Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4, the company reported comparable sales growth of 1.3%, gross margin expansion of 100 basis points to 52.2%, adjusted operating margin of 9.4%, and a 10% increase in adjusted diluted earnings per share to $0.55 [4][22] - For the full year, the company achieved $3.7 billion in revenue, positive comparable sales, gross margin above 51%, and adjusted diluted earnings per share of $1.90, representing a 12% growth compared to the previous year [4][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Sally segment, net sales increased 1.4% to $542 million, with comparable sales up 1.2% and color sales increasing 8% [24][25] - The BSG segment saw net sales increase by 1.1% to $406 million, with comparable sales up 1.4% and color sales increasing by 5% [26][27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global e-commerce sales increased 15% to $105 million, representing 11% of total net sales [22] - E-commerce sales for Sally US and Canada grew by 34%, while BSG e-commerce sales increased 8% to $58 million [11][27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on four key growth drivers: understanding and activating the customer, unlocking digital value, differentiating with product assortment and innovation, and accelerating new growth pathways [8][20] - The Sally Ignited initiative aims to transform the business into a modern beauty powerhouse, with plans for store refreshes and category expansions [16][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of the Sally customer base and the effectiveness of strategic initiatives like licensed colorist on demand and digital marketplaces [36][66] - The company anticipates a challenging Q1 due to government shutdowns affecting lower-income consumers but expects recovery as the year progresses [66][68] Other Important Information - The company generated strong cash flow from operations of $275 million, with $119 million of debt paydown and over $50 million in share repurchases [5][28] - The Fuel for Growth program has generated cumulative run rate benefits of $74 million, with expectations for additional savings in fiscal 2026 [19][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Key factors driving performance in Q4 - Management highlighted the strength of color sales in both segments, strong performance in digital marketplaces, and customer activation through the LCOD program [32][33] Question: Consumer environment and guidance - Management noted that the Sally customer remains resilient, with a focus on core color products, while lower-income consumers are showing some pressure due to government shutdowns [36][67] Question: Store remodel program update - The company has completed 30 store refreshes under the Sally Ignited initiative, with plans for an additional 50 locations in fiscal 2026 [45][46] Question: Long-term growth outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving long-term growth targets, supported by customer activation, digital value, and category expansion [68][72]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported third quarter consolidated net sales of $933 million, a decrease of 1% compared to the previous year, with comparable sales declining less than half a point [21] - Adjusted operating margin increased to 9.2%, representing a 30 basis point improvement year-over-year [26] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share was $0.51, a 13% increase over the prior year [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Sally segment, net sales decreased by 1.8% to $527 million, with comparable sales down 1.1% [27] - The color category within Sally increased by 4%, while the care category declined by 7% [28] - BSG segment net sales were approximately flat at $407 million, with comparable sales increasing by half a point [29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global e-commerce sales increased by 8% to $99 million, representing 11% of total net sales [21] - E-commerce sales for Sally in the U.S. and Canada grew by 21%, primarily driven by the strength of the digital marketplace strategy [28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing customer centricity, growing high-margin owned brands, amplifying innovation, and increasing operational efficiency [19] - The "Fuel for Growth" initiative is expected to generate cumulative gross margin and SG&A benefits of approximately $70 million by the end of the fiscal year [7] - The company plans to refresh up to 1,500 stores, with 35 stores updated by the end of the fiscal year [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that macroeconomic factors impacted spending, but the company was able to navigate these challenges effectively [39] - The company raised its full-year adjusted operating margin guidance, reflecting confidence in its market positioning and growth potential [19] - Management expressed optimism about the performance of both the Sally and BSG segments moving forward [40] Other Important Information - The company repaid $21 million of debt and repurchased $13 million of shares during the quarter [5] - Inventory levels were approximately $1 billion, down 2% from the previous year [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on macros impacting Sally Beauty versus BSG - Management indicated that macro factors were less impactful than anticipated, with strength in the color side of the business [39] Question: Why not move faster on store refreshes? - Management stated that they are in the early days of the refresh and need time to understand the lift from the initial stores [41] Question: Key catalysts for color going forward? - Management highlighted strength in brand partnerships and performance marketing as key drivers for color growth [45] Question: How to drive engagement in the care category? - Management is focusing on performance marketing and promotions to improve engagement in the care category [75] Question: Plans for store closures and performance of renovated stores? - Management clarified that recent closures were tied to the European business and that renovated stores are performing well [53][55] Question: Consumer behavior regarding DIY and salon visits? - Management noted that consumers are becoming more choiceful and are exploring DIY options, which is beneficial for the business [57] Question: Impact of tariffs on pricing strategy? - Management indicated limited exposure to tariffs and plans to maintain healthy gross margins while potentially implementing modest price increases [85][87]