuant to our equity incentive plans. Shares covered by such registration statement are available for sale in the open market following the effective date, subject to certain Rule 144 limitations applicable to affiliates and the terms of lock-up agreements applicable to those shares.

Registration rights

Subject to the lock-up agreements described above, certain holders of our Class A common stock, or securities exercisable for or exchangeable into, shares of Class A common stock, including Holdings Units, may demand that we register the sale of their shares under the Securities Act or, if we file another registration statement under the Securities Act other than a Form S-8 covering securities issuable under our equity plans or on Form S-4, may elect to include their shares of Class A common stock in such registration. Following such registered sales, the shares will be freely tradable without restriction under the Securities Act, unless held by our affiliates. See “Certain relationships and related party transactions—Registration rights agreement.”

 

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Material U.S. federal income tax considerations for Non-U.S. Holders

The following is a summary of the material U.S. federal income and estate tax considerations relating to the purchase, ownership and disposition of shares of our Class A common stock issued pursuant to this offering by Non-U.S. Holders (defined below). This summary does not purport to be a complete analysis of all the potential tax considerations relevant to Non-U.S. Holders of shares of our Class A common stock. This summary is based upon the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”), the Treasury regulations promulgated or proposed thereunder and administrative and judicial interpretations thereof, all as of the date hereof and all of which are subject to change or differing interpretations at any time, possibly with retroactive effect.

This summary assumes that shares of our Class A common stock are held by a Non-U.S. Holder as “capital assets” within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Internal Revenue Code (generally, property held for investment). This summary does not purport to deal with all aspects of U.S. federal income and estate taxation that might be relevant to particular Non-U.S. Holders in light of their particular investment circumstances or status, nor does it address specific tax considerations that may be relevant to particular persons subject to special treatment under U.S. federal income tax laws (including, for example, financial institutions, broker-dealers, insurance companies, partnerships or other pass-through entities or arrangements, certain U.S. expatriates or former long-term residents of the U.S., tax-exempt organizations, pension plans, “controlled foreign corporations,” “passive foreign investment companies,” corporations that accumulate earnings to avoid U.S. federal income tax, or persons in special situations, such as those who have elected to mark securities to market or those who hold shares of our Class A common stock as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion transaction, synthetic security or other integrated investment). In addition, except as explicitly addressed herein with respect to estate tax, this summary does not address estate or any gift tax considerations or considerations arising under the tax laws of any state, local or non-U.S. jurisdiction or any consideration relating to the alternative minimum tax or the 3.8% tax on net investment income.

For purposes of this summary, a “Non-U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of shares of our Class A common stock that for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is an individual, corporation, estate or trust other than:

 

•

an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States;

 

•

a corporation, or any other organization taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, that is created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;

 

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an estate, the income of which is included in gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes regardless of its source; or

 

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a trust if (1) a U.S. court is able to exercise primary supervision over the trust’s administration and one or more U.S. persons (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code) have the authority to control all of the trust’s substantial decisions or (2) the trust has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.

If an entity or arrangement that is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds shares of our Class A common stock, the tax treatment of persons treated as its partners for U.S. federal income tax purposes will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partnerships and other entities that are classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes and persons holding our Class A common stock through a partnership or other entity classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes are urged to consult their own tax advisors.

 

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There can be no assurance that the IRS will not challenge one or more of the tax consequences described herein, and we have not obtained, nor do we intend to obtain, a ruling from the IRS or an opinion of counsel with respect to the U.S. federal income or estate tax consequences to a Non-U.S. Holder of the purchase, ownership or disposition of shares of our Class A common stock.

THIS SUMMARY IS NOT INTENDED TO BE TAX ADVICE. PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS CONCERNING THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME AND ESTATE TAXATION AND OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF SHARES OF OUR CLASS A COMMON STOCK, AS WELL AS THE APPLICATION OF STATE, LOCAL AND NON-U.S. INCOME AND OTHER TAX LAWS.

Distributions on shares of our Class A common stock

As discussed under “Dividend policy” above, we do not currently anticipate paying cash dividends on shares of our Class A common stock in the foreseeable future. In the event that we do make a distribution of cash or property with respect to shares of our Class A common stock, any such distributions generally will constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles, and will be subject to withholding as described in the next paragraph below. If a distribution exceeds our current or accumulated earnings and profits, the excess will be treated as a tax-free return of the Non-U.S. Holder’s investment, up to such holder’s adjusted tax basis in its shares of our Class A common stock, as determined on a share-per-share basis. Any remaining excess will be treated as capital gain, subject to the tax treatment described below in “—Gain on sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of shares of our Class A common stock.”

Any dividends paid to a Non-U.S. Holder with respect to shares of our Class A common stock generally will be subject to a 30% U.S. federal withholding tax unless such Non-U.S. Holder provides the applicable withholding agent with an appropriate and validly completed IRS Form W-8, such as:

 

•

IRS Form W-8BEN (or successor form) or IRS Form W-8BEN-E (or successor form) certifying, under penalties of perjury, that such Non-U.S. Holder is entitled to a reduction in withholding under an applicable income tax treaty; or

 

•

IRS Form W-8ECI (or successor form) certifying, under penalties of perjury, that a dividend paid on shares of our Class A common stock is not subject to withholding tax because it is effectively connected with conduct of a trade or business in the United States of the Non-U.S. Holder (in which case such dividend generally will be subject to regular graduated U.S. federal income tax rates on a net income basis as described below).

The certifications described above must be provided to the applicable withholding agent prior to the payment of dividends and must be updated periodically. The certification also may require a Non-U.S. Holder that provides an IRS form or that claims treaty benefits to provide its U.S. taxpayer identification number. Special certification and other requirements apply in the case of certain Non-U.S. Holders that are intermediaries or pass-through entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

If dividends are effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States of the Non-U.S. Holder (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, are attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base maintained by such Non-U.S. Holder in the United States), the Non-U.S. Holder, although exempt from the withholding tax described above (provided that the certifications described above are satisfied), will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax on such dividends on a net income basis in the same manner as if it were a resident of the U.S. In addition, if such Non-U.S. Holder is taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, such Non-U.S. Holder may be subject to an additional “branch profits tax” equal to 30% of its effectively connected earnings and profits for the taxable year, unless an applicable income tax treaty provides otherwise.

 

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Non-U.S. Holders that do not timely provide the applicable withholding agent with the required certification, but which are eligible for a reduced rate of U.S. federal withholding tax pursuant to an applicable income tax treaty may obtain a refund or credit of any excess amount withheld by timely filing an appropriate claim for refund with the IRS.

Any distribution described in this section would also be subject to the discussion below in the section entitled “—Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act.”

Gain on sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of shares of our Class A common stock

Subject to the discussion below under “—Backup withholding and information reporting” and “—Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act,” in general, a Non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax or withholding tax on any gain realized upon such holder’s sale, exchange or other disposition of shares of our Class A common stock (including a redemption, but only if the redemption would be treated as a sale or exchange rather than a distribution for U.S. federal income tax purposes) unless (i) such Non-U.S. Holder is an individual who is present in the U.S. for 183 days or more in the taxable year of disposition, and certain other conditions are met, (ii) we are or have been a “U.S. real property holding corporation,” as defined in the Internal Revenue Code (a “USRPHC”), at any time within the shorter of the five-year period preceding the disposition and the Non-U.S. Holder’s holding period with respect to the applicable shares of our Class A common stock (the “relevant period”) and certain other conditions are met, or (iii) such gain is effectively connected with the conduct by such Non-U.S. Holder of a trade or business in the U.S. (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base maintained by such Non-U.S. Holder in the U.S.).

If the first exception applies, the Non-U.S. Holder generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (unless an applicable income tax treaty provides otherwise) on the amount by which such Non-U.S. Holder’s capital gains allocable to U.S. sources exceed capital losses allocable to U.S. sources during the taxable year of the disposition.

With respect to the second exception above, although there can be no assurance, we believe we are not, and we do not currently anticipate becoming, a USRPHC. However, because the determination of whether we are a USRPHC depends on the fair market value of our U.S. real property relative to the fair market value of other business assets, there can be no assurance that we are not currently or will not become a USRPHC in the future. Generally, a corporation is a USRPHC only if the fair market value of its U.S. real property interests (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code) equals or exceeds 50% of the sum of the fair market value of its worldwide real property interests plus certain other assets used or held for use in a trade or business. Even if we are or become a USRPHC, a Non-U.S. Holder would not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of our Class A common stock by reason of our status as a USRPHC so long as (a) our Class A common stock is regularly traded on an established securities market (within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code Section 897(c)(3)) during the calendar year in which such sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of our Class A common stock occurs and (b) such Non-U.S. Holder does not own and is not deemed to own (directly, indirectly or constructively) more than 5% of our Class A common stock at any time during the relevant period. If we are a USRPHC and the requirements of (a) or (b) are not met, gain on the disposition of shares of our Class A common stock generally will be taxed in the same manner as gain that is effectively connected with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business, except that the “branch profits tax” generally will not apply. Prospective investors are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the possible consequences to them if we are, or were to become, a USRPHC.

If the third exception applies, the Non-U.S. Holder generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis with respect to such gain in the same manner as if such holder were a resident of the U.S., unless

 

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otherwise provided in an applicable income tax treaty. In addition, a Non-U.S. Holder that is a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes may also be subject to a “branch profits tax” on its effectively connected earnings and profits at a rate of 30%, unless an applicable income tax treaty provides otherwise.

Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act

Legislation commonly referred to as the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, as modified by Treasury regulations and subject to any official interpretations thereof, any applicable intergovernmental agreement between the U.S. and non-U.S. government to implement these rules and improve international tax compliance, or any fiscal or regulatory legislation or rules adopted pursuant to any such intergovernmental agreement (collectively, “FATCA”), generally will impose a U.S. federal withholding tax of 30% on payments to certain non-U.S. entities (including certain intermediaries), including dividends on and the gross proceeds from a sale or other disposition of our Class A common stock unless such persons comply with a complicated U.S. information reporting, disclosures and certification requirements. This new regime requires, among other things, a broad class of persons to obtain disclose and report information about their investors and account holders. These requirements are different from and in addition to the certification requirements described elsewhere in this discussion. The withholding rules apply currently to payments of dividends on shares of our Class A common stock, and are scheduled to apply to payments of gross proceeds from the sale or other dispositions of our Class A common stock paid after December 31, 2018. If a dividend payment is both subject to withholding under FATCA and subject to the withholding tax discussed above under “—Distributions on shares of our Class A common stock,” the withholding under FATCA may be credited against, and therefore reduce, such other withholding tax. Prospective investors should consult their own tax advisors regarding the possible impact of these rules on their investment in our Class A common stock, and the entities through which they hold our Class A common stock, including, without limitation, the process and deadlines for meeting the applicable requirements to prevent the imposition of this 30% withholding tax under FATCA.

Backup withholding and information reporting

We or a financial intermediary must report annually to the IRS and to each Non-U.S. Holder the gross amount of the distributions on shares of our Class A common stock paid to such holder and the tax withheld, if any, with respect to such distributions. These information reporting requirements apply even if withholding was not required. In addition to the requirements described above under “—Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act,” a Non-U.S. Holder generally will be subject to backup withholding at the then applicable rate for dividends paid to such holder unless such holder furnishes a valid IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E (or such other applicable form and documentation as required by the Internal Revenue Code or the Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder) certifying under penalties of perjury that it is a Non-U.S. Holder (and the payor does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that such holder is a U.S. person as defined under the Internal Revenue Code). Dividends paid to Non-U.S. Holders subject to the U.S. federal withholding tax, as described above under “—Distributions on shares of our Class A common stock,” generally will be exempt from U.S. backup withholding.

Information reporting and backup withholding will generally apply to the payment of the proceeds of a disposition of shares of our Class A common stock by a Non-U.S. Holder effected by or through the U.S. office of any broker, U.S. or non-U.S., unless the holder certifies that it is not a U.S. person (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code) and satisfies certain other requirements, or otherwise establishes an exemption. For information reporting purposes, dispositions effected through a non-U.S. office of a broker with substantial U.S. ownership or operations generally will be treated in a manner similar to dispositions effected through a U.S. office of a broker, and dispositions otherwise effected through a non-U.S. office generally will not be subject to information reporting. Generally, backup withholding will not apply to a payment of disposition proceeds to a

 

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Non-U.S. Holder where the transaction is effected through a non-U.S. office of a U.S. broker or non-U.S. office of a non-U.S. broker. Prospective investors are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the application of the information reporting and backup withholding rules to them.

Copies of information returns may be made available to the tax authorities of the country in which the Non-U.S. Holder resides or is incorporated, under the provisions of a specific treaty or agreement.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules from a payment made to a Non-U.S. Holder can be refunded or credited against such Non-U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, provided that an appropriate claim is timely filed with the IRS.

Federal estate tax

Shares of our Class A common stock held (or treated as held) by an individual who is not a U.S. citizen or resident (as defined for U.S. federal estate tax purposes) at the time of such individual’s death will be included in such individual’s gross estate for U.S. federal estate tax purposes, unless an applicable estate tax treaty provides otherwise, and, therefore, may be subject to U.S. federal estate tax.

 

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Underwriting

The selling stockholders are offering the shares of Class A common stock described in this prospectus through a number of underwriters. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Jefferies LLC are acting as representatives of the underwriters named below. We and the selling stockholders have entered into an underwriting agreement with the underwriters. Subject to the terms and conditions of the underwriting agreement, the selling stockholders have agreed to sell to the underwriters, and each underwriter has severally agreed to purchase, at the public offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, the number of shares of Class A common stock listed next to its name in the following table.

 

Underwriter		Number of shares
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith                    Incorporated
Jefferies LLC
Total

The underwriters are committed to purchase all the shares of Class A common stock offered by the selling stockholders, other than those covered by the option to purchase additional shares described below, if they purchase any shares. The underwriting agreement also provides that if an underwriter defaults, the purchase commitments of non-defaulting underwriters may also be increased or the offering may be terminated.

The underwriters propose to offer the shares of Class A common stock directly to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus and to certain dealers at that price less a concession not in excess of $         per share. Any such dealers may resell shares to certain other brokers or dealers at a discount of up to $         per share from the initial public offering price. After the public offering of the shares, the offering price and other selling terms may be changed by the underwriters. Sales of shares made outside of the United States may be made by affiliates of the underwriters.

The underwriters have an option to buy up to an additional 1,500,000 shares of Class A common stock to cover sales of shares by the underwriters which exceed the number of shares specified in the table above. The underwriters have 30 days from the date of this prospectus to exercise this option. If any shares are purchased with this option, the underwriters will purchase shares in approximately the same proportion as shown in the table above. If any additional shares of Class A common stock are purchased, the underwriters will offer the additional shares on the same terms as those on which the shares are being offered.

The underwriting fee is equal to the public offering price per share of Class A common stock less the amount paid by the underwriters to the selling stockholders per share of Class A common stock. The underwriting fee is $         per share. The following table shows the per share and total underwriting discounts and commissions to be paid to the underwriters assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares

 

		Paid by the selling stockholders
		No exercise				Full exercise
Per share		$
Total		$

 

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We estimate that the total expenses of this offering, including registration, filing and listing fees, printing fees and legal and accounting expenses, but excluding the underwriting discounts and commissions, will be approximately $         million. We have agreed to reimburse the underwriters for certain expenses in connection with this offering in the amount not exceeding $         . The underwriters have agreed to reimburse certain of our expenses incurred in connection with this offering.

A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on the websites maintained by one or more underwriters, or selling group members, if any, participating in the offering. The underwriters may agree to allocate a number of shares to underwriters and selling group members for sale to their online brokerage account holders. Internet distributions will be allocated by the representatives to underwriters and selling group members that may make Internet distributions on the same basis as other allocations.

We have agreed that we will not:

 

•

offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, or file with the SEC a registration statement under the Securities Act relating to, any shares of our common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any shares of our common stock, or publicly disclose the intention to make any offer, sale, pledge or disposition; or

 

•

enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers all or a portion of the economic consequences associated with the ownership of any shares of common stock or any such other securities,

regardless of whether any of these transactions are to be settled by the delivery of shares of common stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise, in each case without the prior written consent of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated for a period of 90 days after the date of this prospectus, other than the shares of our common stock to be sold hereunder and subject to certain other limited exceptions.

Our directors, executive officers, the selling stockholders and certain other stockholders have entered into lock-up agreements with the underwriters prior to the commencement of this offering pursuant to which each of these persons or entities, with limited exceptions, for a period of 90 days after the date of this prospectus, may not, without the prior written consent of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated:

 

•

offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, regardless of whether any such transaction is to be settled by delivery of our common stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise, any shares of our common stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for our common stock (including, without limitation, common stock or such other securities which may be deemed to be beneficially owned by such directors, executive officers and stockholders in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC and securities which may be issued upon exercise of a stock option or warrant) or publicly disclose the intention to make any offer, sale, pledge or disposition;

 

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enter into any swap or other agreement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of our common stock or such other securities, regardless of whether any such transaction is to be settled by delivery of our common stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise; or

 

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make any demand for or exercise any right with respect to the registration of any shares of our common stock or any security convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for our common stock.

 

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We and the selling stockholders have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Our Class A common stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol “PLNT.”

In connection with this offering, the underwriters may engage in stabilizing transactions, which involves making bids for, purchasing and selling shares of Class A common stock in the open market for the purpose of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the Class A common stock while this offering is in progress. These stabilizing transactions may include making short sales of the Class A common stock, which involves the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of shares of Class A common stock than they are required to purchase in this offering, and purchasing shares of Class A common stock on the open market to cover positions created by short sales. Short sales may be “covered” shorts, which are short positions in an amount not greater than the underwriters’ over-allotment option referred to above, or may be “naked” shorts, which are short positions in excess of that amount. The underwriters may close out any covered short position either by exercising their over-allotment option, in whole or in part, or by purchasing shares in the open market. In making this determination, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market compared to the price at which the underwriters may purchase shares through the over-allotment option. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the Class A common stock in the open market that could adversely affect investors who purchase in this offering. To the extent that the underwriters create a naked short position, they will purchase shares in the open market to cover the position.

The underwriters have advised us that, pursuant to Regulation M of the Securities Act, they may also engage in other activities that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the Class A common stock, including the imposition of penalty bids. This means that if the representatives of the underwriters purchase Class A common stock in the open market in stabilizing transactions or to cover short sales, the representatives can require the underwriters that sold those shares as part of this offering to repay the underwriting discount received by them.

These activities may have the effect of increasing or maintaining the market price of the Class A common stock or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the Class A common stock, and, as a result, the price of the Class A common stock may be higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market. If the underwriters commence these activities, they may discontinue them at any time. The underwriters may carry out these transactions on the NYSE, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.

A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on the websites maintained by one or more underwriters, or selling group members, if any, participating in the offering. The underwriters may agree to allocate a number of shares of Class A common stock to underwriters and selling group members for sale to their online brokerage account holders. Internet distributions will be allocated by the representatives to underwriters and selling group members that may make Internet distributions on the same basis as other allocations.

Sales of shares of Class A common stock made outside of the United States may be made by affiliates of the underwriters.

Other than in the United States, no action has been taken by us, the selling stockholders or the underwriters that would permit a public offering of the securities offered by this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. The securities offered by this prospectus may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, nor may this prospectus or any other offering material or advertisements in connection with the offer and sale of any such securities be distributed or published in any jurisdiction, except under circumstances

 

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that will result in compliance with the applicable rules and regulations of that jurisdiction. Persons into whose possession this prospectus comes are advised to inform themselves about and to observe any restrictions relating to the offering and the distribution of this prospectus. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities offered by this prospectus in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or a solicitation is unlawful.

Notice to prospective investors in the United Kingdom

This document is only being distributed to and is only directed at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom or (ii) to investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Order”) or (iii) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling with Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons”). The securities are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such securities will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents.

Notice to prospective investors in the European Economic Area

In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area which has implemented the Prospectus Directive (each, a “Relevant Member State”), with effect from and including the date on which the European Union Prospectus Directive (the “EU Prospectus Directive”) was implemented in that Relevant Member State no offer of securities described in this prospectus may be made to the public in that Relevant Member State other than:

 

•

to any legal entity which is a “qualified investor” as defined under the EU Prospectus Directive;

 

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to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons (other than “qualified investors” as defined in the EU Prospectus Directive), per Relevant Member State, subject to obtaining the prior consent of the underwriters; or

 

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in any other circumstances falling within Article 3(2) of the EU Prospectus Directive, provided that no such offer of securities shall result in a requirement for us or any underwriter to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the EU Prospectus Directive or a supplemental prospectus pursuant to Article 16 of the EU Prospectus Directive and each person who initially acquires any securities or to whom any offer is made will be deemed to have represented, warranted and agreed to and with each of the underwriters and us that it is a “qualified investor” within the meaning of the law in that Relevant Member State implementing Article 2(1)(e) of the EU Prospectus Directive.

For the purposes of this provision, the expression an “offer of securities to the public” in relation to any securities in any Relevant Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the securities to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for the securities, as the same may be varied in that Member State by any measure implementing the EU Prospectus Directive in that Member State. The expression “EU Prospectus Directive” means Directive 2003/71/EC, as amended, including by Directive 2010/73/EU, and includes any relevant implementing measure in each Relevant Member State.

Notice to prospective investors in Canada

The shares may be sold only to purchasers purchasing, or deemed to be purchasing, as principal that are accredited investors, as defined in National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions or subsection 73.3(1) of the Securities Act (Ontario), and are permitted clients, as defined in National Instrument 31-103 Registration

 

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Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations. Any resale of the shares must be made in accordance with an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the prospectus requirements of applicable securities laws.

Securities legislation in certain provinces or territories of Canada may provide a purchaser with remedies for rescission or damages if this prospectus (including any amendment thereto) contains a misrepresentation, provided that the remedies for rescission or damages are exercised by the purchaser within the time limit prescribed by the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory. The purchaser should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory for particulars of these rights or consult with a legal advisor.

Pursuant to section 3A.3 (or, in the case of securities issued or guaranteed by the government of a non-Canadian jurisdiction, section 3A.4) of National Instrument 33-105 Underwriting Conflicts (“NI 33-105”), the underwriters are not required to comply with the disclosure requirements of NI 33-105 regarding underwriter conflicts of interest in connection with this offering.

Notice to prospective investors in Switzerland

The shares may not be publicly offered in Switzerland and will not be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (“SIX”) or on any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. This document has been prepared without regard to the disclosure standards for issuance prospectuses under art. 652a or art. 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations or the disclosure standards for listing prospectuses under art. 27 ff. of the SIX Listing Rules or the listing rules of any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the shares or the offering may be publicly distributed or otherwise made publicly available in Switzerland.

Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the offering, the Company or the shares have been or will be filed with or approved by any Swiss regulatory authority. In particular, this document will not be filed with, and the offer of shares will not be supervised by, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA (“FINMA”), and the offer of shares has not been and will not be authorized under the Swiss Federal Act on Collective Investment Schemes (“CISA”). The investor protection afforded to acquirers of interests in collective investment schemes under the CISA does not extend to acquirers of shares.

Notice to prospective investors in the Dubai International Financial Centre

This prospectus relates to an Exempt Offer in accordance with the Offered Securities Rules of the Dubai Financial Services Authority (“DFSA”). This prospectus is intended for distribution only to persons of a type specified in the Offered Securities Rules of the DFSA. It must not be delivered to, or relied on by, any other person. The DFSA has no responsibility for reviewing or verifying any documents in connection with Exempt Offers. The DFSA has not approved this prospectus nor taken steps to verify the information set forth herein and has no responsibility for the prospectus. The shares to which this prospectus relates may be illiquid and/or subject to restrictions on their resale. Prospective purchasers of the shares offered should conduct their own due diligence on the shares. If you do not understand the contents of this prospectus you should consult an authorized financial advisor.

Notice to prospective investors in Australia

No placement document, prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document has been lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (“ASIC”), in relation to the offering. This

 

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prospectus does not constitute a prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document under the Corporations Act 2001 (the “Corporations Act”), and does not purport to include the information required for a prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document under the Corporations Act.

Any offer in Australia of the shares may only be made to persons (the “Exempt Investors”) who are “sophisticated investors” (within the meaning of section 708(8) of the Corporations Act), “professional investors” (within the meaning of section 708(11) of the Corporations Act) or otherwise pursuant to one or more exemptions contained in section 708 of the Corporations Act so that it is lawful to offer the shares without disclosure to investors under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act.

The shares applied for by Exempt Investors in Australia must not be offered for sale in Australia in the period of 12 months after the date of allotment under the offering, except in circumstances where disclosure to investors under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act would not be required pursuant to an exemption under section 708 of the Corporations Act or otherwise or where the offer is pursuant to a disclosure document which complies with Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act. Any person acquiring shares must observe such Australian on-sale restrictions.

This prospectus contains general information only and does not take account of the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person. It does not contain any securities recommendations or financial product advice. Before making an investment decision, investors need to consider whether the information in this prospectus is appropriate to their needs, objectives and circumstances, and, if necessary, seek expert advice on those matters.

Notice to prospective investors in Hong Kong

The securities have not been offered or sold and will not be offered or sold in Hong Kong, by means of any document, other than (a) to “professional investors” as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) of Hong Kong and any rules made under that Ordinance; or (b) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a “prospectus” as defined in the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32) of Hong Kong or which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of that Ordinance. No advertisement, invitation or document relating to the securities has been or may be issued or has been or may be in the possession of any person for the purposes of issue, whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere, which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public of Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to securities which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to “professional investors” as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance and any rules made under that Ordinance.

Notice to prospective investors in Japan

The securities have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan (Law No. 25 of 1948, as amended) and, accordingly, will not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in Japan, or for the benefit of any Japanese Person or to others for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to any Japanese Person, except in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and ministerial guidelines promulgated by relevant Japanese governmental or regulatory authorities in effect at the relevant time. For the purposes of this paragraph, “Japanese Person” shall mean any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan.

Notice to prospective investors in Singapore

This prospectus has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, this prospectus and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for

 

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subscription or purchase, of the shares may not be circulated or distributed, nor may the shares be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore (the “SFA”), (ii) to a relevant person pursuant to Section 275(1), or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions specified in Section 275, of the SFA, or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA.

Where the shares are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 of the SFA by a relevant person which is:

 

(a)

a corporation (which is not an accredited investor (as defined in Section 4A of the SFA)) the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor; or

 

(b)

a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary of the trust is an individual who is an accredited investor,

securities (as defined in Section 239(1) of the SFA) of that corporation or the beneficiaries’ rights and interest (howsoever described) in that trust shall not be transferred within six months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the shares pursuant to an offer made under Section 275 of the SFA except:

 

(a)

to an institutional investor or to a relevant person defined in Section 275(2) of the SFA, or to any person arising from an offer referred to in Section 275(1A) or Section 276(4)(i)(B) of the SFA;

 

(b)

where no consideration is or will be given for the transfer;

 

(c)

where the transfer is by operation of law;

 

(d)

as specified in Section 276(7) of the SFA; or

 

(e)

as specified in Regulation 32 of the Securities and Futures (Offers of Investments) (Shares and Debentures) Regulations 2005 of Singapore.

Other relationships

The underwriters and their respective affiliates are full-service financial institutions engaged in various activities, which may include securities trading, commercial and investment banking, financial advisory, investment management, investment research, principal investment, hedging, financing and brokerage activities.

Certain of the underwriters and their affiliates have provided in the past to us and our affiliates and may provide from time to time in the future certain commercial banking, financial advisory, investment banking and other services for us and such affiliates in the ordinary course of their business, for which they have received and may continue to receive customary fees and commissions. An affiliate of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is the administrative agent and a lender and an affiliate of Jefferies LLC is a lender under the credit agreement governing our senior secured credit facility. In addition, from time to time, certain of the underwriters and their affiliates may effect transactions for their own account or the account of customers, and hold on behalf of themselves or their customers, long or short positions in our debt or equity securities or loans, and may do so in the future.

In the ordinary course of their various business activities, the underwriters and their respective affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers, and such investment and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of the

 

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issuer. The underwriters and their respective affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or instruments and may at any time hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.

 

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Legal matters

The validity of the issuance of our Class A common stock offered in this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Ropes & Gray LLP, Boston, Massachusetts. The underwriters are being represented by Simpson Thacher  & Bartlett LLP, New York, New York.

Experts

The consolidated financial statements of Planet Fitness, Inc. as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015, have been included herein and in the registration statement in reliance upon the report of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, appearing elsewhere herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

Where you can find more information

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act with respect to the shares of Class A common stock offered hereby. This prospectus, which constitutes a part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement or the exhibits filed therewith. For further information with respect to us and the Class A common stock offered hereby, please refer to the registration statement and the exhibits filed therewith. Statements contained in this prospectus regarding the contents of any contract or any other document that is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement are not necessarily complete, and each such statement is qualified in all respects by reference to the full text of such contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement. A copy of the registration statement and the exhibits filed therewith may be inspected without charge at the public reference room maintained by the SEC, located at 100 F Street N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, and copies of all or any part of the registration statement may be obtained from such offices upon the payment of the fees prescribed by the SEC. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information about the public reference room. The SEC also maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC. The SEC’s website address is www.sec.gov.

We file periodic reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Such periodic reports, proxy statements and other information are available for inspection and copying at the public reference room and website of the SEC referred to above.

 

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Index to financial statements

 

		Page
Consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
Report of independent registered public accounting firm			F-2
Consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014			F-3
Consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013			F-4
Consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013			F-5
Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013			F-6
Consolidated statements of changes in equity for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013			F-7
Notes to consolidated financial statements			F-8
Interim condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited) for the quarters ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015
Condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015			F-44
Condensed consolidated statements of operations for the quarters ended March 31, 2016 and 2015			F-45
Condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the quarters ended March 31, 2016 and 2015			F-46
Condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the quarters ended March 31, 2016 and 2015			F-47
Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements			F-48

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

Planet Fitness, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, cash flows and changes in equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

March 4, 2016

 

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Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Consolidated balance sheets

(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

		December 31,				December 31,
		2015				2014
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	31,430			$	43,291
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for bad debts of $629 and $399 at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively			19,079				19,275
Due from related parties			4,940				1,141
Inventory			4,557				3,012
Restricted assets—NAF (note 5)			1,962				—
Notes Receivable, current			—				1,290
Prepaid expenses			5,152				4,355
Other current assets			5,825				2,954
Total current assets			72,945				75,318
Property and equipment, net			56,139				49,579
Intangible assets, net			273,619				295,162
Goodwill			176,981				176,981
Deferred income taxes			117,358				260
Notes receivable, net of current portion			—				2,007
Other assets, net			2,135				2,675
Total assets		$	699,177			$	601,982
Liabilities and stockholders’ deficit/members’ equity
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt		$	5,100			$	3,900
Accounts payable			23,950				26,738
Accrued expenses			13,667				8,494
Equipment deposits			5,587				6,675
Deferred revenue, current			14,717				14,549
Payable to related parties pursuant to tax benefit arrangements, current			3,019				—
Other current liabilities			212				529
Total current liabilities			66,252				60,885
Long-term debt, net of current maturities			479,779				375,881
Deferred rent, net of current portion			4,554				3,012
Deferred revenue, net of current portion			12,016				9,330
Deferred tax liabilities			—				606
Payable to related parties pursuant to tax benefit arrangements, net of current portion			137,172				—
Other liabilities			484				519
Total noncurrent liabilities			634,005				389,348
Commitments and contingencies (note 17)
Stockholders’/members’ equity:
Members’ equity			—				146,156
Class A common stock, $.0001 par value—300,000 shares authorized, 36,598 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2015			4				—
Class B common stock, $.0001 par value—100,000 shares authorized, 62,112 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2015			6				—
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			(1,710	)			(636	)
Additional paid in capital			352				—
Accumulated deficit			(14,032	)			—
Total stockholders’ deficit attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc./members’ equity			(15,380	)			145,520
Non-controlling interests			14,300				6,229
Total stockholders’ deficit/members’ equity			(1,080	)			151,749
Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit/members’ equity		$	699,177			$	601,982

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Consolidated statements of operations

(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

		For the Year Ended December 31,
		2015				2014				2013
Revenue:
Franchise		$	71,762			$	58,001			$	33,684
Commission income			16,323				13,805				10,473
Corporate-owned stores			98,390				85,041				67,364
Equipment			144,062				122,930				99,488
Total revenue			330,537				279,777				211,009
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue			113,492				100,306				81,353
Store operations			57,485				49,476				41,692
Selling, general and administrative			55,573				35,121				23,118
Depreciation and amortization			32,158				32,341				28,808
Other (gain) loss			(273	)			994				—
Total operating costs and expenses			258,435				218,238				174,971
Income from operations			72,102				61,539				36,038
Other expense, net:
Interest expense, net			(24,549	)			(21,800	)			(8,912	)
Other expense			(275	)			(1,261	)			(694	)
Total other expense, net			(24,824	)			(23,061	)			(9,606	)
Income before income taxes			47,278				38,478				26,432
Provision for income taxes			9,148				1,183				633
Net income			38,130				37,295				25,799
Less net income attributable to non-controlling interests			19,612				487				361
Net income attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc.		$	18,518			$	36,808			$	25,438
Net income per share of Class A common stock(1):
Basic & diluted		$	0.11
Weighted-average shares of Class A common stock outstanding(1):
Basic & diluted			36,244
Pro forma financial information (note 22, unaudited)
Historical income before taxes		$	47,278
Pro forma provision for income taxes			10,036
Pro forma net income			37,242
Pro forma net income attributable to noncontrolling interests			30,837
Pro forma net income attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc.		$	6,405
Pro forma net income per share information (note 22, unaudited)
Pro forma net income per share of Class A common stock
Basic		$	0.17
Diluted		$	0.17
Pro forma weighted average shares of Class A common stock outstanding (in thousands)
Basic			36,598
Diluted			36,598

 

(1)

Represents earnings per share of Class A common stock and weighted-average shares of Class A common stock outstanding for the period from August 6, 2015 through December 31, 2015, the period following the recapitalization transactions and IPO (see Note 15).

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Consolidated statements of comprehensive income

(Amounts in thousands)

 

		For the Year Ended December 31,
		2015				2014				2013
Net income including non-controlling interests		$	38,130			$	37,295			$	25,799
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net:
Gains (losses) on interest rate swaps, net of tax			—				(92	)			92
Unrealized loss on interest rate caps, net of tax			(1,388	)			(662	)			—
Foreign currency translation adjustments			314				26				—
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net			(1,074	)			(728	)			92
Total comprehensive income including non-controlling interests			37,056				36,567				25,891
Less: total comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests			19,557				487				361
Total comprehensive income attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc.		$	17,499			$	36,080			$	25,530

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Consolidated statements of cash flows

(Amounts in thousands) 

 

		For the Year Ended December 31,
		2015				2014				2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income		$	38,130			$	37,295			$	25,799
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization			32,158				32,341				28,808
Amortization of deferred financing costs			1,596				1,315				1,582
Amortization of favorable leases and asset retirement obligations			478				501				246
Amortization of interest rate caps			28				—				—
Deferred tax (benefit) expense			6,135				(63	)			(1,430	)
Gain on decrease in tax benefit arrangement			(2,549	)			—				—
Provision for bad debts			667				139				57
Gain on disposal of property and equipment			(273	)			(545	)			(52	)
Loss on extinguishment of debt			—				4,697				—
Equity-based compensation			4,877				—				—
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, excluding effects of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable			(414	)			(3,632	)			(3,101	)
Notes receivable and due from related parties			4,210				177				1,281
Inventory			(1,545	)			(769	)			(1,750	)
Other assets and other current assets			(5,720	)			(1,818	)			(776	)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses			263				5,042				13,456
Other liabilities and other current liabilities			99				(2	)			421
Income taxes			115				(1,670	)			(364	)
Equipment deposits			(1,088	)			4,028				(1,803	)
Deferred revenue			2,994				842				3,398
Deferred rent			1,502				1,527				1,171
Net cash provided by operating activities			81,663				79,405				66,943
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment			(19,488	)			(16,650	)			(7,287	)
Acquisition of franchises			—				(38,638	)			—
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment			327				926				150
Net cash used in investing activities			(19,161	)			(54,362	)			(7,137	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of Class A common stock sold in initial public offering, net of underwriting discounts and commissions			156,946				—				—
Use of proceeds from issuance of Class A common stock to purchase Holdings Units			(156,946	)			—				—
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt			120,000				390,000				—
Principal payments on capital lease obligations			(376	)			(1,162	)			(3,291	)
Repayment of long-term debt			(14,800	)			(185,800	)			(10,544	)
Net repayments on line of credit			—				—				(3,525	)
Payment of deferred financing and other debt-related costs			(1,698	)			(7,785	)			(19	)
Premiums paid for interest rate caps			(880	)			(2,373	)			—
Contributions from variable interest entities			—				—				3,402
Distributions to variable interest entities			—				(458	)			(960	)
Distributions to members of Pla-Fit Holdings			(176,486	)			(205,374	)			(23,057	)
Net cash used in financing activities			(74,240	)			(12,952	)			(37,994	)
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents			(123	)			(67	)			—
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents			(11,861	)			12,024				21,812
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period			43,291				31,267				9,455
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		$	31,430			$	43,291			$	31,267
Supplemental cash flow information:
Net cash paid for income taxes		$	2,834			$	1,604			$	1,826
Cash paid for interest		$	23,220			$	20,756			$	7,638
Non-cash investing activities:
Non-cash consideration for acquisition of franchises		$	—			$	3,000			$	—
Non-cash additions to property and equipment		$	207			$	1,049			$	—
Non-cash financing activities:
Non-cash distributions to members		$	—			$	901			$	—

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

(Amounts in thousands)

 

		Members’ equity				Class A common stock								Class B common stock								Accumu lated other compreh ensive income (loss)				Additional paid-in capital				Accumu lated deficit				Non-controlling interests				Total equity (deficit)
						Shares				Amount				Shares				Amount
Balance at January 1, 2013		$	313,242				—			$	—				—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	3,397			$	316,639
Net Income			25,438				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				361				25,799
Other comprehensive income			—				—				—				—				—				92				—				—				—				92
Contributions from members			—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				3,402				3,402
Distributions to members			(23,057	)			—				—				—				—				—				—				—				(960	)			(24,017	)
Balance at December 31, 2013		$	315,623				—			$	—				—			$	—			$	92			$	—			$	—			$	6,200			$	321,915
Net Income			36,808				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				487				37,295
Other comprehensive loss			—				—				—				—				—				(728	)			—				—				—				(728	)
Distributions to members			(206,275	)			—				—				—				—				—				—				—				(458	)			(206,733	)
Balance at December 31, 2014			146,156				—				—				—				—				(636	)			—				—				6,229				151,749
Distributions to members prior to the recapitalization transactions			(164,693	)			—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				(164,693	)
Net income prior to the recapitalization transactions			14,412				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				264				14,676
Other comprehensive loss prior to the recapitalization transactions			—				—				—				—				—				(1,054	)			—				—				—				(1,054	)
Equity-based compensation expense recorded in connection with recapitalization transactions			4,525				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				4,525
Effect of the recapitalization transactions			(400	)			26,107				3				72,603				7				—				—				138				252				—
Issuance of Class A common stock in IPO, net of commissions			—				10,491				1				(10,491	)			(1	)			—				—				—				—				—
Tax benefit arrangement liability and deferred taxes arising from the recapitalization transactions and IPO			—				—				—				—				—				—				—				(18,276	)			—				(18,276	)
Net income subsequent to the recapitalization transactions			—				—				—				—				—				—				—				4,106				19,348				23,454
Equity-based compensation expense subsequent to the recapitalization transactions			—				—				—				—				—				—				352				—				—				352
Distributions to members of Pla-Fit Holdings subsequent to the recapitalization transactions			—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				(11,793	)			(11,793	)
Other comprehensive loss subsequent to the recapitalization transactions			—				—				—				—				—				(20	)			—				—				—				(20	)
Balance at December 31, 2015		$	—				36,598			$	4				62,112			$	6			$	(1,710	)		$	352			$	(14,032	)		$	14,300			$	(1,080	)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

 

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Table of Contents

Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated financial statements

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

(1) Business organization

Planet Fitness, Inc. (the “Company”), through its subsidiaries, is a franchisor and operator of fitness centers, with approximately 7.3 million members and 1,124 owned and franchised locations (referred to as stores) in 47 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and Canada as of December 31, 2015.

The Company serves as the reporting entity for its various subsidiaries that operate three distinct lines of business:

 

•

Licensing and selling franchises under the Planet Fitness trade name;

•

Owning and operating fitness centers under the Planet Fitness trade name; and

•

Selling fitness-related equipment to franchisee-owned stores.

In 2012 investment funds affiliated with TSG Consumer Partners, LLC (“TSG”), purchased interests in Pla-Fit Holdings.

The Company was formed as a Delaware corporation on March 16, 2015 for the purpose of facilitating an initial public offering (the “IPO”) and related transactions in order to carry on the business of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries (“Pla-Fit Holdings”). As of August 5, 2015, in connection with the recapitalization transactions discussed below, the Company became the sole managing member and holder of 100% of the voting power and 37.1% of the economic interest of Pla-Fit Holdings. Pla-Fit Holdings owns 100% of Planet Intermediate, LLC which has no operations but is the 100% owner of Planet Fitness Holdings, LLC, a franchisor and operator of fitness centers. With respect to the Company, Pla-Fit Holdings and Planet Intermediate, LLC, each entity owns nothing other than the respective entity below it in the corporate structure and each entity has no other material operations.

Initial Public Offering

On August 11, 2015, the Company completed an IPO pursuant to which the Company and selling stockholders sold an aggregate of 15,525,000 shares of Class A common stock at a public offering price of $16.00 per share. The Company received $156,946 in proceeds from its sale of 10,491,055 shares of Class A common stock, net of underwriting discounts and commissions, which were used to purchase an equal number of limited liability company units (“Holdings Units”) from existing holders (“Continuing LLC Owners”) of interests in Pla-Fit Holdings, at a purchase price per unit equal to the IPO price per share of Class A common stock, net of underwriting discounts and commissions.

Recapitalization Transactions

In connection with the IPO, the Company and Pla-Fit Holdings completed a series of recapitalization transactions on August 5, 2015 which are described below (also see Note 12):

 

•

Pla-Fit Holdings amended and restated the limited liability company agreement to, among other things, (i) provide for a new single class of limited liability company units, Holdings Units, (ii) exchange all membership interests of the then-existing holders of Pla-Fit Holdings membership interests for Holdings Units and (iii) appoint the Company as the sole managing member of Pla-Fit Holdings.

•

The Company issued 72,602,810 shares of Class B common stock with voting rights but no economic rights to Pla-Fit Holdings’ existing owners on a one-to-one basis for each Holdings Unit owned.

 

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Table of Contents

Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated financial statements

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

•

The Company merged with Planet Fitness Holdings L.P., a predecessor entity to the Company that held indirect interests in Pla-Fit Holdings, for which the Company issued 26,106,930 shares of Class A common stock to the holders of interests in Planet Fitness Holdings L.P. (the “Direct TSG Investors”).

Subsequent to the IPO and the related recapitalization transactions, the Company is a holding company whose principal asset is a controlling equity interest in Pla-Fit Holdings. As the sole managing member of Pla-Fit Holdings, the Company operates and controls all of the business and affairs of Pla-Fit Holdings, and through Pla-Fit Holdings, conducts its business. As a result, the Company consolidates Pla-Fit Holdings’ financial results and reports a non-controlling interest related to the portion of Holdings Units not owned by the Company. As of December 31, 2015, the Company held 100% of the voting interest, and approximately 37.1% of the economic interest in Pla-Fit Holdings. As future exchanges of Holdings Units occur, the economic interest in Pla-Fit Holdings held by Planet Fitness, Inc. will increase.

The recapitalization transactions are considered transactions between entities under common control. As a result, the financial statements for periods prior to the IPO and the recapitalization transactions are the financial statements of Pla-Fit Holdings as the predecessor to the Company for accounting and reporting purposes. Unless otherwise specified, “the Company” refers to both Planet Fitness, Inc. and Pla-Fit Holdings throughout the remainder of these notes.

(2) Summary of significant accounting policies

(a) Basis of presentation and consolidation

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 “SEC”). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

As discussed in Note 1, as a result of the recapitalization transactions, Planet Fitness, Inc. consolidates Pla-Fit Holdings and Pla-Fit Holdings is considered to be the predecessor to Planet Fitness, Inc. for accounting and reporting purposes. The Company also consolidates entities in which it has a controlling financial interest, the usual condition of which is ownership of a majority voting interest. The Company also considers for consolidation certain interests where the controlling financial interest may be achieved through arrangements that do not involve voting interests. Such an entity, known as a variable interest entity (“VIE”), is required to be consolidated by its primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is considered to possess the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance and has the obligation to absorb losses or the rights to receive benefits from the VIE that are significant to it. The principal entities in which the Company possesses a variable interest include franchise entities and certain other entities. The Company is not deemed to be the primary beneficiary for Planet Fitness franchise entities. Therefore, these entities are not consolidated.

The results of the Company have been consolidated with Matthew Michael Realty LLC (“MMR”) and PF Melville LLC (“PF Melville”) based on the determination that the Company is the primary beneficiary with respect to these VIEs. These entities are real estate holding companies that derive a majority of their financial support from the Company through lease agreements for corporate stores. See Note 3 for further information related to the Company’s VIEs.

 

F-9

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Table of Contents

Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated financial statements

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

(b) Use of estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Although these estimates are based on management’s knowledge of current events and actions it may undertake in the future, they may ultimately differ from actual results. Significant areas where estimates and judgments are relied upon by management in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements include revenue recognition, valuation of assets and liabilities in connection with acquisitions, valuation of equity-based compensation awards, the evaluation of the recoverability of goodwill and long-lived assets, including intangible assets, income taxes, including deferred tax assets and liabilities and reserves for unrecognized tax benefits, and the liability for the Company’s tax benefit arrangements.

(c) Concentrations

Cash and cash equivalents are financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk. The Company invests its excess cash in several major financial institutions, which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) up to $250,000. The Company maintains balances in excess of these limits, but does not believe that such deposits with its banks are subject to any unusual risk.

The credit risk associated with trade receivables is mitigated due to the large number of customers, generally our franchisees, and their broad dispersion over many different geographic areas. We do not have any concentrations with respect to our revenues.

The Company purchases equipment, both for corporate-owned stores and for sales to franchisee-owned stores, from two primary vendors. For the year ended December 31, 2015 purchases from these two vendors comprised 79% and 18%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2014 purchases from these two vendors comprised 66% and 25%, respectively, and for the year ended December 31, 2013 purchases from these two vendors comprised 66% and 27%, respectively, of total equipment purchases.

The Company, including Planet Fitness NAF, LLC (“NAF”) uses one primary vendor for advertising services. Purchases from this vendor totaled 49%, 61%, and 68% of total advertising purchases for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively (see Note 5 for further discussion of NAF).

(d) Cash and cash equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents. Cash held within the NAF is recorded as a restricted asset (see Note 5).

(e) Revenue recognition

Franchise revenue

The following revenues are generated as a result of transactions with or related to the Company’s franchisees.

Area development fees

Franchisees contractually enter into area development agreements (ADAs) to secure the exclusive right to open franchise stores within a defined geographical area. ADAs establish the timing and number of stores to be

 

F-10

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Table of Contents

Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated financial statements

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

developed within the defined geographical area. Pursuant to an ADA, a franchisee is generally required to pay an initial nonrefundable development fee for a minimum number of stores to be developed, as outlined in the respective ADA. ADA fees collected in advance are deferred until the Company provides substantially all required obligations pursuant to the ADA. As the efforts and total cost relating to initial services are affected significantly by the number of stores opened in an area, the respective ADA is treated as a divisible contract. As each new site is accepted under an ADA, a franchisee signs a franchise operating agreement for the respective franchise location. As each store opened under an ADA typically has performance obligations associated with it, the Company recognizes ADA revenue as each individual franchise location is developed in proportion to the total number of stores to be developed under the ADA. These obligations are typically completed once the store is opened or the franchisee executes the individual property lease. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the deferred revenue for ADAs was $10,471 and $8,215, respectively. ADAs generally have an initial term equal to the number of years over which the franchisee is required to open franchise stores, which is typically 5 to 10 years. There is no right of refund for an executed ADA. Upon default, as defined in the agreement, the Company may reacquire the rights pursuant to an ADA, and all remaining deferred revenue is recognized at that time.

Franchise fees and performance fees

For stores opened without an ADA, the Company generally charges an initial upfront nonrefundable franchise fee. Nonrefundable franchise fees are typically deferred until the franchisee executes a lease and receives initial training for the location, which is the point at which the Company has determined it has provided all of its material obligations required to recognize revenue. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company has recorded deferred franchise fees of $473 and $205, respectively, relating to stores to be opened in future years. These amounts are included in deferred revenue as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.

The individual franchise agreements typically have a 10-year initial term, but provide the franchisee with an opportunity to enter into successive renewals subject to certain conditions.

Franchise agreements entered into prior to 2010 may include performance fees, which are fees earned by the Company upon each franchise store reaching a predetermined amount of total monthly membership billings. Performance fees are recognized when the related performance thresholds have been met.

Royalties

Royalties, which represent recurring fees paid by franchisees based on the franchisee-owned stores’ monthly membership billings, are recognized on a monthly basis over the term of the franchise agreement. As specified under certain franchise agreements, the Company recognizes additional royalty fees as the franchisee-owned stores attain contractual monthly membership billing threshold amounts. Beginning in 2010, for all new franchise agreements entered into, the Company began charging a fixed royalty percentage based upon gross membership billings.

Other fees

Online member join fees are paid to the Company by franchisees for processing new membership transactions when a new member signs up for a membership to a franchisee-owned store through the Company’s website.

 

F-11

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Table of Contents

Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated financial statements

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

Billing transaction fees are paid to the Company for the processing of franchisee membership dues and annual fees through the Company’s third-party hosted point-of-sale system.

Placement

The Company is generally responsible for assembly and placement of equipment it sells to franchisee-owned stores. Placements revenue is recognized upon completion and acceptance of the services at the franchise location.

Commission income

The Company recognizes commission income from its franchisees’ use of preferred vendor arrangements. Commissions are recognized when amounts have been earned and collectability from the vendor is reasonably assured.

Corporate-owned stores revenue

The following revenues are generated from stores owned and operated by the Company.

Membership dues revenue

Customers are offered multiple membership choices varying in length. Membership dues are earned and recognized over the membership term on a straight-line basis.

Enrollment fee revenue

Enrollment fees are charged to new members at the commencement of their membership. The Company recognizes enrollment fees ratably over the estimated duration of the membership life, which is generally two years.

Annual membership fee revenue

Annual membership fees are annual fees charged to members in addition to and in order to maintain low monthly membership dues. The Company recognizes annual membership fees ratably over the 12-month membership period.

Retail sales

The Company sells Planet Fitness branded apparel, food, beverages, and other accessories. The revenue for these items is recognized at the point of sale.

Equipment revenue

The Company sells and delivers equipment purchased from third-party equipment manufacturers to U.S. based franchisee-owned stores. Equipment revenue is recognized upon the equipment being delivered to and assembled at each store and accepted by the franchisee. Franchisees are charged for all freight costs incurred for the delivery of equipment. Freight revenue is recorded within equipment revenue and freight costs are recorded within cost of revenue. The Company recognizes revenue on a gross basis in these transactions as management has determined the Company to be the principal in these transactions. Management determined

 

F-12

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Table of Contents

Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated financial statements

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

the Company to be the principal because the Company is the primary obligor in these transactions, the Company has latitude in establishing prices for the equipment sales to franchisees, the Company has supplier selection discretion and is involved in determination of product specifications, and the Company bears all credit risk associated with obligations to the equipment manufacturers.

Equipment deposits are recognized as a liability on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets until delivery, assembly (if required), and acceptance by the franchisee. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, equipment deposits were $5,587 and $6,675, respectively.

Sales tax

All revenue amounts are recorded net of applicable sales tax.

(f) Deferred revenue

Deferred revenue represents cash received from franchisees for ADAs and franchise fees for which revenue recognition criteria has not yet been met and cash received from members for enrollment fees, membership dues and annual fees for the portion not yet earned based on the membership period.

(g) Cost of revenue

Cost of revenue consists of direct costs associated with equipment sales, including freight costs, direct costs related to the maintenance and support of the Company’s proprietary system-wide point-of-sale system, and the cost of retail merchandise sold in corporate-owned stores. Costs related to the point-of-sale system were $1,236, $3,385, and $1,107 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 respectively. Costs related to retail merchandise were immaterial in all periods presented. Rebates from equipment vendors where the Company has recognized the related equipment revenue and costs are recorded as a reduction to the cost of revenue.

(h) Store operations

Store operations consists of the direct costs related to operating corporate-owned stores, including our store management and staff, rent expense, utilities, supplies, maintenance, and local advertising.

(i) Selling, general and administrative

Selling, general and administrative expenses consist of costs associated with administrative and franchisee support functions related to our existing business as well as growth and development activities. These costs primarily consist of payroll, IT related, marketing, legal and accounting expenses. These expenses include costs related to placement services of $3,452, $2,743, and $2,245, for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

(j) Accounts and notes receivable

Accounts receivable is primarily comprised of amounts owed to the Company resulting from equipment, placement, and commission revenue. Notes receivable arise primarily from financing activities with franchisees. The Company evaluates its accounts and notes receivable on an ongoing basis and may establish an allowance for doubtful accounts based on collections and current credit conditions. Accounts are written off as

 

F-13

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Table of Contents

Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated financial statements

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

uncollectible when it is determined that further collection efforts will be unsuccessful. Notes receivable are generally secured by all property, assets, and rights owned by the franchisee. Historically, the Company has not had a significant amount of write-offs.

(k) Leases and asset retirement obligations

The Company recognizes rent expense related to leased office and operating space on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. The difference between rent expense and rent paid, if any, as a result of escalation provisions and lease incentives, such as tenant improvements provided by lessors, and is recorded as deferred rent in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

In accordance with ASC Topic 410, Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations, the Company establishes assets and liabilities for the present value of estimated future costs to return certain leased facilities to their original condition. Such assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lease period into operating expense, and the recorded liabilities are accreted to the future value of the estimated restoration costs.

(l) Property and equipment

Property and equipment is recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over its related estimated useful life. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the related asset, whichever is shorter. Upon sale or retirement, the asset cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts, and any related gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated statements of operations. Ordinary maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred. The estimated useful lives of the Company’s fixed assets by class of asset are as follows:

 

		Years
Buildings and building improvements		20–40
Computers and equipment		3
Furniture and fixtures		5
Leasehold improvements		Useful life or term of lease whichever is shorter
Fitness equipment		5–7
Vehicles		5

(m) Advertising expenses

The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expenses, net of amounts reimbursed by franchisees, are included within selling, general and administrative expenses and totaled $9,349, $7,272, and $5,731 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. See Note 5 for discussion of the national advertising fund.

(n) Goodwill, long-lived assets, and other intangible assets

Goodwill and other intangible assets that arise from acquisitions are recorded in accordance with ASC Topic 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other. In accordance with this guidance, specifically identified intangible assets must be recorded as a separate asset from goodwill if either of the following two criteria is

 

F-14

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Table of Contents

Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated financial statements

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

met: (1) the intangible asset acquired arises from contractual or other legal rights; or (2) the intangible asset is separable. Intangibles are typically trade and brand names, customer relationships, noncompete agreements, reacquired franchise rights, and favorable or unfavorable leases. Transactions are evaluated to determine whether any gain or loss on reacquired franchise rights, based on their fair value, should be recognized separately from identified intangibles. Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in a business combination.

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are reviewed annually for impairment or more frequently if impairment indicators arise. Separable intangible assets that are not deemed to have an indefinite life are amortized over their estimated useful lives on either a straight-line or accelerated basis as deemed appropriate, and are reviewed for impairment when events or circumstances suggest that the assets may not be recoverable.

The Company performs its annual test for impairment of goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets on December 31 of each year. For goodwill, the first step of the impairment test is to determine whether the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, the Company would be required to perform a second step of the impairment test as this is an indication that the reporting unit’s goodwill may be impaired. The second step compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. Any impairment loss would be recognized in an amount equal to the excess of the carrying value of the goodwill over the implied fair value of the goodwill. The Company is also permitted to make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount before applying the two-step goodwill impairment test. If the Company concludes it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, it need not perform the two-step impairment test.

For indefinite lived intangible assets, the impairment assessment consists of comparing the carrying value of the asset to its estimated fair value. To the extent that the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset, an impairment is recorded to reduce the carrying value to its fair value. The Company is also permitted to make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not an indefinite lived intangible asset’s fair value is less than its carrying value prior to applying the quantitative assessment. If based on the Company’s qualitative assessment it is not more likely than not that the carrying value of the asset is less than its fair value, then a quantitative assessment is not required.

The Company determined that no impairment charges were required during any periods presented.

The Company applies the provisions of ASC Topic 360, Property, Plant and Equipment, which requires that long-lived assets, including amortizable intangible assets, be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If circumstances require a long-lived asset or asset group to be tested for impairment, then assets are required to be grouped and evaluated at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset or asset group to the undiscounted future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or asset group. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets

 

F-15

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Table of Contents

Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated financial statements

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. There were no events or changes in circumstances that required the Company to test for impairment during any of the periods presented.

(o) Income taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Deferred income taxes are recognized for the expected future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the carrying amount of the existing tax assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to be applied in the years in which temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The principal items giving rise to temporary differences are the use of accelerated depreciation and certain basis differences resulting from acquisitions and the recapitalization transactions. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

As a result of the recapitalization transactions, Planet Fitness, Inc. became the sole managing member of Pla-Fit Holdings, which is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal and most applicable state and local income tax purposes. As a partnership, Pla-Fit Holdings is not subject to U.S. federal and certain state and local income taxes. Any taxable income or loss generated by Pla-Fit Holdings is passed through to and included in the taxable income or loss of its members, including Planet Fitness, Inc. following the recapitalization transactions, on a pro rata basis. Planet Fitness, Inc. is subject to U.S. federal income taxes, in addition to state and local income taxes with respect to our allocable share of any taxable income of Pla-Fit Holdings following the recapitalization transactions. The Company is also subject to taxes in foreign jurisdictions.

The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not to be sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs (see Note 16).

During 2013 the Company changed its position with respect to taxes due on interest and dividends to the state of New Hampshire that had previously been paid by the members. This resulted in the Company making tax payments in 2013 totaling $4,392 for periods prior to November 7, 2012. This amount is included within other income (expense) for the year ended December 31, 2013 and is fully offset by amounts received from the members as reimbursement for the taxes paid, also recorded within other income (expense) for the year ended December 31, 2013. This position is not available for periods subsequent to November 7, 2012 and therefore taxes on interest and dividends due and payable in the periods after 2012 are paid by the members of Pla-Fit Holdings.

(p) Tax benefit arrangements

The Company’s acquisition of Holdings Units in connection with the IPO and future and certain past exchanges of Holdings Units for shares of the Company’s Class A common stock (or cash at the option of the Company) are expected to produce and have produced favorable tax attributes. In connection with the IPO, the Company entered into two tax receivable agreements. Under the first of those agreements, the Company generally is required to pay to the Continuing LLC Owners 85% of the applicable tax savings, if any, in U.S. federal and state income tax that the Company is deemed to realize as a result of certain tax attributes of their Holdings Units

 

F-16

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Table of Contents

Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated financial statements

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

sold to the Company (or exchanged in a taxable sale) and that are created as a result of (i) the sales of their Holdings Units for shares of Class A common stock and (ii) tax benefits attributable to payments made under the tax receivable agreement (including imputed interest). Under the second tax receivable agreement, the Company generally is required to pay to the Direct TSG Investors 85% of the amount of tax savings, if any, that the Company is deemed to realize as a result of the tax attributes of the Holdings Units held in respect of the Direct TSG Investors’ interest in the Company, which resulted from the Direct TSG Investors’ purchase of interests in Pla-Fit Holdings in 2012, and certain other tax benefits. Under both agreements, the Company generally retains the benefit of the remaining 15% of the applicable tax savings. Also, pursuant to the exchange agreement, to the extent an exchange results in Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC incurring a current tax liability relating to the New Hampshire business profits tax, the Continuing LLC Owners have agreed that they will contribute to Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC an amount sufficient to pay such tax liability (up to 3.5% of the value received upon exchange). If and when the Company subsequently realizes a related tax benefit, Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC will distribute the amount of any such tax benefit to the relevant Continuing LLC Owner in respect of its contribution.

Based on current projections, the Company anticipates having sufficient taxable income to utilize these tax attributes and receive corresponding tax deductions in future periods. Accordingly, at the completion of the Reorganization Transactions and the IPO, the Company has recorded an initial liability of $142.0 million payable to the Direct TSG Investors and the Continuing LLC Owners under the tax benefit obligations, representing approximately 85% of the calculated tax savings based on the original basis adjustments the Company anticipates being able to utilize in future years. Changes in the projected liability resulting from these tax benefit arrangements may occur based on changes in anticipated future taxable income, changes in applicable tax rates or other changes in tax attributes that may occur and impact the expected future tax benefits to be received by the Company. Changes in the projected liability under these tax benefit arrangements will be recorded as a component of other income (expense) each period. The projection of future taxable income involves significant judgment. Actual taxable income may differ from estimates, which could significantly impact the liability under the tax benefit arrangements and the Company’s consolidated results of operations.

(q) Fair value

ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. Categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels are defined as follows:

Level 1—Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

Level 2—Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

Level 3—Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

 

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Table of Contents

Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated financial statements

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

The table below presents information about the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:

 

		Total fair value at December 31, 2015				Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1)				Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)				Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Interest rate caps		$	1,147			$	—			$	1,147			$	—

 

		Total fair value at December 31, 2014				Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1)				Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)				Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Interest rate caps		$	1,711			$	—			$	1,711			$	—

(r) Financial instruments

The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments. The carrying value of debt also approximates fair value as it is variable rate debt. The Company has determined that the determination of fair value of amounts due from related parties under long-term arrangements is impracticable given the related-party nature of these agreements.

(s) Derivative instruments and hedging activities

The Company recognizes all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheet at their respective fair values. For derivatives designated in hedging relationships, changes in the fair value are either offset through earnings against the change in fair value of the hedged item attributable to the risk being hedged or recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income, to the extent the derivative is effective at offsetting the changes in cash flows being hedged until the hedged item affects earnings.

The Company only enters into derivative contracts that it intends to designate as a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (cash flow hedge). For all hedging relationships, the Company formally documents the hedging relationship and its risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge, the hedging instrument, the hedged transaction, the nature of the risk being hedged, how the hedging instrument’s effectiveness in offsetting the hedged risk will be assessed prospectively and retrospectively, and a description of the method used to measure ineffectiveness. The Company also formally assesses, both at the inception of the hedging relationship and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging relationships are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of hedged transactions. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as part of a cash flow hedging relationship, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Gains and losses on the derivative representing either hedge ineffectiveness or hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in current earnings.

 

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Table of Contents

Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated financial statements

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when it determines that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting cash flows attributable to the hedged risk, the derivative expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised, the cash flow hedge is de-designated because a forecasted transaction is not probable of occurring, or management determines to remove the designation of the cash flow hedge.

In all situations in which hedge accounting is discontinued and the derivative remains outstanding, the Company continues to carry the derivative at its fair value on the balance sheet and recognizes any subsequent changes in its fair value in earnings. When it is probable that a forecasted transaction will not occur, the Company discontinues hedge accounting and recognizes immediately in earnings gains and losses that were accumulated in other comprehensive income related to the hedging relationship. See Note 10 for further information.

(t) Equity-based compensation

The Company has an equity-based compensation plan under which it receives services from employees as consideration for equity instruments of the Company. The compensation expense is determined based on the fair value of the award as of the grant date. Compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period, which is the period over which all of the specified vesting conditions are satisfied. For awards with graded vesting, the fair value of each tranche is recognized over its respective vesting period. See Note 14 for further information.

(u) Guarantees

The Company, as a guarantor, is required to recognize, at inception of the guaranty, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee. See Notes 3 and 17 for further discussion of such obligations guaranteed.

(v) Contingencies

The Company records estimated future losses related to contingencies when such amounts are probable and estimable. The Company includes estimated legal fees related to such contingencies as part of the accrual for estimated future losses.

(w) Reclassifications

Certain amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation, including deferred financing costs, which were previously classified in other assets, net and are now classified as a direct reduction of long-term debt, see Note 2(w).

(x) Recent accounting pronouncements

The FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, in April 2015. This guidance requires reporting entities to present debt issuance costs as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability. The guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. A reporting entity must apply this guidance retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The Company has retrospectively adopted this guidance as of December 31, 2015 and accordingly has reclassified $7,294 of deferred financing costs from other assets to long-term debt on its consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014.

 

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Table of Contents

Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated financial statements

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

The FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, Income Statement—Consolidation, in February 2015. This guidance affects reporting entities that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. Specifically, the guidance 1) modifies the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities or voting interest entities, 2) eliminates the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership, 3) affects the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships, and 4) provides a scope exception from consolidation guidance for reporting entities with interests in legal entities that are required to comply with or operate in accordance with requirements that are similar to those in Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 for registered money market funds. The guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

The FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, in September 2014. This guidance requires that an entity recognize revenue to depict the transfer of a promised good or service to its customers in an amount that reflects consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for such transfer. This guidance also specifies accounting for certain costs incurred by an entity to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer and provides for enhancements to revenue specific disclosures intended to allow users of the financial statements to clearly understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from an entity’s contracts with its customers. This guidance is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017 for public companies. The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In September 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments. This guidance requires that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim reporting periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In November 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. This guidance simplifies the presentation of deferred income taxes by requiring that deferred tax liabilities and assets all be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim reporting periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The Company has adopted this guidance as of December 31, 2015, with no impact to the previously reported amounts.

 

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Table of Contents

Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated financial statements

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

(3) Variable interest entities

The carrying values of VIEs included in the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows:

 

		December 31, 2015								December 31, 2014
		Assets				Liabilities				Assets				Liabilities
PF Melville		$	3,728			$	—			$	3,479			$	—
MMR			2,953				—				2,750				—
Total		$	6,681			$	—			$	6,229			$	—

The Company also has variable interests in certain franchisees mainly through the guarantee of certain debt and lease agreements as well as financing provided by the Company and by certain related parties to franchisees. The Company’s maximum obligation, as a result of its guarantees of leases and debt, is approximately $1,871 and $2,896 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

The amount of the Company’s maximum obligation represents a loss that the Company could incur from the variability in credit exposure without consideration of possible recoveries through insurance or other means. In addition, the amount bears no relation to the ultimate settlement anticipated to be incurred from the Company’s involvement with these entities, which is estimated at $0.

(4) Acquisition

On March 31, 2014, the Company purchased certain assets from one of its franchisees, including eight franchisee-owned stores in New York, for consideration of $42,931, including a cash payment of $39,931 and a $3,000 discount to be applied to future equipment purchases. The $3,000 equipment discount was initially recorded as deferred revenue by the Company and is being recognized as equipment sales are made by the Company to the franchisee. In addition, as a result of the transaction, the Company incurred a loss on unfavorable reacquired franchise rights of $1,293, which has been reflected in other operating costs in the statement of operations. The loss incurred reduced the net purchase price to $41,638. The Company financed the purchase through borrowings under its credit facility. The purchase consideration was allocated as follows:

 

		Amount
Fixed assets		$	7,634
Reacquired franchise rights			8,950
Membership relationships			5,882
Favorable leases, net			700
Other assets			35
Goodwill			19,771
Liabilities assumed, including deferred revenues			(1,334	)
		$	41,638

 

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Table of Contents

Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated financial statements

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

(5) National advertising fund

On July 26, 2011, the Company established Planet Fitness NAF, LLC (“NAF”) for the creation and development of marketing, advertising, and related programs and materials for all Planet Fitness stores located in the United States and Puerto Rico. On behalf of the NAF, the Company collects 2% of gross monthly membership billings from franchisees, in accordance with the provisions of the franchise agreements. The Company also contributes 2% of monthly membership billings from stores owned by the Company to the NAF. The use of amounts received by NAF is restricted to advertising, product development, public relations, merchandising, and administrative expenses and programs to increase sales and further enhance the public reputation of the Planet Fitness brand. The Company consolidates and reports all assets and liabilities held by the NAF within the consolidated financial statements. Amounts received or receivable by NAF are reported as restricted assets and restricted liabilities within current assets and current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company provides administrative services to NAF and charges NAF a fee for providing those services. These services include accounting services, information technology, data processing, product development, legal and administrative support, and other operating expenses, which amounted $1,340, $1,010 and $865 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The fees paid to the Company by NAF are included in the consolidated statements of operations as a reduction in general and administrative expense, where the expense incurred by the Company was initially recorded.

(6) Notes Receivable

Prior to December 31, 2015, the Company had various notes receivable from franchisees to facilitate ongoing business. Notes receivable consisted of unpaid principal and accrued interest. There were two notes receivable as of December 31, 2014, with maturity dates ranging from July 1, 2015 to February 1, 2018, however, all notes receivable were settled in cash during 2015; as such, no amounts are outstanding as of December 31, 2015.

(7) Property and equipment

Property and equipment as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 consists of the following:

 

		December 31, 2015				December 31, 2014
Land		$	910			$	910
Equipment			27,391				22,137
Leasehold improvements			38,288				27,361
Buildings and improvements			5,107				5,119
Furniture & fixtures			3,030				2,309
Other			2,947				2,096
Construction in progress			1,991				5,375
			79,664				65,307
Accumulated Depreciation			(23,525	)			(15,728	)
Total		$	56,139			$	49,579

The Company recorded depreciation expense of $11,088, $9,138, and $6,171 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

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Table of Contents

Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated financial statements

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

(8) Goodwill and intangible assets

A summary of goodwill and intangible assets at December 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows:

 

December 31, 2015		Weighted average amortization period (years)				Gross carrying amount				Accumulated amortization				Net carrying Amount
Customer relationships			11.1			$	171,782			$	(57,741	)		$	114,041
Noncompete agreements			5.0				14,500				(9,127	)			5,373
Favorable leases			7.5				2,935				(1,256	)			1,679
Order backlog			0.4				3,400				(3,400	)			—
Reacquired franchise rights			5.8				8,950				(2,724	)			6,226
							201,567				(74,248	)			127,319
Indefinite-lived intangible:
Trade and brand names			N/A				146,300				—				146,300
Total intangible assets						$	347,867			$	(74,248	)		$	273,619
Goodwill						$	176,981			$	—			$	176,981

 

December 31, 2014		Weighted average amortization period (years)				Gross carrying amount				Accumulated amortization				Net carrying Amount
Customer relationships			11.1			$	171,782			$	(41,130	)		$	130,652
Noncompete agreements			5.0				14,500				(6,229	)			8,271
Favorable leases			7.5				2,935				(779	)			2,156
Order backlog			0.4				3,400				(3,400	)			—
Reacquired franchise rights			5.8				8,950				(1,167	)			7,783
							201,567				(52,705	)			148,862
Indefinite-lived intangible:
Trade and brand names			N/A				146,300				—				146,300
Total intangible assets						$	347,867			$	(52,705	)		$	295,162
Goodwill						$	176,981			$	—			$	176,981

 

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Table of Contents

Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated financial statements

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows:

 

		Franchise				Corporate- owned stores				Equipment				Total
As of December 31, 2013		$	16,938			$	47,606			$	92,666			$	157,210
Acquisition of franchises			—				19,771				—				19,771
As of December 31, 2014			16,938				67,377				92,666				176,981
Additions			—				—				—				—
As of December 31, 2015		$	16,938			$	67,377			$	92,666			$	176,981

The Company determined that no impairment charges were required during any periods presented.

Amortization expense related to the intangible assets totaled $21,543, $23,698, and $22,883 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. Included within these total amortization expense amounts are $473, $495, and $246 related to amortization of favorable and unfavorable leases for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. Amortization of favorable and unfavorable leases is recorded within store operations as a component of rent expense in the consolidated statements of operations. The anticipated annual amortization expense to be recognized in future years as of December 31, 2015 is as follows:

 

		Amount
2016		$	19,756
2017			18,215
2018			14,583
2019			14,215
2020			12,517
Thereafter			48,033
Total		$	127,319

 

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Table of Contents

Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated financial statements

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

(9) Long-term debt

Long-term debt as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 consists of the following:

 

		December 31, 2015				December 31, 2014
Term loan B requires quarterly installments plus interest through the term of the loan, maturing March 31, 2021. Outstanding borrowings bear interest at LIBOR or base rate (as defined) plus a margin at the election of the borrower (4.75% at December 31, 2015 and 2014)		$	492,275			$	387,075
Revolving credit line, requires interest only payments through the term of the loan, maturing March 31, 2019. Outstanding borrowings bear interest at LIBOR or base rate (as defined) plus a margin at the election of the borrower (4.25% at December 31, 2015 and 2014)			—				—
Total debt, excluding deferred financing costs			492,275				387,075
Deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization			(7,396	)			(7,294	)
Total debt			484,879				379,781
Current portion of long-term debt and line of credit			5,100				3,900
Long-term debt, net of current portion		$	479,779			$	375,881

On March 31, 2014, the Company entered into a five-year $430,000 credit facility with a consortium of banks and lenders to refinance its existing indebtedness, as well as to provide funds for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, a $173,900 dividend and general corporate purposes. The facility consisted of a $390,000 Term Loan and a $40,000 Revolving Credit Facility. On March 31, 2015, the Company amended this credit facility to increase the Term Loan to $510,000 to fund a cash dividend of $140,000. The unused portion of the Revolving Credit Facility as of December 31, 2015 was $40,000. The Term Loan calls for quarterly principal installment payments of $1,275 through March 2021.

The credit facility requires the Company to meet certain financial covenants, which the Company was in compliance with as of December 31, 2015. The facility is secured by all of the Company’s assets, excluding the assets attributable to the consolidated VIEs (see Note 3).

Future annual principal payments of long-term debt as of December 31, 2015 are as follows:

 

		Amount
2016		$	5,100
2017			5,100
2018			5,100
2019			5,100
2020			5,100
Thereafter			466,775
Total		$	492,275

 

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Table of Contents

Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated financial statements

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

(10) Derivative instruments and hedging activities

The Company utilizes interest-rate-related derivative instruments to manage its exposure related to changes in interest rates on its variable-rate debt instruments. The Company does not enter into derivative instruments for any purpose other than cash flow hedging. The Company does not speculate using derivative instruments.

By using derivative financial instruments to hedge exposures to changes in interest rates, the Company exposes itself to credit risk and market risk. 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 an asset, the counterparty owes the Company, which creates credit risk for the Company. When the fair value of a derivative contract is a liability, the Company owes the counterparty and, therefore, the Company is not exposed to the counterparty’s credit risk in those circumstances. The Company minimizes counterparty credit risk in derivative instruments by entering into transactions with high-quality counterparties whose credit rating is higher than A1/A+ at the inception of the derivative transaction. The derivative instruments entered into by the Company do not contain credit-risk-related contingent features.

Market risk is the adverse effect on the value of a derivative instrument that results from a change in interest rates. The market risk associated with interest-rate contracts is managed by establishing and monitoring parameters that limit the types and degree of market risk that may be undertaken.

The Company assesses interest rate risk by continually identifying and monitoring changes in interest rate exposures that may adversely impact expected future cash flows and by evaluating hedging opportunities. The Company monitors interest rate risk attributable to both the Company’s outstanding or forecasted debt obligations as well as the Company’s offsetting hedge positions.

During 2014, the Company utilized LIBOR-based interest rate swap agreements that were entered into to manage fluctuations in cash flows resulting from changes in the benchmark interest rate of LIBOR. It was determined on March 31, 2014 that the hedge was ineffective and expense of $92 was reclassified from other comprehensive income to interest expense. The interest rate swaps were all terminated by September 2014. The Company recorded a loss of $248 within interest expense in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ending December 31, 2014 related to these terminated swap agreements.

In September 2014, the Company entered into a series of LIBOR based interest rate cap agreements in exchange for premium payments of $2,373 to effectively manage interest rate risk above a certain threshold and mitigate exposure to changes in interest rates under the term loan. The interest rate caps entered into in September 2014 were for a total notional amount of $194,000. The term of the interest rate caps began on September 30, 2014 and ends on September 29, 2017. In September 2015, the Company entered into two additional caps for premium payments of $880, which were effective September 30, 2015 and end on September 30, 2018. The interest rate cap agreements are designed to cap the LIBOR interest rate into a fixed interest rate if the LIBOR goes above the set cap amounts of 1.5%. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had interest rate cap agreements with notional amounts of $238,000 outstanding.

Changes in the fair value of interest rate swaps and caps designated as hedging instruments that effectively offset the variability of cash flows associated with variable-rate, long-term debt obligations are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income. These amounts subsequently are reclassified into interest expense as a yield adjustment of the hedged interest payments in the same period in which the related interest affects earnings.

 

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Table of Contents

Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated financial statements

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

The interest rate cap balances of $1,147 and $1,711 were recorded within other assets in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. These amounts have been measured at fair value and are considered to be a Level 2 fair value measurement. The Company recorded a reduction to the value of its interest rate caps of $1,388, net of tax of $28, within other comprehensive loss during the year ended December 31, 2015. The Company recorded a reduction to the interest rate cap of $662 within other comprehensive loss as of December 31, 2014.

As of December 31, 2015, the Company does not expect to reclassify any amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings during the next 12 months. Transactions and events expected to occur over the next twelve months that will necessitate reclassifying these derivatives’ loss to earnings include the re-pricing of variable-rate debt.

(11) Deferred revenue

The summary set forth below represents the balances in deferred revenue as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:

 

		December 31, 2015				December 31, 2014
Prepaid membership fees		$	5,134			$	5,382
Enrollment fees			1,555				1,692
Equipment discount			2,968				2,689
Annual membership fees			6,132				5,696
Area development and franchise fees			10,944				8,420
Total deferred revenue			26,733				23,879
Long-term portion of deferred revenue			12,016				9,330
Current portion of deferred revenue		$	14,717			$	14,549

Equipment deposits received in advance of delivery, placement and customer acceptance as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 were $5,587 and $6,675, respectively and are expected to be recognized as revenue in the next twelve months.

(12) Related party transactions

Amounts due from stockholders/members as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 relate to reimbursements for certain taxes owed or paid by the Company.

 

		December 31, 2015				December 31, 2014
Accounts receivable—related entities		$	39			$	11
Accounts receivable—stockholders/members			4,901				1,130
			4,940				1,141
Due from related parties, current portion			4,940				1,141
Due from related parties, net of current portion		$	—			$	—

 

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Table of Contents

Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated financial statements

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

Activity with entities considered to be related parties is summarized below.

 

		For the Year Ended December 31,
		2015				2014				2013
Franchise revenue		$	1,232			$	733			$	1,620
Equipment revenue			1,686				3,711				855
Total revenue from related parties		$	2,918			$	4,444			$	2,475

The Company paid management fees to TSG totaling $1,899, $1,211, and $1,136 during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. In connection with the IPO, the Company paid a $1,000 termination fee related to the termination of its management agreement with TSG, which is included in the management fees paid for the year ended December 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had $140,191 payable to related parties pursuant to tax benefit arrangements, see Note 16.

(13) Stockholder’s equity

The recapitalization transactions

The Company refers to the Merger, Reclassification and entry into the Exchange agreement, each as described below, as the “recapitalization transactions.” The Merger was effected pursuant to a merger agreement by and among the Company and Planet Fitness Holdings, L.P. (a predecessor entity to the Company) and the recapitalization transactions were effected pursuant to a recapitalization agreement by and among the Company, Pla-Fit Holdings, the Continuing LLC Owners and Direct TSG Investors.

Merger

Prior to the Merger, the Direct TSG Investors held interests in Planet Fitness Holdings, L.P., a predecessor entity to the Company that held indirect interests in Pla-Fit Holdings. Planet Fitness Holdings, L.P. was formed in October 2014 and had no material assets, liabilities or operations, other than as a holding company owning indirect interests in Pla-Fit Holdings. The Direct TSG Investors consist of investment funds affiliated with TSG. Pursuant to a merger agreement dated June 22, 2015, upon the pricing of the IPO, Planet Fitness Holdings, L.P. merged with and into the Company, and the interests in Planet Fitness Holdings, L.P. held by the Direct TSG Investors were converted into 26,106,930 shares of Class A common stock of the Company. The Company refers to this as the “Merger.” All shares of Class A common stock have both voting and economic rights in Planet Fitness, Inc.

The Merger was effected on August 5, 2015, prior to the time our Class A common stock was registered under the Exchange Act and prior to the completion of the IPO.

Reclassification

The equity interests of Pla-Fit Holdings previously consisted of three different classes of limited liability company units (Class M, Class T and Class O). Prior to the completion of the IPO, the limited liability company agreement of Pla-Fit Holdings was amended and restated to, among other things, modify its capital structure to create a single new class of units, the Holdings Units. The Company refers to this capital structure modification as the “Reclassification.”

 

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Table of Contents

Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated financial statements

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

The Direct TSG Investors’ indirect interest in Pla-Fit Holdings was held through Planet Fitness Holdings, L.P. As a result, following the Merger, in which Planet Fitness Holdings, L.P. merged with and into the Company, the Direct TSG Investors’ indirect interests in Pla-Fit Holdings are held through the Company. Therefore, the Holdings Units received in the Reclassification were allocated to: (1) the Continuing LLC Owners based on their existing interests in Pla-Fit Holdings; and (2) the Company to the extent of the Direct TSG Investors’ indirect interest in Pla-Fit Holdings. The number of Holdings Units allocated to the Company in the Reclassification was equal to the number of shares of Class A common stock that the Direct TSG Investors received in the Merger (on a one-for-one basis).

The Reclassification was effected on August 5, 2015, prior to the time our Class A common stock was registered under the Exchange Act and prior to the completion of the IPO.

Following the Merger and the Reclassification, the Company issued to Continuing LLC Owners 72,602,810 shares of Class B common stock, one share of Class B common stock for each Holdings Unit they held. The shares of Class B common stock have no rights to dividends or distributions, whether in cash or stock, but entitle the holder to one vote per share on matters presented to stockholders of the Company. The Continuing LLC Owners consist of investment funds affiliated with TSG and certain employees and directors.

Pursuant to the LLC agreement that went into effect at the time of the Reclassification (“New LLC Agreement”), the Company was designated as the sole managing member of Pla-Fit Holdings. Accordingly, the Company has the right to determine when distributions will be made by Pla-Fit Holdings to its members and the amount of any such distributions (subject to the requirements with respect to the tax distributions described below). If the Company authorizes a distribution by Pla-Fit Holdings, the distribution will be made to the members of Pla-Fit Holdings, including the Company, pro rata in accordance with the percentages of their respective Holdings Units.

The holders of Holdings Units will incur U.S. federal, state and local income taxes on their allocable share of any taxable income of Pla-Fit Holdings (as calculated pursuant to the New LLC Agreement). Net profits and net losses of Pla-Fit Holdings will generally be allocated to its members pursuant to the New LLC Agreement pro rata in accordance with the percentages of their respective Holdings Units. The New LLC Agreement provides for cash distributions to the holders of Holdings Units for purposes of funding their tax obligations in respect of the income of Pla-Fit Holdings that is allocated to them, to the extent other distributions from Pla-Fit Holdings for the relevant year have been insufficient to cover such liability. Generally, these tax distributions are computed based on the estimated taxable income of Pla-Fit Holdings allocable to the holders of Holdings Units multiplied by an assumed, combined tax rate equal to the maximum rate applicable to an individual or corporation resident in San Francisco, California (taking into account the non-deductibility of certain expenses and the character of the Company’s income).

Exchange agreement

Following the Merger and the Reclassification, the Company and the Continuing LLC Owners entered into an exchange agreement under which the Continuing LLC Owners (or certain permitted transferees thereof) have the right, from time to time and subject to the terms of the exchange agreement, to exchange their Holdings Units, along with a corresponding number of shares of Class B common stock, for shares of Class A common stock (or cash at the option of the Company) on a one-for-one basis, subject to customary conversion rate

 

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Table of Contents

Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated financial statements

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends, reclassifications and similar transactions. As a Continuing LLC Owner exchanges Holdings Units, along with a corresponding number of shares of Class B common stock, for shares of Class A common stock, the number of Holdings Units held by the Company will increase by a corresponding amount as it acquires the exchanged Holdings Units and cancels a corresponding number of shares of Class B common stock.

Offering transactions

In connection with the completion of the IPO on August 11, 2015, in order to facilitate the disposition of equity interests in Pla-Fit Holdings held by Continuing LLC Owners affiliated with TSG, the Company used the net proceeds received to purchase issued and outstanding Holdings Units from these Continuing LLC Owners that they received in the Reclassification. In connection with the IPO, the Company purchased 10,491,055 issued and outstanding Holdings Units from these Continuing LLC Owners for an aggregate of $156,946. This is in addition to the 26,106,930 Holdings Units that the Company acquired in the Reclassification on a one-for-one basis in relation to the number of shares of Class A common stock issued to the Direct TSG Investors in the Merger. Accordingly, following the IPO, the Company holds 36,597,985 Holdings Units, which is equal to the number of shares of Class A common stock that were issued to the Direct TSG Investors and investors in the IPO. The Direct TSG Investors, who did not receive Holdings Units in the Reclassification but received shares of Class A common stock in the Merger, sold 5,033,945 shares of Class A common stock in the IPO as selling stockholders. All expenses of the IPO, other than underwriter discounts and commissions, were borne by Pla-Fit Holdings or reimbursed by Pla-Fit Holdings to the Company and amounted to $7,697 for the year ended December 31, 2015. These amounts were recorded in selling, general, and administrative expense in the accompanying statements of operations and could not be capitalized and offset against the proceeds from the offering because the Company did not retain any of the proceeds from the IPO.

As a result of the recapitalization transactions and the offering transactions, upon completion of the IPO:

 

•

the investors in the IPO collectively owned 15,525,000 shares of our Class A common, representing 15.7% of the voting power in the Company and, through the Company, 15.7% of the economic interest in Pla-Fit Holdings;

•

the Direct TSG Investors own 21,072,985 shares of our Class A common stock, representing 21.4% of the voting power in the Company and, through the Company, 21.4% of the economic interest in Pla-Fit Holdings; and

•

the Continuing LLC Owners collectively hold 62,111,755 Holdings Units, representing 62.9% of the economic interest in Pla-Fit Holdings and 62,111,755 shares of our Class B common stock, representing 62.9% of the voting power in the Company.

(14) Equity-based compensation

2013 Equity Incentive Plan

In 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2013 Plan”). Under the 2013 Plan, the Company has granted awards in the form of Class M Units to employees and directors of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Class M Units receive distributions (other than tax distributions) only upon a liquidity event, as defined, that exceeds a threshold equivalent to the fair value of the Company, as determined by the Company’s Board of Directors, at the grant date. Eighty percent of the awards vest over five years of

 

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Notes to Consolidated financial statements

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

continuous employment or service while the other twenty percent only vest in the event of an initial public offering of the Company’s common stock or that of its parent or one of its subsidiaries, subject to the holder of the Class M Units remaining employed or providing services on the date of such initial public offering. All awards include a repurchase option at the election of the Company for the vested portion upon termination of employment or service, and have a ten year contractual term. These awards are accounted for as equity at their fair value as of the grant date.

The fair value of each award was estimated on the date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation model.

The weighted average assumptions for the grants are provided in the following table. Since the Company’s shares were not publicly traded, expected volatility was estimated based on the average historical volatility of similar entities with publicly traded shares. The term was based on the estimated time to a liquidity event. The risk-free rate for the expected term of the M Unit was is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve at the date of grant.

Valuation assumptions:

 

		Year ended December 31,
		2014				2013
Expected term (years)			1.70				3.70
Expected volatility			36.8%				39.4%
Risk-free interest rate			0.4%				0.8%
Dividend yield			—				—

During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company modified the vesting terms of 10.737 outstanding Class M Units such that those units are fully vested and eligible to receive distributions following a liquidity event. In connection with the IPO and related recapitalization transactions as described in Note 1, all of the outstanding Class M Units were converted into Holdings Units and Class B common shares of Planet Fitness, Inc. in accordance with the terms of the awards. The Company’s IPO constituted a qualifying event under the terms of the awards and as a result 4,238,338 Holdings Units and corresponding Class B Common shares were issued to the existing Class M Unit holders with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $1.52 per share. The Company recorded $4,731 of compensation expense in the year ended December 31, 2015 related to these awards. The amount of total unrecognized compensation cost related to all awards under this plan was $729 as of December 31, 2015, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.4 years.

 

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Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated financial statements

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

A summary of Class M Unit activity is presented below:

 

		Class M Units				Holdings Units				Weighted average grant date fair value
Outstanding at January 1, 2013			—			$	—
Units granted			431.577				—
Outstanding at December 31, 2013			431.577				—
Units granted			121.051				—
Units forfeited			(47.368	)			—
Outstanding at December 31, 2014			505.260				—
Units granted			—				—
Units forfeited			(21.053	)			—
Units converted upon IPO			(484.207	)			4,238,338				1.52
Outstanding at December 31, 2015			—				4,238,338				1.52
Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2015			—				4,238,338				1.52

The weighted average grant-date fair value of the Class M Units vested during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $10,047 and $10,656 per unit, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, 69.052 and 24.421 units vested, respectively, but were not yet exercisable due to the fact that exercisability was contingent on a liquidity event. No distributions were paid under these awards in 2013 or 2014 and no awards were forfeited in 2013.

2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan

Stock Options

In August 2015, the Company adopted the 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”) under which the Company may grant options and other equity-based awards to purchase up to 7,896,800 shares to employees, directors and officers. In connection with the IPO, the Company granted options to purchase up to 106,030 shares to certain employees with an exercise price of $16.00 per share. Options to purchase an additional 10,660 shares were granted during the year ended December 31, 2015, with an exercise price of $17.50 per share. All stock options awarded vest annually, on a tranche by tranche basis, over a period of four years.

The fair value of stock option awards granted during the year ended December 31, 2015 was determined on the grant date using the Black-Scholes valuation model based on the following weighted-average assumptions:

 

Expected term (years)(1)			6.25
Expected volatility(2)			35.4%
Risk-free interest rate(3)			1.82%
Dividend yield(4)			—

 

(1)

Expected term represents the estimated period of time until an award is exercised and was determined using the simplified method.

 

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Notes to Consolidated financial statements

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

(2)

Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of a selected peer group over a period equivalent to the expected term.

(3)

The risk-free rate is an interpolation of yields on U.S. Treasury securities with maturities equivalent to the expected term.

(4)

We have assumed a dividend yield of zero as we have no plans to declare dividends in the foreseeable future.

A summary of stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2015:

 

		Stock Options				Weighted average exercise price				Weighted average remaining contractual term (years)
Outstanding at beginning of period			—			$	—
Granted			116,690				16.14
Exercised			—				—
Forfeited			(8,420	)			16.00
Outstanding at December 31, 2015			108,270			$	16.15				9.6
Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2015			104,769			$	16.15				9.6

The weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted during the year ended December 31, 2015 was $6.14. During the year ended December 31, 2015, $131 was recorded to selling, general and administrative expense related to these stock options. As of December 31, 2015, there were 108,270 stock options outstanding none of which were exercisable. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2015 was $0. As of December 31, 2015, total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock options, including an estimate for pre-vesting forfeitures, was $514, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.6 years.

Restricted stock units

During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company granted 8,160 restricted Class A stock units (“RSUs”) to one member of its Board of Directors under the 2015 Plan. The RSUs granted vest in three equal annual installments beginning on first anniversary of the grant date, provided that the recipient continues to serve on the Board of Directors through the vesting dates.

The weighted-average grant date fair value of RSUs granted during the year ended December 31, 2015 was $18.38. During the year ended December 31, 2015, $26 was recorded to selling, general and administrative expense related to these RSUs. As of December 31, 2015, there were 8,160 RSUs outstanding none of which were exercisable. As of December 31, 2015, total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested RSUs, including an estimate for pre-vesting forfeitures was $124, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.7 years.

 

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Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated financial statements

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

(15) Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share of Class A common stock is computed by dividing net income attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc. for the period from August 6, 2015 through December 31, 2015, the period following the recapitalization transactions and IPO, by the weighted-average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding during the same period. Diluted earnings per share of Class A common stock is computed by dividing net income attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc. by the weighted-average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding adjusted to give effect to potentially dilutive securities. There were no shares of Class A or Class B common stock outstanding prior to August 6, 2015, therefore no earnings per share information has been presented for any period prior to that date.

Shares of the Company’s Class B common stock do not share in the earnings or losses attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc. and are therefore not participating securities. As such, separate presentation of basic and diluted earnings per share of Class B common stock under the two-class method has not been presented. Shares of the Company’s Class B common stock are, however, considered potentially dilutive shares of Class A common stock because shares of Class B common stock, together with the related Holdings Units, are exchangeable into shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis.

The following table sets forth reconciliations of the numerators and denominators used to compute basic and diluted earnings per share of Class A common stock:

 

Basic net income per share:		August 6, 2015 through December 31, 2015
Numerator
Net income		$	23,454
Less: net income attributable to non-controlling interests			19,348
Net income attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc.		$	4,106
Denominator
Weighted-average shares of Class A common stock outstanding—basic			36,243,557
Earnings per share of Class A common stock—basic		$	0.11

Class B common stock was evaluated under the if-converted method for potential dilutive effects and were determined to be anti-dilutive. Stock options in the amount of 108,270 and restricted stock units in the amount of 8,160 were evaluated under the treasury stock method for potential dilutive effects and were determined to be anti-dilutive.

 

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Notes to Consolidated financial statements

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

(16) Income taxes

Income before the provision for income taxes as shown in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations is as follows:

 

		Year Ended December 31,
		2015				2014				2013
Domestic		$	48,716			$	39,534			$	26,432
Foreign			(1,438	)			(1,056	)			—
Total current tax expense			47,278				38,478				26,432

The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following:

 

		Year Ended December 31,
		2015				2014				2013
Current:
Federal		$	686			$	—			$	—
State			2,188				1,078				2,063
Foreign			139				168				—
Total current tax expense			3,013				1,246				2,063
Deferred:
Federal			5,636				—				—
State			935				217				(1,430	)
Foreign			(436	)			(280	)			—
Total deferred tax (benefit) expense			6,135				(63	)			(1,430	)
Provision for income taxes		$	9,148			$	1,183			$	633

As a result of the recapitalization transactions, the Company became the sole managing member of Pla-Fit Holdings, which is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal and most applicable state and local income tax purposes. As a partnership, Pla-Fit Holdings is not subject to U.S. federal and certain state and local income taxes. Any taxable income or loss generated by Pla-Fit Holdings is passed through to and included in the taxable income or loss of its members, including the Company following the recapitalization transactions, on a pro rata basis. Planet Fitness, Inc. is subject to U.S. federal income taxes, in addition to state and local income taxes with respect to our allocable share of any taxable income of Pla-Fit Holdings following the recapitalization transactions. The Company is also subject to taxes in foreign jurisdictions.

 

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Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated financial statements

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

A reconciliation of the U.S. statutory income tax rate to the Company’s effective tax rate is as follows:

 

		Year Ended December 31, 2015
U.S. statutory tax rate			35.0%
State and local taxes, net of federal benefit			6.2%
Rate change on deferred tax asset from recapitalization			6.9%
Tax benefit arrangement liability adjustment			(2.1)%
Foreign tax rate differential			0.3%
Withholding taxes and other			0.2%
Income attributable to non-controlling interests			(27.1)%
Effective tax rate			19.4%

The Company incurs U.S. federal and state income taxes on its 37.1% share of income flowed through from Pla-Fit Holdings. Our effective tax rate on such income was approximately 39.4%. The provision for income taxes also reflects an effective state tax rate of 2.5% applied to non-controlling interests, representing the remaining 62.9% of income before taxes, excluding income from variable interest entities, related to Pla-Fit Holdings.

Deferred income taxes are provided for the effects of temporary differences between the tax basis of an asset or liability and its reported amount in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. These temporary differences result in taxable or deductible amounts in future years. Details of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are summarized as follows:

 

		Year Ended December 31,
		2015				2014
Deferred tax assets:
Accrued expense and reserves		$	353			$	75
Deferred revenue			1,276				182
Goodwill and intangible assets			113,460				—
Net operating loss			716				280
Other			2,841				85
Deferred tax assets		$	118,646			$	622
Deferred tax liabilities:
Prepaid expenses			(674	)			(94	)
Goodwill and intangible assets			—				(717	)
Property and equipment			(614	)			(154	)
Total deferred tax liabilities		$	(1,288	)		$	(965	)
Total deferred tax assets and liabilities		$	117,358			$	(343	)

 

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Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated financial statements

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

The Company has net operating loss carryforwards related to its Canada operations of approximately $716, which begin to expire in 2034. It is more likely than not that the results of future operations will generate sufficient taxable income to realize the deferred tax assets.

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the total liability related to uncertain tax positions is $300. The amount of unrecognized tax benefit, if recognized, would reduce income tax expense by $300. The Company does not expect the amount of unrecognized tax benefits to change materially in the next twelve months. The Company recognizes interest accrued and penalties, if applicable, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. Interest and penalties for the year ended December 31, 2015 were not material.

Tax benefit arrangements

The Company’s acquisition of Holdings Units in connection with the IPO and future and certain past exchanges of Holdings Units for shares of the Company’s Class A common stock (or cash at the option of the Company) are expected to produce and have produced favorable tax attributes. In connection with the IPO, the Company entered into two tax receivable agreements. Under the first of those agreements, the Company generally is required to pay to the Continuing LLC Owners 85% of the applicable tax savings, if any, in U.S. federal and state income tax that the Company is deemed to realize as a result of certain tax attributes of their Holdings Units sold to the Company (or exchanged in a taxable sale) and that are created as a result of (i) the sales of their Holdings Units for shares of Class A common stock and (ii) tax benefits attributable to payments made under the tax receivable agreement (including imputed interest). Under the second tax receivable agreement, the Company generally is required to pay to the Direct TSG Investors 85% of the amount of tax savings, if any, that the Company is deemed to realize as a result of the tax attributes of the Holdings Units held in respect of the Direct TSG Investors’ interest in the Company, which resulted from the Direct TSG Investors’ purchase of interests in Pla-Fit Holdings in 2012, and certain other tax benefits. Under both agreements, the Company generally retains the benefit of the remaining 15% of the applicable tax savings. Also, pursuant to the exchange agreement (see Note 13), to the extent an exchange results in Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC incurring a current tax liability relating to the New Hampshire business profits tax, the Continuing LLC Owners have agreed that they will contribute to Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC an amount sufficient to pay such tax liability (up to 3.5% of the value received upon exchange). If and when the Company subsequently realizes a related tax benefit, Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC will distribute the amount of any such tax benefit to the relevant Continuing LLC Owner in respect of its contribution. The Company recorded other income of $2,549 in the year ended December 31, 2015 reflecting a reduction in the tax benefit obligation attributable to a reduction in the expected related tax benefits. The tax benefit obligation was $140,191 as of December 31, 2015.

Projected future payments under the tax benefit arrangements are as follows:

 

		Amount
2016		$	3,019
2017			7,125
2018			7,072
2019			7,125
2020			7,321
Thereafter			108,529
Total		$	140,191

 

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Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated financial statements

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

(17) Commitments and contingencies

(a) Operating lease commitments

The Company rents equipment, office, and warehouse space at various locations in the United States and Canada under noncancelable operating leases. Rental expense was $18,186, $16,980, and $13,830 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Approximate annual future commitments under noncancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2015 are as follows:

 

		Amount
2016		$	13,272
2017			12,700
2018			11,738
2019			10,325
2020			9,245
Thereafter			44,802
Total		$	102,082

(b) Legal matters

From time to time, and in the ordinary course of business, the Company is subject to various claims, charges, and litigation, such as employment-related claims and slip and fall cases. The Company is not currently aware of any legal proceedings or claims that the Company believes will have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or result of operations.

(c) Purchase commitments

As of December 31, 2015, the Company had advertising purchase commitments of approximately $15,530, including commitments made by the NAF. In addition, the Company had open purchase orders of approximately $14,361 primarily related to equipment to be sold to franchisees.

(d) Guarantees

The Company has guaranteed certain leases and debt agreements of entities that were previously related through common ownership. These guarantees relate to leases for operating space, equipment, and other operating costs of franchises operated by the related entities. The Company’s maximum obligation, as a result of its guarantees of leases and debt, is approximately $1,871 and $2,896 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and would only require payment upon default by the primary obligor. The Company has determined the fair value of these guarantees at inception is not material, and as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, no accrual has been recorded for the Company’s potential obligation under its guaranty arrangement.

(e) Performance incentive plan

During 2013, the Company adopted the 2013 Performance Incentive Plan, which called for pre-determined bonuses to be paid to employees of the Company upon a future liquidity event of the Company, including an initial public offering that exceeds a predetermined threshold. In connection with the IPO, the Company paid bonuses and recorded expense of $1,688 related to this plan, which are included in selling, general and administrative expense in the accompanying statement of operations.

 

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Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated financial statements

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

(18) Retirement Plan

The Company maintains a 401(k) deferred tax savings plan (the Plan) for eligible employees. The Plan provides for the Company to make an employer matching contribution currently equal to 100% of employee deferrals up to a maximum of 4% of each eligible participating employees’ wages. Total employer matching contributions expensed in the consolidated statements of operations were approximately $384, $211, and $214 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

(19) Segments

The Company has three reportable segments: (i) Franchise; (ii) Corporate-owned stores; and (iii) Equipment.

The Company’s operations are organized and managed by type of products and services and segment information is reported accordingly. The Company’s chief operating decision maker (the “CODM”) is its Chief Executive Officer. The CODM reviews financial performance and allocates resources by reportable segment. There have been no operating segments aggregated to arrive at the Company’s reportable segments.

The Franchise segment includes operations related to the Company’s franchising business in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, and Dominican Republic. The Corporate-owned stores segment includes operations with respect to all Corporate-owned stores throughout the United States and Canada. The Equipment segment includes the sale of equipment to franchisee-owned stores.

The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in Note 2. The Company evaluates the performance of its segments and allocates resources to them based on revenue and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, referred to as Segment EBITDA. Revenues for all operating segments include only transactions with unaffiliated customers and include no intersegment revenues.

The tables below summarize the financial information for the Company’s reportable segments for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. The “Corporate and other” column, as it relates to Segment EBITDA, primarily includes corporate overhead costs, such as payroll and related benefit costs and professional services which are not directly attributable to any individual segment.

 

		Year Ended December 31,
		2015				2014				2013
Revenue
Franchise segment revenue—U.S.		$	87,299			$	71,806			$	44,157
Franchise segment revenue—International			786				—				—
Franchise segment total			88,085				71,806				44,157
Corporate-owned stores segment—U.S.			95,459				85,022				67,364
Corporate-owned stores segment—International			2,931				19				—
Corporate-owned stores segment total			98,390				85,041				67,364
Equipment segment—U.S.			144,062				122,930				99,488
Equipment segment total			144,062				122,930				99,488
Total revenue		$	330,537			$	279,777			$	211,009

 

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Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated financial statements

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

Franchise segment revenue includes franchise revenue and commission income.

Franchise revenue includes revenue generated from placement services of $9,806, $8,450, and $6,315 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

		Year Ended December 31,
		2015				2014				2013
Segment EBITDA
Franchise		$	66,030			$	53,109			$	30,123
Corporate-owned stores			36,070				31,705				21,742
Equipment			31,936				26,447				19,791
Corporate and other			(30,051	)			(18,642	)			(7,504	)
Total Segment EBITDA		$	103,985			$	92,619			$	64,152

The following table reconciles total Segment EBITDA to income before taxes:

 

		Year Ended December 31,
		2015				2014				2013
Total Segment EBITDA		$	103,985			$	92,619			$	64,152
Less:
Depreciation and amortization			32,158				32,341				28,808
Other expense			(275	)			(1,261	)			(694	)
Income from operations			72,102				61,539				36,038
Interest expense, net			(24,549	)			(21,800	)			(8,912	)
Other expense			(275	)			(1,261	)			(694	)
Income before income taxes		$	47,278			$	38,478			$	26,432

The following table summarizes the Company’s assets by reportable segment:

 

		December 31, 2015				December 31, 2014
Franchise		$	206,997			$	216,985
Corporate-owned stores			151,620				157,868
Equipment			208,168				220,367
Unallocated			132,392				6,762
Total consolidated assets		$	699,177			$	601,982

The table above includes $3,149 and $2,011 of long-lived assets located in the Company’s international corporate-owned stores as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Assets by segment as of December 31, 2014 has been adjusted to be consistent with the Company’s current presentation of certain intercompany amounts by segment.

 

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Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated financial statements

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s goodwill by reportable segment:

 

		December 31, 2015				December 31, 2014
Franchise		$	16,938			$	16,938
Corporate-owned stores			67,377				67,377
Equipment			92,666				92,666
Total consolidated goodwill		$	176,981			$	176,981

(20) Corporate-owned and franchisee-owned stores

The following table shows changes in our corporate-owned and franchisee-owned stores for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:

 

		Year Ended December 31,
		2015				2014				2013
Franchisee-owned stores:
Stores operated at beginning of period			863				704				562
New stores opened			206				169				148
Stores debranded, sold or consolidated(1)			(3	)			(10	)			(6	)
Stores operated at end of period			1,066				863				704
Corporate-owned stores:
Stores operated at beginning of period			55				45				44
New stores opened			3				2				1
Stores acquired from franchisees			—				8				—
Stores operated at end of period			58				55				45
Total stores:
Stores operated at beginning of period			918				749				606
New stores opened			209				171				149
Stores debranded, sold or consolidated(1)			(3	)			(2	)			(6	)
Stores operated at end of period			1,124				918				749

 

(1)

The term “debrand” refers to a franchisee-owned store whose right to use the Planet Fitness brand and marks has been terminated due to non-compliance with brand standards in accordance with the franchise agreement. We retain the right to prevent debranded stores from continuing to operate as fitness centers. The term “consolidated” refers to the combination of a franchisee’s store with another store located in close proximity with our prior approval. This often coincides with an enlargement, re-equipment and/or refurbishment of the remaining store.

 

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Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated financial statements

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

(21) Quarterly financial data (unaudited)

 

		For the quarter ended
		March 31, 2015				June 30, 2015				September 30, 2015				December 31, 2015
Total revenue		$	76,923			$	78,952			$	68,817			$	105,845
Income from operations			14,304				18,667				10,338				28,793
Net income			8,541				11,612				737				17,240

 

Earnings per share(1):		August 6 through September 30, 2015				For the quarter ended December 31, 2015
Class A—Basic		$	0.05			$	0.06
Class A—Diluted		$	0.04			$	0.06

 

		For the quarter ended
		March 31, 2014				June 30, 2014				September 30, 2014				December 31, 2014
Total revenue		$	57,594			$	62,697			$	63,467			$	96,019
Income from operations			13,539				14,706				13,956				19,338
Net income			6,259				8,950				8,303				13,783

 

(1)

Represents earnings per share of Class A common stock and weighted-average shares of Class A common stock outstanding for the periods from August 6, 2015 through September 30, 2015 and the quarter ended December 31, 2015, the periods following the recapitalization transactions and IPO (see Note 15).

(22) Pro forma financial information (unaudited)

The unaudited pro forma financial information reflects the effects of the recapitalization transactions and the IPO on the allocation of pro forma net income between noncontrolling interests and Planet Fitness, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2015. After the recapitalization transactions and the IPO, Planet Fitness Inc. held a 37.1% economic ownership in Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC, and as such, 62.9% of pro forma net income is attributable to the noncontrolling interests.

The unaudited pro forma financial information also reflects an adjustment to the provision for income taxes to reflect an effective tax rate of 39.4%, applied to the 37.1% portion of income before taxes, excluding income from variable interest entities, that represents the economic interest in Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC held by Planet Fitness Inc. upon completion of recapitalization transactions and the IPO. The unaudited pro forma financial information also reflects an effective tax rate of 2.5% applied to noncontrolling interests representing the remaining 62.9% portion of income before taxes, excluding income from variable interest entities, related to Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC. The sum of these amounts represents total pro forma provision for income taxes of $10,036 for the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

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Notes to Consolidated financial statements

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

The unaudited pro forma net income per share has been prepared using pro forma net income, as set forth above, which reflects the pro forma effects on provision for income taxes and the allocation of pro forma net income between noncontrolling interests and Planet Fitness, Inc., resulting from the recapitalization transactions and the IPO divided by pro forma weighted average shares outstanding which includes Class A common stock of Planet Fitness, Inc. outstanding after the recapitalization transactions and the IPO.

 

		Year ended December 31, 2015
Pro forma net income attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc.		$	6,405
Pro forma weighted average shares of Class A common stock—basic and diluted			36,598
Pro forma net income per share—basic and diluted		$	0.17

 

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Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Condensed consolidated balance sheets

(Unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

		March 31,				December 31,
		2016				2015
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	38,268			$	31,430
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for bad debts of $637 and $629 at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively			10,446				19,079
Due from related parties			1,005				4,940
Inventory			1,476				4,557
Restricted assets—national advertising fund			5,300				1,962
Other current assets			12,318				10,977
Total current assets			68,813				72,945
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $25,197 as of March 31, 2016 and $23,525 as of December 31, 2015			54,302				56,139
Intangible assets, net			268,679				273,619
Goodwill			176,981				176,981
Deferred income taxes			115,523				117,358
Other assets, net			1,368				2,135
Total assets		$	685,666			$	699,177
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt		$	5,100			$	5,100
Accounts payable			10,090				23,950
Accrued expenses			9,853				13,667
Equipment deposits			5,253				5,587
Deferred revenue, current			15,477				14,717
Payable to related parties pursuant to tax benefit arrangements, current			5,870				3,019
Other current liabilities			253				212
Total current liabilities			51,896				66,252
Long-term debt, net of current maturities			478,875				479,779
Deferred rent, net of current portion			4,665				4,554
Deferred revenue, net of current portion			10,277				12,016
Payable to related parties pursuant to tax benefit arrangements, net of current portion			132,208				137,172
Other liabilities			484				484
Total noncurrent liabilities			626,509				634,005
Commitments and contingencies (note 11)
Stockholders’ equity (deficit):
Class A common stock, $.0001 par value—300,000 shares authorized, 36,598 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015			4				4
Class B common stock, $.0001 par value—100,000 shares authorized, 62,067 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2016, and 62,112 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2015			6				6
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(2,387	)			(1,710	)
Additional paid in capital			577				352
Accumulated deficit			(11,805	)			(14,032	)
Total stockholders’ deficit attributable to Planet Fitness Inc.			(13,605	)			(15,380	)
Non-controlling interests			20,866				14,300
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)			7,261				(1,080	)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)		$	685,666			$	699,177

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Condensed consolidated statements of operations

(Unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

		For the three months ended March 31,
		2016				2015
Revenue:
Franchise		$	21,491			$	16,967
Commission income			6,186				4,790
Corporate-owned stores			25,697				23,546
Equipment			29,969				31,619
Total revenue			83,343				76,922
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue			23,639				25,946
Store operations			14,732				14,341
Selling, general and administrative			11,845				14,138
Depreciation and amortization			7,703				8,201
Other gain			(186	)			(6	)
Total operating costs and expenses			57,733				62,620
Income from operations			25,610				14,302
Other expense, net:
Interest expense, net			(6,367	)			(4,756	)
Other income (expense)			393				(736	)
Total other expense, net			(5,974	)			(5,492	)
Income before income taxes			19,636				8,810
Provision for income taxes			3,291				272
Net income			16,345				8,538
Less net income attributable to non-controlling interests			12,977				113
Net income attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc.		$	3,368			$	8,425
Net income per share of Class A common stock(1):
Basic and diluted		$	0.09
Weighted-average shares of Class A common stock outstanding(1):
Basic and diluted			36,598
Pro forma financial information (note 15)
Income before taxes						$	8,810
Pro forma provision for income taxes							1,190
Pro forma net income							7,620
Pro forma net income attributable to noncontrolling interests							6,205
Pro forma net income attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc.						$	1,415
Pro forma net income per share information (note 15)
Pro forma net income per share of Class A common stock
Basic and diluted						$	0.04
Pro forma weighted average shares of Class A common stock outstanding (in thousands)
Basic and diluted							36,598

 

(1)

Represents earnings per share of Class A common stock and weighted-average shares of Class A common stock outstanding for the period following the recapitalization transactions and IPO (see Note 9).

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss)

(Unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands)

 

		For the three months ended March 31,
		2016				2015
Net income including non-controlling interests		$	16,345			$	8,538
Other comprehensive income (loss), net:
Unrealized loss on interest rate caps, net of tax			(583	)			(779	)
Foreign currency translation adjustments			(93	)			101
Total other comprehensive loss, net			(676	)			(678	)
Total comprehensive income including non-controlling interests			15,669				7,860
Less: total comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests			12,491				113
Total comprehensive income attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc.		$	3,178			$	7,747

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Condensed consolidated statements of cash flows

(Unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands)

 

		For the three months ended March 31,
		2016				2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income		$	16,345			$	8,538
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization			7,703				8,201
Amortization of deferred financing costs			371				305
Amortization of favorable leases and asset retirement obligations			99				113
Amortization of interest rate caps			75				—
Deferred tax expense			1,354				7
Provision for bad debts			7				11
Gain on disposal of property and equipment			(186	)			(6	)
Equity-based compensation			576				—
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, excluding effects of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable			8,864				9,792
Notes receivable and due from related parties			3,544				50
Inventory			3,081				1,001
Other assets and other current assets			(4,632	)			422
Accounts payable and accrued expenses			(16,202	)			(16,745	)
Other liabilities and other current liabilities			30				15
Income taxes			(2,314	)			290
Payable to related parties pursuant to tax benefit arrangements			(2,113	)			—
Equipment deposits			(334	)			(230	)
Deferred revenue			(1,091	)			(717	)
Deferred rent			85				992
Net cash provided by operating activities			15,262				12,039
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment			(865	)			(5,326	)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment			20				6
Net cash used in investing activities			(845	)			(5,320	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt			—				120,000
Principal payments on capital lease obligations			(12	)			(140	)
Repayment of long-term debt			(1,275	)			(975	)
Payment of deferred financing and other debt-related costs			—				(1,698	)
Distributions to Continuing LLC Members			(6,411	)			(139,688	)
Net cash used in financing activities			(7,698	)			(22,501	)
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents			119				23
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			6,838				(15,759	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period			31,430				43,291
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		$	38,268			$	27,532
Supplemental cash flow information:
Net cash paid for income taxes		$	4,336			$	211
Cash paid for interest		$	5,815			$	4,614
Non-cash investing activities:
Non-cash additions to property and equipment		$	170			$	384
Non-cash financing activities:
Unsettled distributions to members		$	—			$	7,496

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated financial statements

(Unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

(1) Business organization

Planet Fitness, Inc. (the “Company”), through its subsidiaries, is a franchisor and operator of fitness centers, with more than 8.3 million members and 1,171 owned and franchised locations (referred to as stores) in 47 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada and the Dominican Republic as of March 31, 2016.

The Company serves as the reporting entity for its various subsidiaries that operate three distinct lines of business:

 

•

Licensing and selling franchises under the Planet Fitness trade name.

•

Owning and operating fitness centers under the Planet Fitness trade name.

•

Selling fitness-related equipment to franchisee-owned stores.

The Company was formed as a Delaware corporation on March 16, 2015 for the purpose of facilitating an initial public offering (the “IPO”) which was completed on August 11, 2015 and related transactions in order to carry on the business of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries (“Pla-Fit Holdings”). As of August 5, 2015, in connection with the recapitalization transactions that occurred prior to the IPO, the Company became the sole managing member and holder of 100% of the voting power of Pla-Fit Holdings and 37.1% of the economic interest. Pla-Fit Holdings owns 100% of Planet Intermediate, LLC which has no operations but is the 100% owner of Planet Fitness Holdings, LLC, a franchisor and operator of fitness centers. With respect to the Company, Pla-Fit Holdings and Planet Intermediate, LLC, each entity owns nothing other than the respective entity below it in the corporate structure and each entity has no other material operations.

Subsequent to the IPO and the related recapitalization transactions, the Company is a holding company whose principal asset is a controlling equity interest in Pla-Fit Holdings. As the sole managing member of Pla-Fit Holdings, the Company operates and controls all of the business and affairs of Pla-Fit Holdings, and through Pla-Fit Holdings, conducts its business. As a result, the Company consolidates Pla-Fit Holdings’ financial results and reports a non-controlling interest related to the portion of limited liability company units of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC (“Holdings Units”) not owned by the Company. As of March 31, 2016, the Company owned 100% of the voting interest, and 37.1% of the economic interest of Pla-Fit Holdings. As future exchanges of Holdings Units occur, the economic interest in Pla-Fit Holdings held by Planet Fitness, Inc. will increase.

The recapitalization transactions are considered transactions between entities under common control. As a result, the financial statements for periods prior to the IPO and the recapitalization transactions are the financial statements of Pla-Fit Holdings as the predecessor to the Company for accounting and reporting purposes. Unless otherwise specified, “the Company” refers to both Planet Fitness, Inc. and Pla-Fit Holdings throughout the remainder of these notes.

(2) Summary of significant accounting policies

(a) Basis of presentation and consolidation

The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) for interim financial information and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange

 

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Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated financial statements

(Unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

Commission (the “SEC”). Accordingly, these interim financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations, financial position and cash flows for the periods presented have been reflected. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The condensed consolidated financial statements as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2016 are unaudited. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the disclosures required by U.S. GAAP. These interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 (the “Annual Report”) filed with the SEC on March 4, 2016. Operating results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year.

As discussed in Note 1, as a result of the recapitalization transactions, Planet Fitness, Inc. consolidates Pla-Fit Holdings and Pla-Fit Holdings is considered to be the predecessor to Planet Fitness, Inc. for accounting and reporting purposes. The Company also consolidates entities in which it has a controlling financial interest, the usual condition of which is ownership of a majority voting interest. The Company also considers for consolidation certain interests where the controlling financial interest may be achieved through arrangements that do not involve voting interests. Such an entity, known as a variable interest entity (“VIE”), is required to be consolidated by its primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is considered to possess the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance and has the obligation to absorb losses or the rights to receive benefits from the VIE that are significant to it. The principal entities in which the Company possesses a variable interest include franchise entities and certain other entities. The Company is not deemed to be the primary beneficiary for Planet Fitness franchise entities. Therefore, these entities are not consolidated.

The results of the Company have been consolidated with Matthew Michael Realty LLC (“MMR”) and PF Melville LLC (“PF Melville”) based on the determination that the Company is the primary beneficiary with respect to these VIEs. These entities are real estate holding companies that derive a majority of their financial support from the Company through lease agreements for corporate stores. See Note 3 for further information related to the Company’s VIEs.

(b) Use of estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Although these estimates are based on management’s knowledge of current events and actions it may undertake in the future, they may ultimately differ from actual results. Significant areas where estimates and judgments are relied upon by management in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements include revenue recognition, valuation of assets and liabilities in connection with acquisitions, valuation of equity-based compensation awards, the evaluation of the recoverability of goodwill and long-lived assets, including intangible assets, income taxes, including deferred tax assets and liabilities and reserves for unrecognized tax benefits, and the liability for the Company’s tax benefit arrangements.

 

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Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated financial statements

(Unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

(c) Fair Value

ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. Categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels are defined as follows:

Level 1—Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

Level 2—Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

Level 3—Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

The table below presents information about the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:

 

		Total fair value at March 31, 2016				Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1)				Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)				Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Interest rate caps		$	376			$	—			$	376			$	—

 

		Total fair value at December 31, 2015				Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1)				Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)				Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Interest rate caps		$	1,147			$	—			$	1,147			$	—

(d) Recent accounting pronouncements

The FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, in September 2014. This guidance requires that an entity recognize revenue to depict the transfer of a promised good or service to its customers in an amount that reflects consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for such transfer. This guidance also specifies accounting for certain costs incurred by an entity to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer and provides for enhancements to revenue specific disclosures intended to allow users of the financial statements to clearly understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from an entity’s contracts with its customers. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017 for public companies. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, which further clarifies the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations contained in ASU 2014-09. This guidance is to be applied either retrospectively or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.

 

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Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated financial statements

(Unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

The FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, Income Statement—Consolidation, in February 2015. This guidance affects reporting entities that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. Specifically, the guidance 1) modifies the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities or voting interest entities, 2) eliminates the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership, 3) affects the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships, and 4) provides a scope exception from consolidation guidance for reporting entities with interests in legal entities that are required to comply with or operate in accordance with requirements that are similar to those in Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 for registered money market funds. The guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company adopted ASU No. 2015-02 as of January 1, 2016, noting no material impact to the consolidated financial statements.

The FASB issued ASU No. 2015-05: Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software: Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement, in April 2015. The amendments in this update provide guidance to customers about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, the update specifies that the customer should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. The update further specifies that the customer should account for a cloud computing arrangement as a service contract if the arrangement does not include a software license. The guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company adopted ASU No. 2015-05 as of January 1, 2016 on a prospective basis, noting no material impact to the consolidated financial statements.

The FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases, in February 2016. This guidance is intended to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years for public companies. Early application of the amendments in this update is permitted for all entities. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that implementation of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.

The FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Stock Compensation, in March 2016. This guidance is intended to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions. This guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that year. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of the standard on its consolidated financial statements.

 

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Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated financial statements

(Unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

(3) Variable interest entities

The carrying values of VIEs included in the consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are as follows:

 

		March 31, 2016								December 31, 2015
		Assets				Liabilities				Assets				Liabilities
PF Melville		$	3,790			$	—			$	3,728			$	—
MMR			3,025				—				2,953				—
Total		$	6,815			$	—			$	6,681			$	—

The Company also has variable interests in certain franchisees mainly through the guarantee of certain debt and lease agreements as well as financing provided by the Company and by certain related parties to franchisees. The Company’s maximum obligation, as a result of its guarantees of leases and debt, is approximately $1,730 and $1,871 as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

The amount of the Company’s maximum obligation represents a loss that the Company could incur from the variability in credit exposure without consideration of possible recoveries through insurance or other means. In addition, the amount bears no relation to the ultimate settlement anticipated to be incurred from the Company’s involvement with these entities, which is estimated at $0.

(4) Goodwill and intangible assets

A summary of goodwill and intangible assets at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 is as follows:

 

March 31, 2016		Weighted average amortization period (years)				Gross carrying amount				Accumulated amortization				Net carrying Amount
Customer relationships			11.1			$	171,782				(61,469	)		$	110,313
Noncompete agreements			5.0				14,500				(9,852	)			4,648
Favorable leases			7.5				2,935				(1,354	)			1,581
Order backlog			0.4				3,400				(3,400	)			—
Reacquired franchise rights			5.8				8,950				(3,113	)			5,837
							201,567				(79,188	)			122,379
Indefinite-lived intangible:
Trade and brand names			N/A				146,300				—				146,300
Total intangible assets						$	347,867			$	(79,188	)		$	268,679
Goodwill						$	176,981			$	—			$	176,981

 

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Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated financial statements

(Unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

December 31, 2015		Weighted average amortization period (years)				Gross carrying amount				Accumulated amortization				Net carrying Amount
Customer relationships			11.1			$	171,782			$	(57,741	)		$	114,041
Noncompete agreements			5.0				14,500				(9,127	)			5,373
Favorable leases			7.5				2,935				(1,256	)			1,679
Order backlog			0.4				3,400				(3,400	)			—
Reacquired franchise rights			5.8				8,950				(2,724	)			6,226
							201,567				(74,248	)			127,319
Indefinite-lived intangible:
Trade and brand names			N/A				146,300				—				146,300
Total intangible assets						$	347,867			$	(74,248	)		$	273,619
Goodwill						$	176,981			$	—			$	176,981

The Company determined that no impairment charges were required during any periods presented.

Amortization expense related to the intangible assets totaled $4,940 and $5,383 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Included within these total amortization expense amounts are $99 and $113 related to amortization of favorable and unfavorable leases for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Amortization of favorable and unfavorable leases is recorded within store operations as a component of rent expense in the consolidated statements of operations. The anticipated annual amortization expense to be recognized in future years as of March 31, 2016 is as follows:

 

		Amount
Remainder of 2016		$	14,816
2017			18,215
2018			14,583
2019			14,215
2020			12,517
Thereafter			48,033
Total		$	122,379

 

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated financial statements

(Unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

(5) Long-term debt

Long-term debt as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 consists of the following:

 

		March 31, 2016				December 31, 2015
Term loan B requires quarterly installments plus interest through the term of the loan, maturing March 31, 2021. Outstanding borrowings bear interest at LIBOR or base rate (as defined) plus a margin at the election of the borrower (4.50% at March 31, 2016 and 4.75% at December 31, 2015)		$	491,000			$	492,275
Revolving credit line, requires interest only payments through the term of the loan, maturing March 31, 2019. Outstanding borrowings bear interest at LIBOR or base rate (as defined) plus a margin at the election of the borrower (4.25% at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015)			—				—
Total debt, excluding deferred financing costs			491,000				492,275
Deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization			(7,025	)			(7,396	)
Total debt			483,975				484,879
Current portion of long-term debt and line of credit			5,100				5,100
Long-term debt, net of current portion		$	478,875			$	479,779

Future annual principal payments of long-term debt as of March 31, 2016 are as follows:

 

		Amount
Remainder of 2016		$	3,825
2017			5,100
2018			5,100
2019			5,100
2020			5,100
Thereafter			466,775
Total		$	491,000

(6) Derivative instruments and hedging activities

The Company utilizes interest-rate-related derivative instruments to manage its exposure related to changes in interest rates on its variable-rate debt instruments. The Company does not enter into derivative instruments for any purpose other than cash flow hedging. The Company does not speculate using derivative instruments.

By using derivative financial instruments to hedge exposures to changes in interest rates, the Company exposes itself to credit risk and market risk. 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 an asset, the counterparty owes the Company, which creates credit risk for the Company. When the fair value of a derivative contract is a liability,

 

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Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated financial statements

(Unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

the Company owes the counterparty and, therefore, the Company is not exposed to the counterparty’s credit risk in those circumstances. The Company minimizes counterparty credit risk in derivative instruments by entering into transactions with high-quality counterparties whose credit rating is higher than A1/A+ at the inception of the derivative transaction. The derivative instruments entered into by the Company do not contain credit-risk-related contingent features.

Market risk is the adverse effect on the value of a derivative instrument that results from a change in interest rates. The market risk associated with interest-rate contracts is managed by establishing and monitoring parameters that limit the types and degree of market risk that may be undertaken.

The Company assesses interest rate risk by continually identifying and monitoring changes in interest rate exposures that may adversely impact expected future cash flows and by evaluating hedging opportunities. The Company monitors interest rate risk attributable to both the Company’s outstanding or forecasted debt obligations as well as the Company’s offsetting hedge positions.

In September 2014 and September 2015, the Company entered into a series of interest rate caps. As of March 31, 2016, the Company had interest rate cap agreements with notional amounts of $224,000 outstanding that were entered into in order to hedge LIBOR greater than 1.5%.

The interest rate cap balances of $376 and $1,147 were recorded within other assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. These amounts have been measured at fair value and are considered to be a Level 2 fair value measurement. The Company recorded a reduction to the value of its interest rate caps of $583, net of tax of $113, within other comprehensive loss during the three months ended March 31, 2016.

As of March 31, 2016, the Company does not expect to reclassify any amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings during the next 12 months. Transactions and events expected to occur over the next 12 months that will necessitate reclassifying these derivatives’ loss to earnings include the re-pricing of variable-rate debt.

(7) Related party transactions

Amounts due from related parties consist of:

 

		March 31, 2016				December 31, 2015
Accounts receivable—related entities		$	47			$	39
Accounts receivable—stockholders/members			958				4,901
Due from related parties		$	1,005			$	4,940

Amounts due from stockholders/members as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 relate to reimbursements for certain taxes owed or paid by the Company.

 

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Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated financial statements

(Unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

Activity with entities considered to be related parties is summarized below:

 

		For the three months ended March 31,
		2016				2015
Franchise revenue		$	421			$	262
Equipment revenue			593				55
Total revenue from related parties		$	1,014			$	317

The Company paid management fees to TSG Consumer Partners, LLC (“TSG”) totaling $0 and $265 during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. In connection with the IPO, the management agreement with TSG was terminated.

(8) Stockholder’s equity

The recapitalization transactions

We refer to the Merger, Reclassification and entry into the Exchange agreement, each as described below, as the “recapitalization transactions.” The Merger was effected pursuant to a merger agreement by and among the Company and Planet Fitness Holdings, L.P. (a predecessor entity to the Company that held indirect interests in Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC) and the recapitalization transactions were effected pursuant to a recapitalization agreement by and among the Company, Pla-Fit Holdings, existing holders (“Continuing LLC Owners”) of Holdings Units, and holders of Class A common stock issued to holders of interests in Planet Fitness Holdings L.P. (“Direct TSG Investors”).

Merger

Prior to the Merger, the Direct TSG Investors held interests in Planet Fitness Holdings, L.P. Planet Fitness Holdings, L.P. was formed in October 2014 and had no material assets, liabilities or operations, other than as a holding company owning indirect interests in Pla-Fit Holdings. The Direct TSG Investors consist of investment funds affiliated with TSG. Pursuant to a merger agreement dated June 22, 2015, Planet Fitness Holdings, L.P. merged with and into the Company, and the interests in Planet Fitness Holdings, L.P. held by the Direct TSG Investors were converted into 26,106,930 shares of Class A common stock of the Company. We refer to this as the “Merger.” All shares of Class A common stock have both voting and economic rights in Planet Fitness, Inc.

The Merger was effected on August 5, 2015, prior to the time our Class A common stock was registered under the Exchange Act and prior to the completion of the IPO.

Reclassification

The equity interests of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC previously consisted of three different classes of limited liability company units (Class M, Class T and Class O). Prior to the completion of the IPO, the limited liability company agreement of Pla-Fit Holdings was amended and restated to, among other things, modify its capital structure to create a single new class of units, the Holdings Units. We refer to this capital structure modification as the “Reclassification.”

 

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Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated financial statements

(Unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

The Direct TSG Investors’ indirect interest in Pla-Fit Holdings was held through Planet Fitness Holdings, L.P. As a result, following the Merger, the Direct TSG Investors’ indirect interests in Pla-Fit Holdings are held through the Company. Therefore, the Holdings Units received in the Reclassification were allocated to: (1) the Continuing LLC Owners based on their existing interests in Pla-Fit Holdings; and (2) the Company to the extent of the Direct TSG Investors’ indirect interest in Pla-Fit Holdings. The number of Holdings Units allocated to the Company in the Reclassification was equal to the number of shares of Class A common stock that the Direct TSG Investors received in the Merger (on a one-for-one basis).

The Reclassification was effected on August 5, 2015, prior to the time our Class A common stock was registered under the Exchange Act and prior to the completion of the IPO.

Following the Merger and the Reclassification, the Company issued to Continuing LLC Owners 72,602,810 shares of Class B common stock, one share of Class B common stock for each Holdings Unit they held. The shares of Class B common stock have no rights to dividends or distributions, whether in cash or stock, but entitle the holder to one vote per share on matters presented to stockholders of the Company. The Continuing LLC Owners consist of investment funds affiliated with TSG and certain current and former employees and directors.

Pursuant to the LLC agreement that went into effect at the time of the Reclassification (“New LLC Agreement”), the Company was designated as the sole managing member of Pla-Fit Holdings. Accordingly, the Company has the right to determine when distributions will be made by Pla-Fit Holdings to its members and the amount of any such distributions (subject to the requirements with respect to the tax distributions described below). If the Company authorizes a distribution by Pla-Fit Holdings, the distribution will be made to the members of Pla-Fit Holdings, including the Company, pro rata in accordance with the percentages of their respective Holdings Units.

The holders of Holdings Units will incur U.S. federal, state and local income taxes on their allocable share of any taxable income of Pla-Fit Holdings (as calculated pursuant to the New LLC Agreement). Net profits and net losses of Pla-Fit Holdings will generally be allocated to its members pursuant to the New LLC Agreement pro rata in accordance with the percentages of their respective Holdings Units. The New LLC Agreement provides for cash distributions to the holders of Holdings Units for purposes of funding their tax obligations in respect of the income of Pla-Fit Holdings that is allocated to them, to the extent other distributions from Pla-Fit Holdings for the relevant year have been insufficient to cover such liability. Generally, these tax distributions are computed based on the estimated taxable income of Pla-Fit Holdings allocable to the holders of Holdings Units multiplied by an assumed, combined tax rate equal to the maximum rate applicable to an individual or corporation resident in San Francisco, California (taking into account the non-deductibility of certain expenses and the character of the Company’s income).

Exchange agreement

Following the Merger and the Reclassification, the Company and the Continuing LLC Owners entered into an exchange agreement under which the Continuing LLC Owners (or certain permitted transferees thereof) have the right, from time to time and subject to the terms of the exchange agreement, to exchange their Holdings Units, along with a corresponding number of shares of Class B common stock, for shares of Class A common stock (or cash at the option of the Company) on a one-for-one basis, subject to customary conversion rate

 

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Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated financial statements

(Unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends, reclassifications and similar transactions. As a Continuing LLC Owner exchanges Holdings Units, along with a corresponding number of shares of Class B common stock, for shares of Class A common stock, the number of Holdings Units held by the Company will be correspondingly increased as it acquires the exchanged Holdings Units and cancels a corresponding number of shares of Class B common stock.

Offering transactions

In connection with the completion of the IPO on August 11, 2015, in order to facilitate the disposition of equity interests in Pla-Fit Holdings held by Continuing LLC Owners affiliated with TSG, the Company used the net proceeds received to purchase issued and outstanding Holdings Units from these Continuing LLC Owners that they received in the Reclassification. In connection with the IPO, the Company purchased 10,491,055 issued and outstanding Holdings Units from these Continuing LLC Owners for an aggregate of $156,946. This is in addition to the 26,106,930 Holdings Units that the Company acquired in the Reclassification on a one-for-one basis in relation to the number of shares of Class A common stock issued to the Direct TSG Investors in the Merger. Accordingly, following the IPO, the Company holds 36,597,985 Holdings Units, which is equal to the number of shares of Class A common stock that were issued to the Direct TSG Investors and investors in the IPO. The Direct TSG Investors, who did not receive Holdings Units in the Reclassification but received shares of Class A common stock in the Merger, sold 5,033,945 shares of Class A common stock in the IPO as selling stockholders.

As a result of the recapitalization transactions and the offering transactions, upon completion of the IPO:

 

•

the investors in the IPO collectively owned 15,525,000 shares of our Class A common, representing 15.7% of the voting power in the Company and, through the Company, 15.7% of the economic interest in Pla-Fit Holdings;

•

the Direct TSG Investors own 21,072,985 shares of our Class A common stock, representing 21.4% of the voting power in the Company and, through the Company, 21.4% of the economic interest in Pla-Fit Holdings; and

•

the Continuing LLC Owners collectively held 62,111,755 Holdings Units, representing 62.9% of the economic interest in Pla-Fit Holdings and 62,111,755 shares of our Class B common stock, representing 62.9% of the voting power in the Company.

(9) Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share of Class A common stock is computed by dividing net income attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc. by the weighted-average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding during the same period. Diluted earnings per share of Class A common stock is computed by dividing net income attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc. by the weighted-average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding adjusted to give effect to potentially dilutive securities. There were no shares of Class A or Class B common stock outstanding prior to August 6, 2015, therefore no earnings per share information has been presented for the three months ended March 31, 2015.

Shares of the Company’s Class B common stock do not share in the earnings or losses attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc. and are therefore not participating securities. As such, separate presentation of basic and diluted

 

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Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated financial statements

(Unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

earnings per share of Class B common stock under the two-class method has not been presented. Shares of the Company’s Class B common stock are, however, considered potentially dilutive shares of Class A common stock because shares of Class B common stock, together with the related Holdings Units, are exchangeable into shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis.

The following table sets forth reconciliations used to compute basic and diluted earnings per share of Class A common stock:

 

Basic net income per share:		For the three months ended March 31, 2016
Numerator
Net income		$	16,345
Less: net income attributable to non-controlling interests			12,977
Net income attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc.		$	3,368
Denominator
Weighted-average shares of Class A common stock outstanding—basic			36,597,985
Earnings per share of Class A common stock—basic & diluted		$	0.09

Class B common stock was evaluated under the if-converted method for potential dilutive effects and were determined to be anti-dilutive. Stock options in the amount of 134,870 and 8,160 restricted stock units were evaluated under the treasury stock method for potential dilutive effects and were determined to be anti-dilutive.

(10) Income taxes

As a result of the recapitalization transactions, the Company became the sole managing member of Pla-Fit Holdings, which is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal and most applicable state and local income tax purposes. As a partnership, Pla-Fit Holdings is not subject to U.S. federal and certain state and local income taxes. Any taxable income or loss generated by Pla-Fit Holdings is passed through to and included in the taxable income or loss of its members, including the Company following the recapitalization transactions, on a pro rata basis. Planet Fitness Inc. is subject to U.S. federal income taxes, in addition to state and local income taxes with respect to our allocable share of any taxable income of Pla-Fit Holdings following the recapitalization transactions. The Company is also subject to taxes in foreign jurisdictions.

The Company incurs U.S. federal and state income taxes on its 37.1% share of income flowed through from Pla-Fit Holdings. Our effective tax rate on such income was approximately 39.4%. The provision for income taxes also reflects an effective state tax rate of 2.5% applied to non-controlling interests, representing the remaining 62.9% of income before taxes, excluding income from variable interest entities, related to Pla-Fit Holdings.

 

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Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated financial statements

(Unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

Net deferred tax assets of $115,523 and $117,358 as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, relate primarily to the tax effects of temporary differences in the book basis as compared to the tax basis of our investment in Pla-Fit Holdings as a result of the recapitalization transactions and IPO. The Company has net operating loss carryforwards related to its Canada operations of approximately $2,411, which begin to expire in 2034. It is more likely than not that the results of future operations will generate sufficient taxable income to realize the deferred tax assets.

As of March 31, 2016, the total liability related to uncertain tax positions is $300. The Company recognizes interest accrued and penalties, if applicable, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. Interest and penalties for the three months ended March 31, 2016 were not material.

Tax benefit arrangements

The Company’s acquisition of Holdings Units in connection with the IPO and future and certain past exchanges of Holdings Units for shares of the Company’s Class A common stock (or cash at the option of the Company) are expected to produce and have produced favorable tax attributes. In connection with the IPO, the Company entered into two tax receivable agreements. Under the first of those agreements, the Company generally is required to pay to the Continuing LLC Owners 85% of the applicable tax savings, if any, in U.S. federal and state income tax that the Company is deemed to realize as a result of certain tax attributes of their Holdings Units sold to the Company (or exchanged in a taxable sale) and that are created as a result of (i) the sales of their Holdings Units for shares of Class A common stock and (ii) tax benefits attributable to payments made under the tax receivable agreement (including imputed interest). Under the second tax receivable agreement, the Company generally is required to pay to the Direct TSG Investors 85% of the amount of tax savings, if any, that the Company is deemed to realize as a result of the tax attributes of the Holdings Units held in respect of the Direct TSG Investors’ interest in the Company, which resulted from the Direct TSG Investors’ purchase of interests in Pla-Fit Holdings in 2012, and certain other tax benefits. Under both agreements, the Company generally retains the benefit of the remaining 15% of the applicable tax savings. Also, pursuant to the exchange agreement (see Note 8), to the extent an exchange results in Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC incurring a current tax liability relating to the New Hampshire business profits tax, the Continuing LLC Owners have agreed that they will contribute to Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC an amount sufficient to pay such tax liability (up to 3.5% of the value received upon exchange). If and when the Company subsequently realizes a related tax benefit, Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC will distribute the amount of any such tax benefit to the relevant Continuing LLC Owner in respect of its contribution. As of March 31, 2016, the Company has a liability of $138,078 related to its projected obligations under the tax benefit arrangements. Projected future payments under the tax benefit arrangements are as follows:

 

		Amount
Remainder of 2016		$	906
2017			7,389
2018			7,336
2019			7,389
2020			7,585
Thereafter			107,473
Total		$	138,078

 

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Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated financial statements

(Unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

(11) Commitments and contingencies

From time to time, and in the ordinary course of business, the Company is subject to various claims, charges, and litigation, such as employment-related claims and slip and fall cases. The Company is not currently aware of any legal proceedings or claims that the Company believes will have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or result of operations.

(12) Segments

The Company has three reportable segments: (i) Franchise; (ii) Corporate-owned stores; and (iii) Equipment.

The Company’s operations are organized and managed by type of products and services and segment information is reported accordingly. The Company’s chief operating decision maker (the “CODM”) is its Chief Executive Officer. The CODM reviews financial performance and allocates resources by reportable segment. There have been no operating segments aggregated to arrive at the Company’s reportable segments.

The Franchise segment includes operations related to the Company’s franchising business in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada and the Dominican Republic. The Corporate-owned stores segment includes operations with respect to all Corporate-owned stores throughout the United States and Canada. The Equipment segment includes the sale of equipment to franchisee-owned stores.

The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in Note 2. The Company evaluates the performance of its segments and allocates resources to them based on revenue and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, referred to as Segment EBITDA. Revenues for all operating segments include only transactions with unaffiliated customers and include no intersegment revenues.

The tables below summarize the financial information for the Company’s reportable segments for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015. The “Corporate and other” category, as it relates to Segment EBITDA, primarily includes corporate overhead costs, such as payroll and related benefit costs and professional services which are not directly attributable to any individual segment.

 

		Three months ended March 31,
		2016				2015
Revenue
Franchise segment revenue—U.S.		$	27,230			$	21,757
Franchise segment revenue—International			447				—
Franchise segment total			27,677				21,757
Corporate-owned stores—U.S.			24,698				23,270
Corporate-owned stores—International			999				276
Corporate-owned stores total			25,697				23,546
Equipment segment—U.S.			29,969				31,619
Equipment segment total			29,969				31,619
Total revenue		$	83,343			$	76,922

 

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Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated financial statements

(Unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

Franchise segment revenue includes franchise revenue and commission income.

Franchise revenue includes revenue generated from placement services of $2,075 and $1,974 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

		Three months ended March 31,
		2016				2015
Segment EBITDA
Franchise		$	23,813			$	13,578
Corporate-owned stores			10,162				7,798
Equipment			6,318				6,763
Corporate and other			(6,587	)			(6,372	)
Total Segment EBITDA		$	33,706			$	21,767

The following table reconciles total Segment EBITDA to income before taxes:

 

		Three months ended March 31,
		2016				2015
Total Segment EBITDA		$	33,706			$	21,767
Less:
Depreciation and amortization			7,703				8,201
Other expense			393				(736	)
Income from operations			25,610				14,302
Interest expense, net			(6,367	)			(4,756	)
Other expense			393				(736	)
Income before income taxes		$	19,636			$	8,810

The following table summarizes the Company’s assets by reportable segment:

 

		March 31, 2016				December 31, 2015
Franchise		$	214,464			$	206,997
Corporate-owned stores			151,470				151,620
Equipment			193,261				208,168
Unallocated			126,471				132,392
Total consolidated assets		$	685,666			$	699,177

The table above includes $3,239 and $3,149 of long-lived assets located in the Company’s corporate-owned stores in Canada as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. All other assets are located in the U.S.

 

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Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated financial statements

(Unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s goodwill by reportable segment:

 

		March 31, 2016				December 31, 2015
Franchise		$	16,938			$	16,938
Corporate-owned stores			67,377				67,377
Equipment			92,666				92,666
Consolidated goodwill		$	176,981			$	176,981

(13) Corporate-owned and franchisee-owned stores

The following table shows changes in our corporate-owned and franchisee-owned stores for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015:

 

		For the three months ended March 31,
		2016				2015
Franchisee-owned stores:
Stores operated at beginning of period			1,066				863
New stores opened			48				59
Stores debranded or consolidated(1)			(1	)			(3	)
Stores operated at end of period			1,113				919
Corporate-owned stores:
Stores operated at beginning of period			58				55
New stores opened			—				2
Stores operated at end of period			58				57
Total stores:
Stores operated at beginning of period			1,124				918
New stores opened			48				61
Stores debranded or consolidated(1)			(1	)			(3	)
Stores operated at end of period			1,171				976

 

(1)

The term “debrand” refers to a franchisee-owned store whose right to use the Planet Fitness brand and marks has been terminated in accordance with the franchise agreement. We retain the right to prevent debranded stores from continuing to operate as fitness centers. The term “consolidated” refers to the combination of a franchisee’s store with another store located in close proximity, with our prior approval. This often coincides with an enlargement, re-equipment and/or refurbishment of the remaining store.

 

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated financial statements

(Unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

(14) Subsequent events

On May 10, 2016 the Company announced that its Board of Directors had authorized a stock buyback program to repurchase up to $20,000 of the Company’s Class A common shares from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The timing and amount of any shares that may be repurchased will be determined by the Company’s management based on its evaluation of market conditions, such as current stock price, and other factors. The Company may elect to implement a 10b5-1 repurchase program, which would permit shares to be repurchased when the Company might otherwise be precluded from doing so under insider trading laws. The buyback program does not have a fixed expiration date but may be suspended or discontinued at any time. The buyback program will be funded using the Company’s existing working capital.

 

(15) Pro forma financial information

The unaudited pro forma financial information reflects the effects of the recapitalization transactions and the IPO on the allocation of pro forma net income between noncontrolling interests and Planet Fitness, Inc. for the quarter ended March 31, 2015. After the recapitalization transactions and the IPO, Planet Fitness, Inc. held a 37.1% economic ownership in Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC, and as such, 62.9% of pro forma net income is attributable to the noncontrolling interests.

The unaudited pro forma financial information also reflects an adjustment to the provision for income taxes to reflect an effective tax rate of 39.4%, applied to the 37.1% portion of income before taxes, excluding income from variable interest entities, that represents the economic interest in Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC held by Planet Fitness Inc. upon completion of recapitalization transactions and the IPO. The unaudited pro forma financial information also reflects an effective tax rate of 2.5% applied to noncontrolling interests representing the remaining 62.9% portion of income before taxes, excluding income from variable interest entities, related to Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC. The sum of these amounts represents total pro forma provision for income taxes of $1,190 for the quarter ended March 31, 2015.

The unaudited pro forma net income per share has been prepared using pro forma net income, as set forth above, which reflects the pro forma effects on provision for income taxes and the allocation of pro forma net income between noncontrolling interests and Planet Fitness, Inc., resulting from the recapitalization transactions and the IPO divided by pro forma weighted average shares outstanding, which includes Class A common stock of Planet Fitness, Inc. outstanding after the recapitalization transactions and the IPO.

 

		Quarter ended March 31, 2015
Pro forma net income attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc.		$	1,415
Pro forma weighted average shares of Class A common stock—basic and diluted			36,598
Pro forma net income per share—basic and diluted		$	0.04

 

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10,000,000 shares

Planet Fitness, Inc.

Class A common stock

 

 

Prospectus

J.P. Morgan

BofA Merrill Lynch

Jefferies

                    , 2016

Through and including                     , 2016 (25 days after the commencement of this offering), all dealers that effect transactions in shares of our Class A common stock, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This delivery is in addition to a dealer’s obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as an underwriter and with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.

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Table of Contents

Part II

Information not required in prospectus

Item 13. Other expenses of issuance and distribution

The following table sets forth the costs and expenses, other than the underwriting discounts and commissions, payable by the registrant in connection with the sale of Class A common stock being registered. All amounts are estimates except for the SEC registration fee and the FINRA filing fee.

 

Item		Amount to be paid
SEC registration fee		$	20,278
FINRA filing fee			30,705
Blue sky fees and expenses			*
Printing and engraving expenses			*
Legal fees and expenses			*
Accounting fees and expenses			*
Transfer agent and registrar fees and expenses			*
Miscellaneous expenses			*
Total		$	*

 

*

To be completed by amendment.

Item 14. Indemnification of directors and officers

Section 145(a) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”) grants each corporation organized thereunder the power to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation), by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe such person’s conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent shall not, of itself, create a presumption that such person did not act in good faith and in a manner which such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that such person’s conduct was unlawful.

Section 145(b) of the DGCL grants each corporation organized thereunder the power to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and

 

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except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Delaware Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.

Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL enables a corporation in its certificate of incorporation or an amendment thereto to eliminate or limit the personal liability of a director to the corporation or its stockholders of monetary damages for violations of the director’s fiduciary duty, except (i) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or that involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) pursuant to Section 174 of the DGCL (providing for liability of directors for unlawful payment of dividends or unlawful stock purchases or redemptions) or (iv) for any transaction from which a director derived an improper personal benefit. Our certificate of incorporation includes a provision that eliminates the personal liability of directors for monetary damages for actions taken as a director to the fullest extent authorized by the DGCL.

We have also entered into indemnification agreements with certain of our directors. Such agreements generally provide for indemnification by reason of being our director, as the case may be. These agreements are in addition to the indemnification provided by our certificate of incorporation and bylaws. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, we have been informed that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy and is therefore unenforceable.

The underwriting agreement provides that the underwriters are obligated, under certain circumstances, to indemnify our directors, officers and controlling persons against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Please see the form of underwriting agreement filed as Exhibit 1.1 hereto.

Our amended and restated bylaws indemnify the directors and officers to the full extent of the DGCL and also allow the board of directors to indemnify all other employees. Such right of indemnification is not exclusive of any right to which such officer or director may be entitled as a matter of law and shall extend and apply to the estates of deceased officers and directors. Section 145(f) of the DGCL further provides that a right to indemnification or to advancement of expenses arising under a provision of the bylaws shall not be eliminated or impaired by an amendment to such provision after the occurrence of the act or omission which is the subject of the civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding for which indemnification or advancement of expenses is sought.

We also maintain a directors’ and officers’ insurance policy. The policy insures directors and officers against unindemnified losses arising from certain wrongful acts in their capacities as directors and officers and reimburses us for those losses for which we have lawfully indemnified the directors and officers. The policy contains various exclusions that are normal and customary for policies of this type. Section 145(g) of the DGCL provides that a corporation shall have power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director or officer of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director or officer of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of such person’s status as such, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability under that section.

 

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Item 15. Recent sales of unregistered securities

In March 2015, the registrant issued 100 shares of common stock to Christopher Rondeau for aggregate consideration of $1. The shares were issued in reliance on the exemption contained in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933 on the basis that the transaction did not involve a public offering.

In connection with the recapitalization transactions described in the accompanying prospectus, the registrant issued shares of Class B common stock to investment funds affiliated with TSG Consumer Partners, LLC, and certain members of our management and our board of directors. The shares of Class B common stock described above were issued in reliance on the exemption contained in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933 on the basis that the transaction will not involve a public offering. No underwriters will be involved in the transaction.

In connection with our IPO, which constituted a qualifying event under the terms of the grants of Class M Units in Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC, 4,238,338 Holdings Units and corresponding Class B Common shares were issued to the existing Class M Unit holders with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $1.52 per share.

Item 16. Exhibits and financial statement schedules

(a) Exhibits

See Exhibit Index following the signature page.

(b) Financial statement schedules

Schedules not listed above have been omitted because the information required to be set forth therein is not applicable or is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.

Item 17. Undertakings

The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:

(1) That for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.

(2) That for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(3) For the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser, if the registrant is subject to Rule 430C, each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.

 

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(4) The undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

(i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

(ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

(iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

(iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

(5) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

(6) To provide to the underwriters at the closing specified in the underwriting agreement certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriters to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.

 

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Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of Newington, State of New Hampshire, on May 27, 2016.

 

Power of attorney

We, the undersigned officers and directors of Planet Fitness, Inc., do hereby constitute and appoint each of Christopher Rondeau, Dorvin Lively and Richard Moore to be our true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for each of us and in our name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) and exhibits to this registration statement on Form S-1 (or any other registration statement for the same offering that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933) and any and all applications and other documents to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pertaining to the registration of the securities covered hereby, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as each of us might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or any of them or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature		Title		Date
/s/ Christopher Rondeau Christopher Rondeau		Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)		May 27, 2016
/s/ Dorvin Lively Dorvin Lively		Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)		May 27, 2016
/s/ David Berg David Berg		Director		May 27, 2016
/s/ Charles Esserman Charles Esserman		Director		May 27, 2016
/s/ Marc Grondahl Marc Grondahl		Director		May 27, 2016

 

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Signature		Title		Date
/s/ Michael Layman Michael Layman		Director		May 27, 2016
/s/ Pierre LeComte Pierre LeComte		Director		May 27, 2016
/s/ Stephen Spinelli, Jr. Stephen Spinelli, Jr.		Director		May 27, 2016
/s/ Edward Wong Edward Wong		Director		May 27, 2016

 

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Exhibit index

 

Exhibit number		Description of exhibit
1.1*		Form of Underwriting Agreement
3.1		Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Planet Fitness, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-205141, filed on June 22, 2015)
3.2		Amended and Restated Bylaws of Planet Fitness, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-205141, June 22, 2015
4.1		Form of Class A Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-205141, June 22, 2015)
5.1*		Opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP
10.1		Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 among Planet Intermediate, LLC, as Holdings, Planet Fitness Holdings, LLC, as Borrower, the other loan parties thereto, and the lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-205141, June 22, 2015)
10.2		Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of March 31, 2015 among Planet Intermediate, LLC, Planet Fitness Holdings, LLC, the lenders party thereto and JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2
10.3		Amended and Restated Pledge and Security Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 by and between Planet Intermediate, LLC, Planet Fitness Holdings, LLC, as Borrower, and Borrower Grantors from time to time party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent for the lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-205141, June 22, 2015)
10.4		Form of Amended and Restated Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC Operating Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-205141, July 15, 2015)
10.5		Form of Tax Receivable Agreement with the Continuing LLC Owners (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-205141, July 15, 2015)
10.6		Form of Tax Receivable Agreement with the Direct TSG Investors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-205141, July 15, 2015)
10.7		Form of Registration Rights Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-205141, July 15, 2015)
10.8		Form of Stockholders Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-205141, July 15, 2015)
10.9		Form of Exchange Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-205141, July 15, 2015)
10.10		Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Christopher Rondeau (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-205141, June 22, 2015)
10.11		Form of Director Indemnification Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-205141, July 15, 2015)
10.12		Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Dorvin Lively (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-205141, June 22, 2015)

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Exhibit number		Description of exhibit
10.13		Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Richard Moore (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-205141, June 22, 2015)
10.14		Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-205141, June 22, 2015)
10.15		Form of Class M Unit Award under Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-205141, June 22, 2015)
10.16		Form of Planet Fitness, Inc. 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-205141, June 22, 2015)
10.17		Form of Planet Fitness, Inc. Cash Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-205141, June 22, 2015)
10.18		Form of Recapitalization Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-205141, July 15, 2015)
10.19		Form of Stock Option Award (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-205141, July 15, 2015)
10.20		Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-205141, July 15, 2015)
21.1		Subsidiaries of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, File No. 001-37534, March 4, 2016)
23.1		Consent of KPMG LLP
23.2*		Consent of Ropes & Gray LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1)
24.1		Power of Attorney (included in the signature pages to this Registration Statement)
101		Interactive Data Files Pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T: (i) Consolidated Statements of Operations, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iii) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (v) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity, and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

*

To be filed by amendment.