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Company Overview - Hydrofarm Holdings Group, Inc. is a leading independent manufacturer and distributor of branded hydroponics equipment and supplies for controlled environment agriculture (CEA) [2] - The company offers a range of products including grow lights, climate control solutions, grow media, and nutrients, along with a portfolio of innovative proprietary branded products [2] - With over 40 years of experience, Hydrofarm aims to empower growers, farmers, and cultivators by providing products that enhance quality, efficiency, consistency, and speed in their growing projects [2] Upcoming Financial Reporting - Hydrofarm will report its third quarter 2025 results on November 12, 2025, before the market opens [1]

Industry Overview - The agricultural and food industries are undergoing a transformation driven by technology, sustainability, and changing consumer preferences, with innovation becoming a key competitive advantage [1] - The global population growth and climate volatility are challenging food production, necessitating advancements from farm to factory [1] Agricultural Technology (AgTech) - AgTech is central to the transition, utilizing artificial intelligence, robotics, and precision-farming systems to optimize yields while reducing resource use [2] - Companies like Deere & Company are shifting from traditional machinery to precision-agriculture platforms, integrating connected equipment, analytics, and automation [2] Food Innovation - Consumer demand for plant-based, fermented, and lab-grown proteins is increasing as health and environmental concerns rise, with Beyond Meat being a prominent player despite facing cost pressures [3] - Ongoing investments in R&D and product reformulation are helping companies maintain market relevance [3] Supply Chain Modernization - Technological integration, including blockchain and IoT, is enhancing transparency and safety in the food supply chain, while automation is reducing costs and waste [4] - These efficiencies are crucial for food companies aiming to meet sustainability goals in a high-cost environment [4] Key Players in AgTech and Food Innovation - Tyson Foods is focusing on innovation and sustainability, enhancing production systems through digital transformation, automation, and data analytics [7] - The company is investing in ag tech ventures like Future Meat Technologies and Memphis Meats to prepare for a future with cleaner food systems [8] - Tyson Foods is also evolving its product lineup with plant-based options and a $100 million modernization program in its Chicken business [9] Ingredion's Strategy - Ingredion is positioned at the intersection of agriculture and food science, focusing on clean-label and plant-based ingredients to meet consumer demand [10] - Collaborations with startups and the Ingredion Idea Labs are central to its innovation strategy, accelerating the development of healthier food solutions [12] - Sustainability and regenerative agriculture are core to Ingredion's strategy, enhancing soil health and resource efficiency while lowering environmental footprints [13] Hydrofarm's Focus - Hydrofarm is a leader in controlled environment agriculture, implementing a restructuring plan to focus on high-margin consumables [14] - The company’s product lines, such as SunBlaster LED lights, are designed for energy efficiency and support modern food resilience [15] - Hydrofarm is leveraging digital tools for operational efficiency and has diversified into various food innovation applications [16]

Industry Overview - The U.S. cannabis industry is projected to exceed $35 billion in annual sales by 2025 and over $70 billion by 2030 as legalization efforts continue [1][3] - Recent discussions in Congress regarding cannabis rescheduling and the Department of Health and Human Services' recommendation to reclassify cannabis have increased investor optimism [1] Ancillary Companies' Role - Ancillary companies provide essential products and services to cannabis cultivators, including equipment, nutrients, and hydroponic systems, allowing them to operate efficiently without direct plant handling [3][19] - These companies offer investors diversified exposure with lower regulatory risk compared to direct cannabis producers [3] Key Ancillary Stocks - **GrowGeneration Corp. (GRWG)**: Operates a large hydroponic and organic gardening supply chain in the U.S., with over 60 retail locations. Reported approximately $41 million in net sales in the latest quarter, with gross margins improving to around 28% [5][9][10] - **Hydrofarm Holdings Group Inc. (HYFM)**: Designs and distributes hydroponic products, serving commercial cultivators and greenhouses. Recent financial results showed a per-share loss of around $3.60, with revenues impacted by weaker order volumes [11][12][13] - **Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (SMG)**: A leader in gardening solutions, its Hawthorne Gardening division provides hydroponic systems and nutrients. The company reaffirmed its full-year 2025 outlook, with rising demand in the Hawthorne segment and robust free cash flow [14][17][18] Market Dynamics - The cannabis sector is experiencing renewed growth as more states move toward legalization, which is expected to drive demand for cultivation supplies and equipment [1][20] - Ancillary stocks may present strong short-term trading opportunities as the market stabilizes and cultivators increase capacity [2][21]

Core Viewpoint - Hydrofarm Holdings Group, Inc. has announced the appointment of Chris Yetter to its Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee, effective October 1, 2025, following the retirement of Susan P. Peters from the Board on the same date [1][2]. Group 1: Board Changes - Chris Yetter has been appointed to the Board and the Compensation Committee, bringing extensive investment experience, particularly in the health and wellness sector and the U.S. regulated cannabis industry [1][3]. - Susan P. Peters has resigned from the Board to spend more time with family, and her resignation was not due to any disagreements with the Company [2]. Group 2: Company Overview - Hydrofarm is a leading independent manufacturer and distributor of hydroponics equipment and supplies for controlled environment agriculture, with a mission to empower growers with products that enhance quality, efficiency, consistency, and speed in their growing projects [4]. - The Company has been in operation for over 40 years, providing a wide range of products including grow lights, climate control solutions, growing media, and nutrients [4].

Industry Overview - The U.S. cannabis industry is projected to exceed 40 billion dollars in annual sales by 2025, driven by increasing state approvals for medical and recreational use and discussions on federal legalization [1][11] - Ancillary companies, which provide essential tools to cultivators and dispensaries without directly handling cannabis, are positioned favorably due to lower regulatory risks [1] Company Summaries GrowGeneration (GRWG) - GrowGeneration operates a significant hydroponic and organic gardening supply chain in the U.S., with a strong presence in California and operations in Colorado, Oregon, and Florida [3] - In Q2 2025, GrowGeneration reported net sales of approximately 41 million dollars, showing sequential improvement but a decline from the previous year [3] - Proprietary brands contributed over 30% to cultivation and gardening revenue, with gross profit margins exceeding 28% [3] - The company ended the quarter with nearly 50 million dollars in cash and marketable securities and has no debt, indicating a strong financial position [3] Hydrofarm Holdings Group (HYFM) - Hydrofarm is a leading distributor and manufacturer of hydroponic equipment, focusing on commercial cannabis cultivators in the U.S. and Canada [5] - For the full year 2024, Hydrofarm reported revenue of just over 190 million dollars, a decline of more than 15% year-over-year, with net income negative by over 66 million dollars [7] - The company is working on reducing excess inventory and streamlining operations to control costs, with a focus on improving gross margins [7] Scotts Miracle-Gro (SMG) - Scotts Miracle-Gro is a well-known name in consumer gardening, with its Hawthorne Gardening division supplying hydroponic equipment to cannabis cultivators [8] - In Q3 2025, Scotts reported total revenue of about 1.19 billion dollars, with Hawthorne Gardening's revenue declining by over 50% to around 33 million dollars [10] - Despite the decline in the Hawthorne division, net income rose to nearly 150 million dollars, supported by strength in the broader consumer business [10] Investment Insights - The three companies exemplify the diversity within the ancillary cannabis sector, with GrowGeneration focusing on brand value and retail scale, Hydrofarm addressing revenue challenges through cost discipline, and Scotts leveraging its consumer business stability [11] - As the cannabis industry continues to grow, these ancillary providers are essential to cultivation and supply chains, presenting unique advantages and risks for investors [11]

Industry Overview - Investors in marijuana stocks are anticipating news regarding cannabis rescheduling, which historically leads to an increase in stock prices for cannabis companies [1][2] - The cannabis sector has faced challenges but is now showing signs of growth and potential legalization, which could significantly impact stock performance [2][3] Company Highlights - **GrowGeneration Corp.** operates retail stores focused on hydroponic and organic gardening products in the U.S. and has announced participation in the H.C. Wainwright 27th Annual Global Investment Conference [4][6] - **Hydrofarm Holdings Group, Inc.** manufactures and distributes hydroponics equipment in the U.S. and Canada, with its latest financial update released in August 2023 [7][8] - **The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company** engages in the manufacture and sale of gardening products and has recently published its 2025 Corporate Responsibility report, outlining its sustainability goals [10][12] Financial Performance - The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company reported a decrease in net sales to $39.2 million from $54.8 million, with a gross profit margin decline to 7.1% from 19.8% [13] - Adjusted gross profit margin also decreased to 19.2% from 24.4%, while net loss improved to $16.9 million from $23.5 million [13] - The company initiated a restructuring plan aimed at reducing costs and improving operational efficiency [13]

Core Viewpoint - Hydrofarm Holdings Group, Inc. reported a quarterly loss of $3.63 per share, significantly worse than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $2.39, marking an earnings surprise of -51.88% [1][2] Financial Performance - The company posted revenues of $39.25 million for the quarter ended June 2025, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 6.34% and down from $54.79 million a year ago [2] - Over the last four quarters, Hydrofarm has consistently failed to surpass consensus EPS and revenue estimates [2] Stock Performance - Hydrofarm shares have declined approximately 22.2% since the beginning of the year, contrasting with the S&P 500's gain of 8.4% [3] - The current Zacks Rank for Hydrofarm is 3 (Hold), indicating expected performance in line with the market in the near future [6] Earnings Outlook - The consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is -$2.45 on revenues of $35.8 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is -$10.36 on revenues of $153.7 million [7] - The trend of estimate revisions for Hydrofarm was mixed ahead of the earnings release, which could change following the recent report [6] Industry Context - The Agriculture - Products industry, to which Hydrofarm belongs, is currently ranked in the bottom 30% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting potential challenges for stock performance [8]

Industry Overview - The U.S. cannabis industry is projected to generate over $30 billion in annual sales in 2024, with expectations to exceed $50 billion by 2030 due to expanding legalization and rising consumer demand [1] - Recent bipartisan discussions in Congress aim to improve banking access for cannabis businesses, potentially boosting profitability [1] - Ancillary cannabis companies, which provide products and services to cultivators and retailers, benefit from sector growth while avoiding direct plant-touching risks [1][3] Company Highlights - **GrowGeneration (GRWG)**: Operates the largest chain of hydroponic and organic gardening stores in the U.S., reporting net sales of $41 million in Q2 2025, a 14.7% increase from the prior quarter, despite a year-over-year revenue decline [5][8] - **Hydrofarm Holdings Group (HYFM)**: Manufactures and distributes hydroponics equipment, with 2024 revenue of $190.29 million, down 16% from 2023. The company is set to release Q2 2025 results, with a focus on stabilizing revenue [9] - **Scotts Miracle-Gro (SMG)**: Generated approximately $3.55 billion in total revenue in 2024, with a significant improvement in net loss to $34.9 million. The Hawthorne division faced a 35% decline in sales, but the company plans to divest this unit to reduce volatility [10][13] Investment Considerations - Ancillary cannabis stocks like GrowGeneration, Hydrofarm, and Scotts Miracle-Gro provide exposure to the cannabis market while avoiding the complexities of direct sales [14] - GrowGeneration is noted for improving margins and effective cost management, while Hydrofarm is viewed as a watch-and-see opportunity pending upcoming earnings [15] - Scotts Miracle-Gro's planned divestiture of the Hawthorne unit may reshape its market exposure, focusing on core operations for more predictable growth [15]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q2 2025 were $39.2 million, down 28.4% year over year, primarily due to a 27.9% decline in volume mix and a 0.4% decline in pricing [15][21] - Gross profit in Q2 was $2.8 million, or 7.1% of net sales, compared to $10.9 million, or 19.8% of net sales in the prior year [17] - Adjusted EBITDA was a loss of $2.3 million in Q2, with a sequential improvement compared to Q1 2025 [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consumable products accounted for approximately 80% of sales in Q2, outperforming durable products [17] - The company initiated a restructuring plan to rationalize over one third of SKUs and brands, focusing on higher-margin proprietary brands [10][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International sales improved year on year, particularly in select European and Asian countries [8] - The company faced industry headwinds, including oversupply challenges and minimal government progress on banking regulations, impacting demand [6][8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The primary strategic priority is to drive diverse, high-quality revenue streams, with a focus on proprietary consumables [9][13] - The restructuring plan aims to streamline the product portfolio and reduce costs, with expected annual savings exceeding $3 million [10][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains optimistic about an eventual demand turnaround in the industry despite current challenges [23] - The company is focused on managing tariff impacts and optimizing its product portfolio to improve profitability [12][13] Other Important Information - The company achieved positive free cash flow of $1.4 million in Q2, with expectations to maintain positive free cash flow for the last nine months of 2025 [22] - Cash balance as of June 30, 2025, was $11 million, with total liquidity of $20 million [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of tariffs and expectations moving forward - Management acknowledged the difficulty in predicting tariff impacts but noted success in managing incremental costs thus far [25][26] Question: Product portfolio optimization and its impact - Management clarified that while they are reducing third-party products, they will maintain a broad offering and focus on high-margin proprietary brands [29][30] Question: Growth in non-cannabis business - Management confirmed ongoing efforts to grow the non-cannabis segment, with positive performance in international sales and e-commerce [34][35] Question: Potential reclassification of cannabis - Management expressed cautious optimism regarding potential reclassification, noting it could positively impact the industry [38][39]