Core Viewpoint - Investors are increasingly seeking growth stocks that demonstrate above-average growth potential, with Hillman Solutions Corp. identified as a strong candidate due to its favorable growth metrics and Zacks Rank [1][2]. Group 1: Earnings Growth - Hillman Solutions Corp. has a historical EPS growth rate of 28.5%, with projected EPS growth of 17.3% for the current year, significantly outperforming the industry average of 5.5% [4]. Group 2: Cash Flow Growth - The company exhibits a year-over-year cash flow growth of 12.5%, which is substantially higher than the industry average of 2.7% [5]. - Over the past 3-5 years, Hillman Solutions Corp. has maintained an annualized cash flow growth rate of 40.2%, compared to the industry average of 8.9% [6]. Group 3: Earnings Estimate Revisions - The current-year earnings estimates for Hillman Solutions Corp. have been revised upward, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by 1.3% over the past month [8]. Group 4: Overall Assessment - Hillman Solutions Corp. has achieved a Growth Score of B and a Zacks Rank of 2, indicating its potential as an outperformer and a solid choice for growth investors [10].

Core Insights - Hillman Solutions Corp. will participate in the Raymond James 46th Annual Institutional Investors Conference, highlighting its commitment to engaging with investors [1][2]. Company Overview - Hillman Solutions Corp. is a leading provider of hardware-related products and solutions, serving home improvement, hardware, and farm and fleet retailers across North America [4]. - The company has over 60 years of industry experience and is recognized for its customer service and competitive advantages, including direct-to-store shipping and a dedicated sales team of over 1,200 professionals [4]. - Hillman's product portfolio includes hardware solutions (fasteners, screws, nuts, and bolts), protective solutions (work gloves, jobsite storage, and protective gear), and robotic and digital solutions (key duplication and tag engraving) [4]. - The company has a strong distribution network and frequently earns vendor of the year recognition from top customers [4]. Event Details - Hillman's management team, including President and CEO Jon Michael Adinolfi, CFO Rocky Kraft, and Executive Chairman Doug Cahill, will hold one-on-one meetings on March 4, 2025, and Mr. Adinolfi will present on March 5, 2025, at 8:05 a.m. Eastern time [2][3]. - A live webcast of the presentation will be available, along with a replay [3].

Financial Performance - Net sales for the year ended December 28, 2024, were $1,472.6 million, a decrease of approximately $3.9 million or 0.3% compared to $1,476.5 million in 2023, primarily due to market softness and decreased volume, partially offset by acquisitions [188]. - Net income improved to $17.3 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $9.6 million, or $(0.05) per diluted share for the year ended December 30, 2023 [188]. - Adjusted EBITDA totaled $241.8 million, an increase from $219.4 million in the year ended December 30, 2023 [188]. - Net sales for 2024 totaled $1,472.6 million, a decrease of $3.9 million compared to 2023, primarily driven by a $15.1 million decline in Robotics and Digital Solutions sales [195]. - Selling, warehouse, general and administrative expenses increased to $488.7 million, or 33.2% of net sales, compared to 30.6% in 2023 [189]. - Income from operations for Hardware and Protective Solutions surged to $56.8 million in 2024, a substantial increase of $48.4 million compared to 2023 [204]. - Robotics and Digital Solutions segment experienced a decline in income from operations by $19.1 million, primarily due to decreased net sales and increased SG&A expenses [205]. - Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 28, 2024, was $241.8 million, an increase from $219.4 million in 2023, representing a growth of 10.2% [215]. - Net income for the year ended December 28, 2024, was $17.3 million, compared to a net loss of $9.6 million in 2023, indicating a significant turnaround [215]. Acquisitions - The acquisition of Koch Industries, Inc. was completed for a total purchase price of $23.8 million, generating $39.9 million in net sales and $3.3 million in operating income for the year [178]. - The acquisition of Intex DIY, Inc. was completed for a total purchase price of $34.1 million, generating $21.1 million in net sales and $2.0 million in operating income for the year [181]. - The company completed the acquisition of Intex DIY, Inc. for $34.1 million and Koch Industries, Inc. for $23.8 million, enhancing its Hardware and Protective Solutions segment [226][227]. Bankruptcy and Financial Impact - True Value Company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, accounting for approximately $8.8 million of the company's accounts receivable as of the filing date [182]. - The company recorded a charge of $8.6 million related to the True Value bankruptcy, reflecting the net receivable balances less expected recoveries [184]. - The company recorded a write-off of $8.6 million in accounts receivable due to the True Value bankruptcy, impacting G&A expenses [203]. - The company recorded a write-off of $8.6 million in receivables due to True Value's Chapter 11 filing, which was included in the revised Adjusted EBITDA figures [214]. Cost and Expenses - The company’s cost of sales for the year ended December 28, 2024, was $764.7 million, representing 51.9% of net sales, compared to 56.1% in 2023 [189]. - Cost of sales for Hardware and Protective Solutions decreased to 55.9% of net sales in 2024 from 61.4% in 2023, attributed to reduced product and shipping costs [197]. - Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) expenses increased by $36.6 million in 2024, with significant contributions from acquisitions and increased compensation [199][200]. Currency and Market Impact - The U.S. dollar increased in value relative to the Canadian dollar by approximately 9.0% in 2024, impacting sales denominated in Canadian dollars [176]. - Hardware and Protective Solutions segment saw an increase in net sales by $19.8 million, while Canada segment net sales decreased by $8.6 million due to price reductions and unfavorable exchange rates [195][196]. Tax and Interest - The effective income tax rate for 2024 was 35.0%, compared to (29.9)% in 2023, with an income tax provision of $9.3 million recorded for 2024 [208]. - Interest expense decreased by $9.1 million in 2024, driven by reduced outstanding debt and lower interest rate spreads [207]. Capital Expenditures and Cash Flow - Capital expenditures for the year were $85.2 million, up from $65.8 million in 2023, reflecting ongoing investments in key duplicating kiosks and machines [225]. - Net cash provided by operating activities decreased to $183.3 million in 2024 from $238.0 million in 2023, a decline of 23.0% [222]. - The company expects to spend $90 million on capital expenditures in 2025, focusing on new kiosks, machines, and IT projects [232]. Goodwill and Fair Value - The carrying value of the Protective Solutions reporting unit's goodwill was $128.8 million, and the Hardware Solutions reporting unit's goodwill was $436.8 million as of December 28, 2024 [242]. - The company assesses the fair value of reporting units annually, with results indicating that fair value exceeded carrying value for 2024, 2023, and 2022 [240]. - Significant assumptions for fair value estimates include projected net sales and EBITDA growth rates, which are influenced by market growth rates and competitive environment [241]. - The company utilizes foreign exchange forward contracts to manage exposure to currency fluctuations in the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. Dollar [247]. - The company has adopted ASU 2017-04, simplifying the test for goodwill impairment by comparing fair value with carrying amount [238]. - Management's strategies may mitigate risks, but adverse changes could lead to future impairment charges for goodwill [242]. - The company’s discount rate is based on industry required rates of return and may be impacted by macroeconomic changes [241].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2024, net sales totaled $1.473 billion, slightly down from 2023, impacted by a nearly 6% decline in foot traffic and existing home sales at 30-year lows [17][55] - Adjusted EBITDA for 2024 increased 10.2% to $241.8 million, with a margin of 16.4%, compared to 14.9% a year ago [59][70] - Adjusted gross margins improved by 390 basis points to 48.1% for 2024, driven by operating efficiencies and a higher margin product mix [19][55] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Hardware and Protective Solutions (HPS) segment saw a 23% increase in adjusted EBITDA with flat top-line results, demonstrating strong customer value [21] - Robotics and Digital Solutions (RDS) is expected to return to growth in 2025, with new strategies and machine rollouts enhancing revenue potential [45][111] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Existing home sales fell to 30-year lows, contributing to a 5-point reduction in market volume for Hillman in 2024 [18] - The company anticipates a return to 2% to 3% volume growth in the market, which is crucial for achieving organic top-line growth of 5% to 6% [27][69] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to grow to $2 billion in net sales over the next three to five years, focusing on core business growth and strategic acquisitions [26][29] - Investments in technology, including cloud migration and AI, are prioritized to enhance operational efficiency and customer service [30][31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about returning to growth in 2025, despite current market pressures, and emphasized readiness for future market improvements [40][76] - The company is confident in its ability to navigate macroeconomic challenges and maintain profitability through strategic initiatives [39][41] Other Important Information - Hillman made two acquisitions in 2024, Koch Industries and Intex DIY, which are expected to provide organic growth opportunities [14][15] - The company has paid down over $900 million of debt in the past four years, improving its balance sheet [24][63] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you break out organic growth in Q4 by price and volume? - Management indicated that price was down just over 1%, with volume making up the remainder of the growth calculation [80] Question: Why should MinuteKey 3.5% drive sustainable growth in RDS? - Management highlighted the expansion into new markets and improved machine capabilities as key drivers for growth [84][87] Question: How did December trends look, and what is expected in Q1? - December was pressured, but Q1 has stabilized, aligning with expectations from Q4 [96] Question: How are tariffs being managed? - Management plans to handle tariffs similarly to past experiences, ensuring pricing adjustments are made as necessary [98][102] Question: What is the outlook for the Canadian business? - The Canadian market is facing pressures, but new business wins are helping to offset these challenges [127][130]

Core Viewpoint - Hillman Solutions Corp. reported quarterly earnings of $0.10 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.11 per share, representing an earnings surprise of -9.09% [1][2] Financial Performance - The company posted revenues of $349.56 million for the quarter ended December 2024, which was 0.62% below the Zacks Consensus Estimate and a slight increase from $347.81 million year-over-year [2] - Over the last four quarters, Hillman Solutions has surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times and topped revenue estimates just once [2] Stock Performance - Hillman Solutions shares have increased approximately 6.4% since the beginning of the year, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 4% [3] Future Outlook - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.10 on revenues of $362.43 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $0.57 on revenues of $1.55 billion [7] - The estimate revisions trend for Hillman Solutions is currently unfavorable, resulting in a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), indicating expected underperformance in the near future [6] Industry Context - The Building Products - Miscellaneous industry, to which Hillman Solutions belongs, is currently ranked in the bottom 27% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting potential challenges ahead [8]

CINCINNATI, Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hillman Solutions Corp. (Nasdaq: HLMN) (the “Company” or “Hillman”), a leading provider of hardware products and merchandising solutions, reported financial results for the thirteen and fifty-two weeks ended December 28, 2024. Fourth Quarter 2024 Highlights (Thirteen Weeks Ended December 28, 2024) Net sales increased 0.5% to $349.6 million compared to $347.8 million in the prior year quarterNet loss totaled $(1.2) million, or $(0.01) per diluted share, compared ...

CINCINNATI, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hillman Solutions Corp. (NASDAQ:HLMN) ("Hillman"), a leading provider of hardware products and merchandising solutions, plans to host a conference call to discuss its results for the thirteen and fifty-two weeks ended December 28, 2024 on Tuesday, February 18 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. Hillman will issue its earnings release and 2025 guidance on the same day prior to the results presentation. Executive Chairman Doug Cahill; President and Chief Executive Officer ...

CINCINNATI, Jan. 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hillman Solutions Corp. (NASDAQ:HLMN) (the "Company" or "Hillman"), a leading provider of hardware products and merchandising solutions, successfully repriced its existing $643 million Term Loan due July 14, 2028. The repricing reduces Hillman's interest rate margin by 25 basis points to SOFR + 200 basis points, based on current leverage and elections. The expected annualized interest savings are approximately $1.6 million, before one-time fees of approximately ...

Core Viewpoint - Hillman Solutions Corp. reported mixed financial results for the third quarter and year-to-date 2024, with slight declines in net sales but improvements in net income and adjusted earnings metrics, alongside a strategic acquisition aimed at long-term growth [2][3][5]. Financial Performance - **Third Quarter 2024 Results**: - Net sales decreased by 1.4% to $393.3 million from $398.9 million in the prior year quarter - Net income increased to $7.4 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, compared to $5.1 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, in the prior year quarter - Adjusted diluted EPS rose to $0.16 from $0.11 in the prior year quarter - Adjusted EBITDA increased to $72.6 million from $66.8 million in the prior year quarter [2][5]. - **Year-to-Date 2024 Results**: - Net sales decreased by 0.5% to $1,123.0 million from $1,128.7 million in the prior year period - Net income totaled $18.5 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, compared to $0.5 million, or $0.00 per diluted share, in the prior year period - Adjusted diluted EPS improved to $0.42 from $0.30 in the prior year period - Adjusted EBITDA rose to $193.2 million from $165.0 million in the prior year period - Net cash provided by operating activities was $140.2 million, down from $171.5 million in the prior year period - Free Cash Flow totaled $76.0 million, compared to $119.3 million in the prior year period [3][4]. Balance Sheet and Liquidity - As of September 28, 2024: - Gross debt was $758.6 million, a decrease from $760.9 million on December 30, 2023 - Net debt decreased to $698.7 million from $722.4 million on December 30, 2023 - Liquidity available totaled $324.6 million, consisting of $264.8 million of available borrowing under the revolving credit facility and $59.8 million of cash and equivalents - Net debt to trailing twelve month Adjusted EBITDA improved to 2.8x from 3.3x on December 30, 2023 [4][5]. Strategic Developments - The company acquired Intex DIY, a leading supplier of cleaning textiles, which is expected to enhance its product portfolio and customer reach - Hillman received recognition as the 2024 Vendor Partner of the Year in Hardlines at Lowe's and Partner of the Year in Hardware at Home Depot, reflecting strong customer relationships and operational efficiency [2][5][6]. Updated Guidance - The company updated its full-year 2024 guidance: - Net Sales guidance revised to $1.455 to $1.485 billion from $1.44 to $1.48 billion - Adjusted EBITDA guidance remains approximately $250 million - Free Cash Flow guidance adjusted to $100 to $115 million from $100 to $120 million [6][8].

Core Viewpoint - Hillman Solutions Corp. is set to announce its earnings for the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2024, during a conference call on November 5, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time [1][2]. Group 1 - The results presentation will be hosted by key executives including Chairman Doug Cahill, COO Jon Michael Adinolfi, and CFO Rocky Kraft [2]. - A listen-only webcast will be available for the presentation, and a replay will be accessible approximately one hour after the event [2]. - Research analysts must register in advance to participate in the live Q&A session during the call [2]. Group 2 - Hillman's earnings release, quarterly presentation, and 10-Q will be filed with the SEC and made available on its website before the presentation [3]. - Founded in 1964 and headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Hillman is a leading provider of hardware solutions in North America, serving over 46,000 locations [4]. - The company is celebrating its 60th anniversary, highlighting its commitment to strong values, innovation, and efficient service delivery [4].