Planet Fitness (PLNT) Q1 2025 Earnings Call May 08, 2025 08:00 AM ET Company Participants Stacey Caravella - VP, IRColleen Keating - CEOJay Stasz - CFOSimeon Siegel - Managing DirectorMax Rakhlenko - Managing DirectorRahul Krotthapalli - Vice President - Equity ResearchMartin Mitela - Senior Equity Research AssociateJohn-Paul Wollam - Equity Research AssociateRandal Konik - Managing Director Conference Call Participants Sharon Zackfia - Partner & Head of Consumer Equity Research & Analyst - Restaurants, Lif ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company ended Q1 2025 with 20.6 million members, an increase of approximately 900,000 from the end of 2024 [4] - Revenue for Q1 was $276.7 million, compared to $248 million in the same quarter last year, marking an increase of 11.5% [22] - Adjusted EBITDA was $117 million, an increase of 10.1% year over year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 42.3% [25] - Net income was $42.1 million, with adjusted net income at $50 million, reflecting strong financial performance [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - System-wide same club sales grew by 6.1% in Q1, with franchisee same club sales increasing by 6.2% and corporate same club sales increasing by 5.1% [21] - Black Card penetration reached approximately 65%, a nearly 300 basis point increase from the previous year [9][22] - Equipment segment revenue increased by 28.7%, driven by higher revenue from replacement equipment sales [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company opened 19 new clubs globally, bringing the total club count to 2,741 [4] - Member activity increased, with members visiting clubs an average of 6.7 times per month, the highest utilization in five years [10] - Gen Z continues to lead membership growth, being the fastest-growing demographic since 2021 [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on four strategic imperatives: redefining brand promise, enhancing member experience, refining product offerings, and accelerating new club growth [6] - The brand is positioned as a leader in the high-value, low-price fitness category, aiming to provide a judgment-free environment [5] - The company plans to continue testing various promotional strategies to drive membership growth [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's resilience and ability to navigate macroeconomic challenges, citing historical performance during economic downturns [5][42] - The company reiterated its growth targets for 2025, expecting to open between 160 and 170 new clubs [28] - Management acknowledged potential tariff impacts but indicated that current levels do not materially affect 2025 targets [15][27] Other Important Information - The company is implementing a click-to-cancel feature to enhance member experience, with over 50% of US clubs already enabled [20] - The company is exploring new equipment offerings and amenities for Black Card members, including red light therapy and spray tanning [88] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regarding Black Card penetration and pricing strategy - Management noted that the increase in Black Card penetration is a result of a successful promotion and the narrowing price gap between Classic and Black Card memberships [34][35] Question: Impact of macroeconomic conditions on business - Management indicated that the business remains resilient, with strong member growth and revenue despite macroeconomic volatility [42][45] Question: Future of franchise ownership and international development - Management highlighted positive franchisee sentiment and strong performance in international markets, particularly in Spain and Australia [106][108] Question: Churn rates and pricing impacts - Churn rates are in line with expectations, and management is monitoring the effects of price increases on member retention [82] Question: Development pipeline and big box availability - Management discussed varying availability of big box spaces across geographies and expressed confidence in the development pipeline despite macro concerns [94][96]

Core Viewpoint - Planet Fitness, Inc. (PLNT) has experienced a 10.7% decline in share price over the past three months, yet it has outperformed the Zacks Leisure and Recreation Services industry, the broader Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector, and the S&P 500 during the same period [1][3]. Group 1: Company Performance - Despite the decline, PLNT stock has outperformed competitors such as Xponential Fitness, OneSpaWorld, and Peloton, which saw declines of 52.2%, 20.1%, and 43.6% respectively [4]. - The company has approximately 19.7 million members and operates 2,722 clubs across various regions, including the U.S., Canada, and parts of Europe and Latin America [6]. - PLNT has enacted several in-house initiatives aimed at gaining market share, optimizing costs, and increasing cash flow to mitigate adverse market impacts [6][19]. Group 2: Growth Strategies - The company introduced a new economic growth model in 2024, focusing on reduced build costs and extended capital investment timelines to enhance returns from new stores [7]. - PLNT has successfully integrated pricing trials into its operations, with the Classic Card membership priced at $15, and ongoing trials for the premium Black Card membership expected to conclude in Q1 2025 [8]. - The company plans to open 160-170 new clubs in 2025, building on the 150 new club openings reported in 2024 [9]. Group 3: Financial Outlook - Earnings estimates for 2025 have increased by 0.3% over the past week, with a projected year-over-year growth rate of 12.4% for 2025 earnings [10]. - The current earnings per share (EPS) estimates for 2025 stand at $2.91, with a projected increase to $3.41 in 2026 [11]. - PLNT is currently trading at a premium compared to industry peers, indicating strong market potential despite the challenges faced [13][15]. Group 4: Challenges and Risks - The company is facing pressures from elevated costs due to inflation and global macroeconomic risks, which have led to a 7.4% year-over-year increase in total operating costs to $857.5 million in 2024 [5][20]. - The uncertain global market scenario, including newly levied tariffs and potential foreign exchange risks, poses additional challenges for PLNT [16][18].