Core Insights - The article emphasizes the positive impact of backyard swimming pools on children's physical, social, and emotional well-being, particularly in reducing screen time and encouraging outdoor activity [1][4][8] Group 1: Screen Time Reduction - Research indicates that American adolescents spend excessive time on screens, with children aged 8 to 12 averaging 4 to 6 hours daily, and teenagers up to 9 hours [1] - Nearly 50% of surveyed pool owner parents reported a noticeable decrease in their children's screen time after installing a swimming pool [4] - Approximately 65% of respondents found it easier to get their kids to disconnect from screens without conflict after having a pool [4] Group 2: Increased Outdoor Activity - 100% of survey participants noted that their children showed increased interest in outdoor activities after acquiring a swimming pool [5] - About 90% of pool owners observed that their children became more physically active post-installation, with over 20% stating their kids became "a lot more active" [5] Group 3: Social and Emotional Benefits - Nearly 80% of mothers reported that their children became more social, spending more time with friends and neighbors after getting a pool [6] - 35% of respondents noted a decrease in complaints about boredom, indicating enhanced social interactions [6] Group 4: Family Connection - 68% of respondents indicated they spent more quality time together as a family since adding a pool, with "family fun and bonding" being the primary reason for pool installation [7] - Survey participants reported using their pools daily or multiple times per week, with approximately 35% using it every day [7] Group 5: Company Overview - Latham Group, Inc. is the largest designer, manufacturer, and marketer of in-ground residential swimming pools in North America, Australia, and New Zealand, with over 60 years of experience [10] - The company offers a wide range of pool products, including fiberglass and vinyl liner pools, plunge pools, and safety covers, aimed at providing high quality and value to homeowners [10]

Core Viewpoint - Latham Group (SWIM) has received a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) upgrade, indicating a positive outlook on its earnings estimates, which is a significant factor influencing stock prices [1][3]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Performance - The Zacks rating system emphasizes the importance of earnings estimate revisions, which are strongly correlated with stock price movements, particularly due to institutional investors' reliance on these estimates for valuation [4][6]. - For Latham Group, the recent upgrade reflects an improvement in the company's underlying business, suggesting that investor sentiment may lead to increased stock prices [5][10]. Earnings Estimate Revisions - For the fiscal year ending December 2025, Latham Group is projected to earn $0.11 per share, consistent with the previous year's figure, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has risen by 75% over the past three months [8]. Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank system categorizes stocks based on earnings estimate revisions, with only the top 20% of stocks receiving a "Strong Buy" or "Buy" rating, indicating superior potential for market-beating returns [9][10].

Summary of Latham's Conference Call Company Overview - Latham is a leading producer of inground residential pools, specializing in fiberglass pools, vinyl liners, and pool covers [2][4] - The company is the largest manufacturer of inground swimming pools in North America, Australia, and New Zealand [4] Industry Insights - Fiberglass pools are gaining market share over concrete pools due to lower costs and faster installation [2][12] - The U.S. market for inground pools is currently at 62,000 pools sold in 2024, with expectations of a flat market in 2025 [15][42] - Fiberglass pools represent 23% of all pools installed in the U.S., a number that has increased from 16% in 2019 [14][48] - The company holds a 50% market share in the fiberglass category and is the market leader in other categories with shares of 30-40% [6][7] Growth Strategies - Focus on expanding market share in the "sand states" (Florida, Texas, Arizona, California) where fiberglass pools are underrepresented [4][8] - Strategic priorities include increasing customer awareness, expanding the dealer base, and tailoring products to regional market needs [9][24][30] - The company aims to increase fiberglass pool adoption in the sand states, leveraging demographic similarities to Australia, where fiberglass pools hold a 70% market share [23][24] Financial Performance - The company has implemented restructuring projects to improve operating efficiencies and reduce costs [5][41] - Guidance for 2025 includes an 8% increase in net sales, driven by organic growth and contributions from recent acquisitions [42][43] - EBITDA is projected to increase by 19% compared to 2024, with a target of $95 million in EBITDA for 2025 [44] Market Dynamics - The company has seen a consistent annual conversion rate of 100 basis points towards fiberglass pools [48] - Tariffs are expected to create a $20 million headwind in 2025, but the company has mitigated some of this impact through supply chain strategies and price increases [50][51] - There are no significant cancellations or delays reported, as current installations are based on long-term decisions made by cash buyers [52] Key Takeaways - Latham is well-positioned for growth in the fiberglass pool market, particularly in underrepresented regions - The company is actively managing costs while pursuing strategic growth initiatives - Financial projections indicate a strong outlook for the coming years, despite market challenges and external pressures like tariffs [41][44]

Market Position and Strategy - Latham is the largest manufacturer of in-ground swimming pools in North America, Australia, and New Zealand[6] - The company holds the number one share in every subcategory in which it competes[8] - A key strategic priority is accelerating fiberglass share gain in the Sand States[20] - The company aims to outperform the market and achieve significant long-term growth in Net Sales & Adjusted EBITDA[20] Product Portfolio and Market Share - In-Ground Swimming Pools account for 51% of net sales, Liners 23%, and Covers 26%[8] - Fiberglass constitutes 75% of Latham's fiberglass pool sales, while Packaged Pools make up 25%[10] - Latham holds approximately 50% share of the fiberglass category in North America[9] - Replacement sales account for 51% of Liners & Covers sales[12] Financial Outlook - The company's full year 2025 outlook projects net sales between $535 million and $565 million, representing 8% year-over-year growth at the midpoint[49] - Adjusted EBITDA for 2025 is projected to be between $90 million and $100 million, a 19% year-over-year increase at the midpoint[49]

Company Overview - Latham Group, Inc. is the largest designer, manufacturer, and marketer of in-ground residential swimming pools in North America, Australia, and New Zealand [1] - The company is headquartered in Latham, NY, and operates with approximately 1,850 employees across around 30 locations [1] Upcoming Investor Conferences - On June 3, 2025, the President and CEO, Scott Rajeski, and CFO, Oliver Gloe, will host investor meetings at the Stifel 2025 Cross Sector Insight Conference in Boston, MA [2] - On June 4, 2025, Scott Rajeski and Chris Daley, VP of Finance, will participate in a fireside chat at the Baird 2025 Global Consumer, Technology & Services Conference in New York, NY [2] - On June 5, 2025, CFO Oliver Gloe and Joshua Rickaby will present at William Blair's 45th Annual Growth Stock Conference in Chicago, IL [2] - Interested parties can access live webcasts and archived presentations through the company's investor relations website [2]

Group 1 - Latham Group, Inc. is the largest designer, manufacturer, and marketer of in-ground residential swimming pools in North America, Australia, and New Zealand [1] - The company has approximately 1,850 employees across around 30 locations [1] - Management will attend several upcoming investor conferences, including a virtual event on May 15, 2025, and an in-person event on May 28, 2025 [2] Group 2 - The Chief Financial Officer and other executives will host investor meetings at the Wolfe Research May Small Group/1x1 Conference and Craig-Hallum's 22nd Annual Institutional Investor Conference [2] - The in-person conference will take place at the Depot Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel in Minneapolis, MN [2]

Core Viewpoint - Latham Group reported a quarterly loss of $0.03 per share, outperforming the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $0.05, and showing improvement from a loss of $0.07 per share a year ago, indicating a 40% earnings surprise [1] Financial Performance - The company posted revenues of $111.42 million for the quarter ended March 2025, slightly missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.52%, but showing an increase from $110.63 million in the same quarter last year [2] - Over the last four quarters, Latham Group has surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times and topped consensus revenue estimates two times [2] Stock Performance - Latham Group shares have declined approximately 12.8% since the beginning of the year, compared to a decline of 3.9% for the S&P 500 [3] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.13 on revenues of $171 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $0.12 on revenues of $536 million [7] Industry Outlook - The Building Products - Miscellaneous industry, to which Latham Group belongs, is currently ranked in the bottom 36% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting potential challenges for stock performance [8] - Empirical research indicates a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions, which could impact Latham Group's stock performance [5]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q1 2025 were $111.4 million, slightly above $110.6 million in Q1 2024, reflecting positive momentum in fiberglass pools and auto covers [18] - Gross margin increased by 190 basis points to approximately 30% from 28% in the prior year, driven by lean manufacturing and value engineering initiatives [19][20] - SG&A expenses rose to $31 million, up from $26 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to strategic investments in sales and marketing [20] - Net loss narrowed to $6 million or $0.05 per diluted share from a net loss of $8 million or $0.07 per diluted share in the prior year [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Inground pool sales were $58 million, down 4% from Q1 2024, impacted by soft industry conditions and adverse weather [19] - Cover sales increased by 18% to $32 million, benefiting from organic growth and acquisitions [19] - Liner sales decreased by 8% to $22 million compared to Q1 2024 [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fiberglass pools are expected to gain an additional 1% market share in the in-ground pool sector in 2025, driven by cost advantages and eco-friendly attributes [6][7] - Labor scarcity is seen as a tailwind for fiberglass pools due to lower labor intensity compared to concrete pools [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on expanding its presence in Florida, Texas, Arizona, and California, which account for about two-thirds of annual new pool starts [13] - Key priorities include expanding the dealer base, targeting master plan communities, aligning product offerings with market demand, and targeted marketing campaigns [13] - The company aims to significantly increase its market share in the Sand States through strategic partnerships and new product launches [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the market, noting a slight improvement in industry conditions compared to the previous year, but still expecting trough market conditions to persist in 2025 [5][23] - The company maintains its revenue growth expectation of 8% for 2025, with approximately 5% organic growth and 3% from acquisitions [23] Other Important Information - The company has implemented targeted price increases to mitigate the impact of tariffs on raw materials, which represent about 15% to 20% of the materials used in manufacturing [22] - The company is confident in its ability to offset raw material cost increases through strategic pre-purchasing and operational adjustments [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for margin expansion and SG&A leverage - Management indicated that SG&A leverage is expected to increase as year-over-year growth sets in, with sales projected to increase by about 8% [27] Question: Reaction to new molds and marketing efforts in Sand States - Management reported positive trends in sales and strong progress in aligning with builders in the Sand States, with expectations for continued improvement [29][30] Question: Risks and opportunities in fiberglass pool demand - Management noted that while fiberglass pools can be installed quickly, the buying decision is a longer process, and they have not seen any slowdown in trends [36][39] Question: Impact of tariffs on pricing and margins - Management quantified the tariff headwind at approximately 350 to 400 basis points, with pricing increases aimed at mitigating the remaining impact [41][42] Question: Strength in auto covers and organic growth - The auto cover business outperformed primarily due to acquisitions, but there was also a positive organic impact [76] Question: Demand environment and potential marketing expense adjustments - Management plans to maintain marketing expenses as part of a long-term strategy, despite potential fluctuations in discretionary spending [78][81]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q1 2025 were $111.4 million, slightly above $110.6 million in Q1 2024, reflecting positive momentum in fiberglass pools and auto covers [18] - Gross margin increased by 190 basis points to approximately 30% compared to 28% in the prior year, driven by lean manufacturing and value engineering initiatives [19][20] - SG&A expenses rose to $31 million, up from $26 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to strategic investments in sales and marketing [20] - Net loss narrowed to $6 million or $0.05 per diluted share from a net loss of $8 million or $0.07 per diluted share in the prior year [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Inground pool sales were $58 million, down 4% from Q1 2024, impacted by soft industry conditions and adverse weather [19] - Cover sales increased by 18% to $32 million, benefiting from organic growth and acquisitions [19] - Liner sales decreased by 8% to $22 million compared to the first quarter of 2024 [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fiberglass pools are expected to gain an additional 1% market share in the inground pool sector in 2025 due to cost advantages and easier installation compared to concrete pools [6][7] - Labor scarcity is seen as a tailwind for fiberglass pools, with 46% of pool builders citing limited access to qualified labor as a significant issue [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on expanding its presence in Florida, Texas, Arizona, and California, which account for about two-thirds of annual new pool starts [13] - Key priorities include expanding the dealer base, targeting master plan communities, aligning product offerings with market demand, and targeted marketing campaigns [13] - The company aims to significantly increase its market share in the Sand States through strategic partnerships and new product launches [14][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the market, noting a slight improvement in industry conditions compared to the previous year, but still expecting trough market conditions to persist in 2025 [5][23] - The company maintains its revenue growth expectation of 8% for 2025, with approximately 5% organic growth and 3% from acquisitions [23] - Management highlighted the importance of brand visibility and engagement, noting that Latham is the most searched brand among major fiberglass manufacturers [12] Other Important Information - The company announced the resignation of its Chief Commercial Officer, but emphasized the strength of its commercial team [17] - Capital expenditures are expected to range between $27 million and $33 million in 2025, reflecting investments in new production modes and facility expansions [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for margin expansion and SG&A leverage - Management indicated that SG&A leverage is expected to increase as year-over-year sales grow, with a focus on maintaining flat SG&A expenses in the latter part of the year [27][28] Question: Reaction to new molds and marketing efforts in Sand States - Management reported positive trends in sales and strong progress in aligning with builders in the Sand States, with expectations for continued improvement [30][31] Question: Risks and opportunities in the fiberglass pool market - Management noted that while the decision to purchase a pool is a long-term process, they have not seen any significant slowdown in consumer interest or buying decisions [39][41] Question: Impact of tariffs on costs and pricing strategy - Management quantified the tariff headwind at approximately 350 to 400 basis points, with pricing strategies aimed at mitigating the remaining impact [43][44] Question: Strength of auto cover sales and organic growth - The auto cover business outperformed primarily due to acquisitions, but also saw positive organic growth, with a significant portion of sales coming from existing pools [77] Question: Demand environment and potential adjustments to marketing expenses - Management plans to maintain marketing investments despite potential changes in discretionary spending, emphasizing a long-term growth strategy [80][81]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q1 2025 were $111.4 million, slightly above $110.6 million in Q1 2024, reflecting positive momentum in fiberglass pools and auto covers [17] - Gross margin increased by 190 basis points to approximately 30% from 28% in the prior year, driven by lean manufacturing and value engineering initiatives [18][19] - SG&A expenses rose to $31 million, up from $26 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to strategic investments in sales and marketing [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Inbound pool sales were $58 million, down 4% from Q1 2024, impacted by soft industry conditions and adverse weather [18] - Cover sales increased by 18% to $32 million, benefiting from organic growth and acquisitions [18] - Liner sales decreased by 8% to $22 million compared to the previous year [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fiberglass pools are expected to gain an additional 1% market share in the in-ground pool sector in 2025, driven by cost advantages and easier installation compared to concrete pools [6] - Labor scarcity is seen as a tailwind for fiberglass pools, with 46% of pool builders citing limited access to qualified labor as a significant issue [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on expanding its presence in Florida, Texas, Arizona, and California, which account for about two-thirds of annual new pool starts [13] - Key priorities include expanding the dealer base, targeting master plan communities, aligning product offerings with market demand, and targeted marketing campaigns [13] - The company aims to significantly increase its market share in the Sand States through strategic partnerships and new product launches [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the pool market, maintaining expectations for 2025 revenue growth of 8% at the midpoint [23] - The company anticipates continued progress in fiberglass awareness and adoption initiatives, supported by positive feedback from dealers and increased consumer engagement [22] - Management noted that the current business trends are encouraging, with a solid start to 2025 and expectations for higher year-on-year comparisons in the stronger second and third quarters [24] Other Important Information - The company announced the resignation of its Chief Commercial Officer, with confidence in the strength of its commercial team to continue executing the sales and marketing strategy [16] - Capital expenditures are expected to range between $27 million and $33 million in 2025, reflecting investments in new production modes and facility expansions [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for margin expansion and SG&A leverage - Management indicated that SG&A leverage is expected to increase as year-over-year growth sets in, with sales projected to increase by about 8% [27] Question: Reaction to new molds and marketing efforts in Sand States - Management reported positive trends in sales and strong progress with builders in Florida, indicating an acceleration in market share gains [28][30] Question: Risks and opportunities in the fiberglass pool market - Management noted that while the decision to purchase a pool is a long-term process, they have not seen any slowdown in consumer interest or buying decisions [36][39] Question: Impact of tariffs on costs and pricing strategy - Management quantified the tariff headwind at approximately 350 to 400 basis points, with pricing increases aimed at mitigating the remaining impact [41][42] Question: Demand environment and consumer appetite for automatic safety covers - Management confirmed strong demand for auto covers, with high attachment rates on new pools and significant interest in safety features [75][72]