Summary of Monro (MNRO) FY Conference Call - June 10, 2025 Company Overview - **Company**: Monro, Inc. (MNRO) - **Industry**: Automotive service and tire retail Key Highlights from Quarterly Results - **Comp Store Sales Growth**: Achieved a positive comp store sales growth of **2.8%** adjusted for the previous year's 53-week period [4][5] - **Traffic Trends**: Notable year-over-year increase in traffic starting in March, continuing into April and May [5][6] - **Gross Margin Pressure**: Experienced a **250 basis points** deleverage on gross margin due to extreme weather impacting store traffic and closures [5][6] - **Sales Momentum**: Continued mid-single-digit comp store sales growth in April and May, supported by improved traffic trends [6][10] Management Changes - **New CEO**: Peter Fitzsimmons appointed as CEO, focusing on a performance improvement plan to enhance operations and drive shareholder returns [12][13] - **Leadership Engagement**: Fitzsimmons has been actively engaging with senior leadership and visiting stores to assess opportunities [14][15] Store Closures - **Underperforming Stores**: Announced the closure of **145 underperforming stores**, which represent about **5%** of total sales, equating to approximately **$45 million** in sales reduction for FY 2026 [19][21] - **Closure Costs**: Expected closure costs between **$10 million to $15 million** in Q1 FY 2026 [22] Growth Strategy - **Acquisition Pause**: The company has been on pause regarding acquisitions for the past two years, focusing on internal improvements and operational efficiency [24][26] - **Future Growth**: Plans to leverage improvements for future unit and store location growth, although no specific timeline is set for this growth [26][28] Competitive Landscape - **Fragmented Industry**: The automotive service industry is highly fragmented, with a focus on local consumer experience [29][30] - **Competitive Advantages**: Monro leverages its scale for better pricing and service delivery, investing in technician training and promotional offerings [30][31] Consumer Offering Enhancements - **Tire Assortment Simplification**: Efforts to streamline tire offerings to improve in-store customer experience and operational efficiency [34][36] Tariff Implications - **Cost Increases**: Anticipates cost increases across major product categories due to tariffs, leading to potential price adjustments for consumers [37][38] - **Negotiation Efforts**: Mobilized a team to negotiate with suppliers to mitigate tariff impacts [38][41] Capital Investment and Cash Flow - **Investment Needs**: Capital investments projected between **$25 million to $35 million** for FY 2026, focusing on maintenance and technology projects [43][44] - **Cash Generation**: Expected to generate sufficient cash flow to meet capital allocation priorities, including **$40 million** in finance lease payments and a **$35 million** dividend [46][47] Conclusion - **Short-term Momentum**: The company is experiencing positive momentum and is focused on initiatives to support profitability and sales growth in FY 2026 [48][49]

Store Operations and Strategy - As of March 29, 2025, Monro operated 1,260 retail tire and automotive repair stores and serviced approximately 4.2 million vehicles in fiscal 2025[16]. - The company plans to close 145 underperforming stores in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 as part of its Store Closure Plan[21]. - Monro completed 5 acquisitions in the last five years, adding 69 locations and approximately $103 million in annualized revenue[29]. - The company aims to enhance its omni-channel presence through improved brand websites, allowing customers to search for store locations, access coupons, and make service appointments[27]. - Monro's growth strategy includes identifying acquisition opportunities based on consumer demographic analytics to enter favorable markets[28]. - The company is focused on integrating new and acquired stores to drive growth, with challenges in achieving expected profitability levels[102]. Financial Performance - Fiscal 2025 diluted loss per common share was ($0.22), a decrease of 118.6% compared to $1.18 in fiscal 2024[163]. - Adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) for fiscal 2025 were $0.48, down 63.9% from $1.33 in fiscal 2024[163]. - Sales decreased by 6.4% primarily due to lower overall comparable store sales resulting from reduced store traffic and fewer selling days[164]. - Comparable store sales decreased by 5.3% from the prior year, or a decrease of 3.5% when adjusted for days[164]. - Operating income for fiscal 2025 was $12.6 million, representing an 82.4% decline from the previous year, impacted by a $22.4 million increase in store impairment charges[164]. - Sales for 2025 were $1,195,334 thousand, a decrease of 6.4% compared to $1,276,789 thousand in 2024[166]. - Gross profit for 2025 was $417,645 thousand, down 7.6% from $452,103 thousand in 2024, with a gross profit margin of 34.9%[176]. - Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses increased by 6.4% to $405,080 thousand in 2025, primarily due to a $22,440 thousand rise in store impairment charges[178]. - Adjusted net income for 2025 was $15,624 thousand, down from $42,398 thousand in 2024, reflecting significant impairment and transition costs[184]. Employee and Labor Considerations - Monro had approximately 7,360 employees as of March 29, 2025, with 7,200 employed in the field organization[38]. - The company is experiencing increased payroll expenses due to mandated minimum wage increases and inflation, which could adversely affect profitability[93]. - The company faces challenges in hiring skilled technicians due to a tight labor market, which could adversely impact financial performance[119]. Environmental and Safety Commitments - Monro recycled approximately 2.0 million gallons of oil, 3.0 million tires, 79,000 vehicle batteries, and 351 tons of cardboard in 2025 as part of its environmental commitment[60]. - The company has a commitment to workplace safety, with training programs aimed at reducing workplace accidents and injuries[52]. - Compliance with various environmental and consumer protection regulations may impose significant operational burdens and costs[90]. Financial Obligations and Risks - As of March 29, 2025, Monro had $61.3 million outstanding under its Credit Facility, indicating reliance on external financing[80]. - The Credit Facility includes covenants that restrict the company's ability to incur additional debt, make investments, and declare dividends, which could adversely affect its financial condition[84]. - The company must maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio and a maximum ratio of adjusted debt to EBITDAR, with potential defaults impacting its financial stability[85]. - Total contractual obligations as of March 29, 2025, amounted to $618.0 million, with $97.8 million due within one year[194]. - The current borrowing capacity for the Credit Facility is $500 million, with an accordion feature allowing for an additional $250 million[205]. - The company has a minimum liquidity requirement of $400 million to declare dividends during the Covenant Relief Period[213]. Market and Economic Conditions - The automotive repair industry is highly competitive, with various competitors including national and regional service centers, mass merchandisers, and online retailers[65]. - Economic conditions affecting consumer spending, such as inflation and interest rates, could adversely impact Monro's financial performance[66]. - The adoption of electric vehicle technology may decrease demand for traditional automotive services, affecting revenue[71]. - Changes in automotive technology may lead to reduced demand for certain services, impacting sales negatively[72]. - Monro's business is influenced by the number of miles driven, which can be affected by factors like gas prices and weather conditions[67]. - Significant fluctuations in shipping costs and transportation delays due to geopolitical events could negatively impact operations and financial results[81]. Cybersecurity and Legal Risks - The company has faced a cyber incident involving unauthorized access to employee data, leading to potential legal liabilities and increased costs[99]. - The company has implemented a comprehensive cybersecurity program aligned with industry standards, focusing on prevention, detection, and response to threats[126]. Changes in Corporate Structure and Governance - The company has undergone significant changes in executive leadership, which may create uncertainty and impact strategic execution[87]. - The concentration of voting power in Class C Convertible Preferred Stock limits the influence of common shareholders on corporate matters[114]. - The company may reduce or eliminate its common stock dividend in the future, which could adversely affect the market price of its common stock[113]. Asset Management and Impairments - In fiscal 2025, the company incurred store impairment charges of approximately $24.4 million due to changes in financial performance and recoverability assessments[109]. - The company recorded $20.8 million in store impairment costs in fiscal 2025 related to the identified underperforming stores[110]. - The company has not identified any impairment of goodwill or intangible assets as of March 29, 2025, but future performance issues could lead to impairments[107]. - Future determinations of significant write-offs of goodwill or intangible assets could have a material negative impact on the company's financial condition[109].

Core Insights - Monro Muffler Brake (MNRO) reported a quarterly loss of $0.09 per share, matching the Zacks Consensus Estimate, and a significant decline from earnings of $0.21 per share a year ago, resulting in an earnings surprise of -200% [1] - The company generated revenues of $294.99 million for the quarter ended March 2025, slightly exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.09%, but down from $310.08 million in the same quarter last year [2] - Monro shares have decreased by approximately 48.5% year-to-date, contrasting with a 0.7% gain in the S&P 500 [3] Earnings Outlook - The future performance of Monro's stock will largely depend on management's commentary during the earnings call and the company's earnings outlook, including current consensus earnings expectations for upcoming quarters [4][6] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the next quarter is $0.24 on revenues of $301.2 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $0.87 on revenues of $1.24 billion [7] Industry Context - The Consumer Services - Miscellaneous industry, to which Monro belongs, is currently ranked in the top 37% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating a favorable outlook compared to the bottom 50% [8]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales decreased by 4.9% to $295 million in the fourth quarter, primarily due to six fewer selling days compared to the previous year, resulting in a sales decrease of $18.9 million [22] - Comparable store sales increased by 2.8% but decreased by 3.6% when unadjusted for days [22] - Net loss was $21.3 million compared to net income of $3.7 million in the same period last year, with diluted loss per share at $0.72 compared to diluted earnings per share of $0.12 [25][26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Tire units were up mid-single digits in the fourth quarter, driven by growth in units above 10% during March [22] - Gross margin decreased by 250 basis points compared to the prior year, primarily due to higher material costs and increased technician labor costs [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average vehicle life of cars on the road is over 12.5 years, with vehicle miles traveled returning to pre-COVID levels [9] - The company gained tire market share in higher margin tiers during the quarter [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to close 145 underperforming stores, which generated approximately 5% of total sales in fiscal 2025, to improve profitability [11] - Focus areas for improvement include enhancing customer experience, driving profitable customer acquisition, and increasing merchandising productivity [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to execute the performance improvement plan and capitalize on positive industry trends [19] - The company does not expect immediate improvements but anticipates enhanced profitability and increased operating income during fiscal 2026 [19] Other Important Information - The company generated $132 million in cash from operations during fiscal 2025, with a strong financial position maintained [27] - The company expects to incur store closure costs of approximately $10 million to $15 million primarily during the first quarter of fiscal 2026 [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide details on the gross margins and the impact of self-funded promotions? - The gross margin impact related to self-funded promotions includes tire promotions and everyday offers, with expectations for continued pressure on gross margins due to baseline cost increases and potential tariff impacts [36][37] Question: What is the strategy for customer acquisition and improving the Monro experience? - The company is reallocating marketing investments towards targeting repeat customers who appreciate a range of services, with a focus on understanding customer needs [38][39] Question: Can you break down the decline in gross margin in more detail? - The decline was primarily due to 160 basis points related to material costs and 80 basis points from technician labor costs, with some deleverage on fixed occupancy costs [46][47] Question: What are the dynamics between traffic and ticket for the quarter? - Store traffic was down low single digits while ticket was up mid-single digits, with positive trends observed in March and April [50] Question: What is the common denominator for the store closures? - The closures are spaced throughout the network, focusing on stores that are unlikely to produce the desired earnings profile [56][57] Question: What factors contributed to the recent improvement in performance? - The economic environment is favorable for automotive aftermarket services, with expectations for continued demand despite potential economic slowdowns [58][59]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales decreased by 4.9% to $295 million in Q4, primarily due to six fewer selling days compared to the previous year, resulting in a sales decrease of $18.9 million [22] - Comparable store sales increased by 2.8% but decreased by 3.6% when unadjusted for days [22] - Net loss was $21.3 million compared to net income of $3.7 million in the same period last year, with diluted loss per share at $0.72 compared to diluted earnings per share of $0.12 [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Tire units were up mid-single digits in Q4, driven by growth in units above 10% during March [22] - Gross margin decreased by 250 basis points year-over-year, primarily due to higher material costs and increased technician labor costs [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average vehicle life of cars on the road is over 12.5 years, with vehicle miles traveled returning to pre-COVID levels [8] - The company gained tire market share in higher margin tiers during the quarter [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to close 145 underperforming stores, which generated approximately 5% of total sales in fiscal 2025, to improve profitability [11] - Focus areas for improvement include enhancing customer experience, driving profitable customer acquisition, and increasing merchandising productivity [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to execute the performance improvement plan and capitalize on positive industry trends [19] - The company expects to see year-over-year comparable store sales growth in fiscal 2026, driven by the improvement plan [27] Other Important Information - The company generated $132 million in cash from operations during fiscal 2025, maintaining a strong financial position [26] - The company expects to incur store closure costs of approximately $10 million to $15 million primarily during the first quarter of fiscal 2026 [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide details on the gross margins and the impact of self-funded promotions? - Management indicated that self-funded promotions, including tire promotions, have been consistent and are expected to keep gross margins pressured due to baseline cost increases and potential tariff impacts [36][37] Question: What is the strategy for customer acquisition and improving the Monro experience? - Management is reallocating marketing investments towards targeting repeat customers who appreciate a range of services, aiming to attract higher value customers [39][40] Question: Can you break down the decline in gross margin in more detail? - The decline was attributed to 160 basis points related to material costs and 80 basis points due to technician labor costs, with some deleverage on fixed occupancy costs [47] Question: What are the dynamics between traffic and ticket in the quarter? - Store traffic was down low single digits while ticket was up mid-single digits, indicating a positive trend in recent months [50] Question: What is the common denominator for the store closures? - The closures are spaced throughout the network, focusing on stores that are unlikely to meet the desired earnings profile [57]

Financial Performance - Sales decreased by 4.9% to $295.0 million in Q4FY25 compared to $310.1 million in Q4FY24 [13] - Comparable store sales increased by 2.8% in Q4FY25, adjusted for selling days [11, 13] - Gross margin decreased by 250 bps to 33.0% in Q4FY25 [13] - Operating margin decreased by 1,140 bps to -8.1% in Q4FY25 [13] - Adjusted diluted EPS decreased by 142.9% to $(0.09) in Q4FY25 [13] Strategic Initiatives - The company identified 145 underperforming stores for closure in fiscal 2026 [6] - Store closures are expected to reduce total sales by approximately $45 million in fiscal 2026 [19] - The company is working to improve customer experience and selling effectiveness [6] - The company is narrowing the breadth of core tire assortment to simplify the in-store selling process [6] Financial Position and Outlook - The company generated approximately $132 million in operating cash flow in fiscal 2025 [17] - The company expects comparable store sales growth in fiscal 2026 [19] - The company expects to incur store closure costs of approximately $10 million to $15 million in fiscal 2026 [19]

Financial Performance - Fourth quarter sales decreased 4.9% to $295.0 million compared to $310.1 million in the same quarter of fiscal 2024[2] - Total sales for the twelve months ended March 2025 were $1,195,334, a decrease of 6.4% compared to $1,276,789 in 2024[32] - Gross profit decreased by 7.6% to $417,645 from $452,103 year-over-year[32] - Operating income fell significantly by 82.4% to $12,565, down from $71,425 in the previous year[32] - Net loss for fiscal 2025 was $5.2 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, compared to net income of $37.6 million, or $1.18 per diluted share in the prior year[14] - Net loss for the twelve months was $5,182, a decline of 113.8% compared to net income of $37,571 in 2024[32] - Diluted loss per share was $(0.22), a decrease of 118.5% from earnings of $1.18 per share in 2024[32] - Adjusted net income for the twelve months was $15,624, down from $42,398 in the previous year[42] Sales and Store Performance - Comparable store sales increased 2.8% in the fourth quarter, with notable increases of 27% for front end/shocks and 25% for batteries[3] - Preliminary quarter-to-date comparable store sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2026 are up approximately 7%[12] - The company identified 145 underperforming stores for closure during the first quarter of fiscal 2026[19] Expenses and Costs - Total operating expenses for fiscal 2025 were $405.1 million, or 33.9% of sales, compared to $380.7 million, or 29.8% of sales in fiscal 2024[14] - Store impairment charges for the twelve months were $24,355, compared to $1,915 in 2024[42] - Management restructuring costs for the twelve months were $1,778, up from $1,210 in the previous year[42] - Costs incurred related to restructuring and elimination of certain management positions[43] Cash Flow and Assets - The company generated cash from operating activities of $132 million during fiscal 2025[5] - Total assets as of March 2025 were $1,641,823, a slight decrease from $1,692,814 in 2024[34] - Current liabilities increased to $524,290 from $455,156 in the previous year[34] Dividends and Guidance - The company approved a cash dividend of $0.28 per share for the first quarter of fiscal 2026[18] - The company is not providing fiscal 2026 financial guidance at this time but will share expectations during its earnings conference call[20] Tax Rates - Adjusted effective tax rates were 24.7% for the quarter ended March 2025 and 27.1% for the quarter ended March 2024[43] - For the twelve months ended March 2025, the adjusted effective tax rate was 25.0%, compared to 26.5% for the twelve months ended March 2024[43] Other Financial Adjustments - Gain on sale of the corporate headquarters building, net of associated closing and relocation costs[43] - Loss on subsequent inventory adjustments from prior year sale of wholesale tire and distribution assets[43]

Core Viewpoint - Monro Muffler Brake (MNRO) has received an upgrade to a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) due to an upward trend in earnings estimates, which is a significant factor influencing stock prices [1][2]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Price Impact - Changes in a company's future earnings potential, reflected in earnings estimate revisions, are strongly correlated with near-term stock price movements [3]. - Institutional investors utilize earnings estimates to calculate the fair value of a company's shares, leading to buying or selling actions that affect stock prices [3]. Monro's Earnings Outlook - The rising earnings estimates for Monro indicate an improvement in the company's underlying business, which is expected to positively influence its stock price [4]. - Monro is projected to earn $0.62 per share for the fiscal year ending March 2025, reflecting a year-over-year change of -53.4% [7]. Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank stock-rating system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with Zacks Rank 1 stocks historically generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [6]. - The upgrade of Monro to a Zacks Rank 1 places it in the top 5% of Zacks-covered stocks, indicating a strong potential for market-beating returns in the near term [9]. Earnings Estimate Revisions - Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Monro has increased by 9.4%, indicating positive sentiment among analysts [7]. - The Zacks rating system maintains a balanced approach, ensuring an equal proportion of 'buy' and 'sell' ratings across its universe of stocks [8].

Core Insights - Monro, Inc. (NASDAQ: MNRO) reported its Q3 2025 earnings, which have not been widely covered recently [1] Financial Performance - The company has a long-term investment perspective, focusing on a 5-10 year horizon [1] - The investment strategy emphasizes a mix of growth, value, and dividend-paying stocks, with a particular focus on value [1] Investment Strategy - The company maintains a simple investment approach, which includes selling options occasionally [1]

Core Insights - Monro, Inc. reported third-quarter fiscal 2025 results with both net sales and earnings missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate, showing year-over-year declines in both metrics [1][2] Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings were 19 cents per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 28 cents, and down 51% from 39 cents in the prior-year quarter [2] - Net sales totaled $305.8 million, a decline of 3.7% year-over-year, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $310 million [3] - Comparable store sales decreased by 0.8% (adjusted for days), but improved by 500 basis points from a 5.8% decrease in the second quarter of fiscal 2025 [4] Sales Breakdown - The company experienced a 30% increase in comparable store sales for batteries, 13% for alignments, and 6% for front end/shocks, while tires, maintenance services, and brakes saw declines of 1%, 2%, and 6% respectively [4] Profitability Metrics - Gross profit was $104.8 million, down from $112.7 million in the year-ago period, with gross margin contracting 120 basis points to 34.3% due to higher material costs and increased promotions [5] - Total operating expenses rose to $94.8 million from $91.3 million in the prior year, increasing as a percentage of net sales by 230 basis points to 31% [6] - Operating income was reported at $10 million, down from $21.4 million in the prior-year quarter, with operating margin contracting 340 basis points to 3.3% [6] Store Operations - Monro closed nine stores, resulting in a total of 1,263 company-operated locations and 48 franchised stores by the end of the quarter [7] Cash Flow and Liquidity - For the first nine months of fiscal 2025, net cash provided by operating activities was $103 million, with capital expenditures of $20.7 million [8] - The company anticipates generating at least $120 million in operating cash flow for fiscal 2025, with capital expenditures expected to range from $25 million to $30 million [8] - As of December 28, 2024, Monro had total liquidity of $521 million [8] Stock Performance - Monro's stock has lost 25.6% in the past three months, contrasting with a 5% growth in the industry [9]